The most common corporate mantra today is "Fiscal Responsibility". Managing expenses is more important than it has ever been. One key area that companies are examining is how to drive cost out of the print marketing budget.
One challenge that many companies have is that they do not know what their true cost is. Often print buyers and marketers only look at the cost of printing. This mentality can often lead to ordering larger quantities than you need so that the "price per piece is low." Does it really matter if the price per piece is low if you have to throw out half the print run due to obsolescence?
Consider moving to a supply chain system that allows for on demand printing of marketing materials. It is also important to consider the soft cost involved in managing printed material. According to industry studies the soft cost of projects represent six to seven times as much cost as the printing itself.
When looking at a supply chain system to manage marketing collateral consider each step of the document lifecycle. Be sure to address those items that fall "below the water line". Consider soft costs like creation, distribution, fulfillment, and waste. By addressing these items you will see the greatest reduction in expense.
Many printers and marketing service providers now have robust tools to support these needs. Often, these tools are web based document management systems that allow you to manage the creation, production, and distribution of key marketing materials. In addition, this process is often tied together with an on demand production model.
For a look behind the scenes of how an online document management system works you can visit the Allegra Print & Imaging Online Order Center and log in as a guest.
URL: http://www.allegraaz.com/ (click client log in)
User Name: demo@TheOnlinePrintCenter.com
Password: demo
One challenge that many companies have is that they do not know what their true cost is. Often print buyers and marketers only look at the cost of printing. This mentality can often lead to ordering larger quantities than you need so that the "price per piece is low." Does it really matter if the price per piece is low if you have to throw out half the print run due to obsolescence?
Consider moving to a supply chain system that allows for on demand printing of marketing materials. It is also important to consider the soft cost involved in managing printed material. According to industry studies the soft cost of projects represent six to seven times as much cost as the printing itself.
When looking at a supply chain system to manage marketing collateral consider each step of the document lifecycle. Be sure to address those items that fall "below the water line". Consider soft costs like creation, distribution, fulfillment, and waste. By addressing these items you will see the greatest reduction in expense.
Many printers and marketing service providers now have robust tools to support these needs. Often, these tools are web based document management systems that allow you to manage the creation, production, and distribution of key marketing materials. In addition, this process is often tied together with an on demand production model.
For a look behind the scenes of how an online document management system works you can visit the Allegra Print & Imaging Online Order Center and log in as a guest.
URL: http://www.allegraaz.com/ (click client log in)
User Name: demo@TheOnlinePrintCenter.com
Password: demo
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