95 September / October 2024 - Issue 350 www.printmonthly.co.uk MIS SYSTEMS the printing industry,” Smolinska says, adding: “We pride ourselves on listening to our customers and integrating the features they request. “Our comprehensive ecosystem of integrations has expanded significantly, connecting seamlessly with a wide range of software and services that printers rely on. Printlogic MIS offers a robust, scalable solution designed to enhance efficiency and productivity, making it the go-to choice for print businesses looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.” The Bigger Picture Adding to the mix in MIS is PrintVis, another specialist provider in this market. Kit Tomshøj, a senior consultant at PrintVis Europe, says when it comes to upgrading MIS, the provider recommends that the full picture of risk and benefits is taken into full account and that decisions are made in time for proper planning of the efforts needed. Tomshøj adds that it may also be worth considering transferring your systems in phases to allow for a softer landing for the company. “Printers should first of all make sure that their solution is secure; a cloud deployment is best in class,” Tomshøj comments, adding: “Their solutions have all business data, albeit sometimes in multiple systems, and their data is invaluable. “Secondly, it will become business critical to take advantage of the emerging technologies as these are being deployed at their competitors. Seamless and intelligent systems are cutting costs and risks – and adding value gains which help improve your ability to keep up and compete.” As to what makes a good MIS system, Tomshøj says that alongside cloud deployment and security, there are other factors to consider. These include flexibility so the system can handle new business areas and market changes, as well as integration options so that extra apps can be added over time. Other points include subscription flexibility, so that as the company grows, you can add more users, but also downsize licence count if needed. In addition, Tomshøj advises to look for future stability and support, urging PSPs to see if there is a track record of support with the vendor you are looking at. This leads Tomshøj on to discuss PrintVis, an MIS solution for all types of printers. He says: “We combine several types of production such as web, digital, traditional sheetfed, and packaging in the same setup. PrintVis is Microsoft Certified for Business Central which means that the finance side is integrated and works immediately. It is available for download from AppSource. “Lately, we have issued a specific Apparel app for PrintVis. This adds functionality to handle for example the specific size and colour details for estimation, shopfloor and delivery. Also, our latest integration to carriers is to the new products from nShift.” Substantial ROI Finally in this market is PrintIQ, whose UK sales manager, Rob Thurston, comments that an MIS can significantly enhance a printer's operational efficiency and competitiveness. Indeed, PrintIQ is the stand-out offering from the company, offering tools for job tracking, cost estimation, inventory management, and customer relationship management, among other features. “This enables printers to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and improve data accuracy, ultimately leading to higher productivity and profitability,” Thurston explains, adding: “PrintIQ can also integrate seamlessly with other software, creating better communication and data exchange across various departments. Moreover, advanced analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights for strategic decision making, helping printers stay ahead in a highly competitive market.” For those PSPs more reluctant to change, Thurston says while the initial investment might seem daunting, ROI can be substantial through improved operational efficiency and reduced wastage. When selecting a reliable MIS, Thurston recommends printers should consider certain key qualities. These include integration capability with existing software and hardware, the ability to grow with the business, being user friendly and easy to use, including customisable features, offering cloud capabilities, allowing access to real-time data and comprehensive reporting tools, and reliable technical support and regular updates. “Sticking to outdated systems can lead to inefficiencies, higher error rates, and ultimately, a loss of business to more agile competitors,” he says, adding: “Furthermore, as customer expectations evolve towards faster turnaround times and more personalised services, PrintIQ can provide the necessary tools to meet these demands effectively.” This presents a suitable conclusion to this feature; while a change in MIS provider may seem daunting for print companies, the benefits of switching or updating MIS more than outweigh this. Consider your current setup and take a look at what else is out there to support you and your business moving forward. ▲According to PrintVis, cloud deployment and security are crucial with MIS systems ▼ PrintIQ says ROI can be substantial through improved operational efficiency and reduced wastage using MIS
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