44 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 257 - February / March 2025 Other benefits sounded out by Thurston include better customer satisfaction as a result of on-time delivery, better communication with customers, more scalability by allowing users to grow their business by handling larger volumes of work seamlessly, and improved cost control by accurately tracking expenses and helping identify areas for saving. Leading on from this, Thurston picks out some of the most common mistakes that both sign-makers and wide-format print companies make when investing in and using MIS, saying that these are easily avoidable. “Underutilisation of features is one of the more common issues we come across when we talk MIS with customers,” Thurston says, adding: “Many sign-makers fail to fully explore and use all functionalities, leaving potential improvements untapped. “Some companies will choose the wrong MIS system that isn’t tailored to the specific needs of the sign industry. Others will fail to integrate their MIS with other systems such as CRM, accounting or workflow tools, which in turn leads to inefficiencies within the business. “Perhaps the most common issue is ignoring regular updates; outdated systems can hinder performance and security, so it is crucial that you keep your MIS up to date as much as possible.” On this, Thurston speaks about PrintIQ and the advanced and popular solutions it tailors for use across the print and signage industries. First up is PrintIQ Core, a cloud-based MIS designed for complete print workflow management, from estimating to invoicing. Alongside this is IQWorkflow, a tool that both automates and simplifies complex production workflows. PrintIQ also offers IQConnect, which offers integration capabilities that connect the PrintIQ system with e-commerce platforms and third-party software. Specific to the sign industry is a Large-Format Estimating Module, which Thurston explains allows users to handle unique quoting challenges in wide-format and custom signage projects. Clients across both sign and print can also make use of business intelligence tool for diligence on the supplier,” Cocks advises, adding: “This is just as important, if not more so, than product features. Our online MIS Buyer’s Guide will help you with the process.” All of this, Cocks explains, can be found within Accura360, a modular solution that has been adapted for all print sectors and uniquely combines CRM, MIS, and Web2Print in one offering that is scalable and flexible. Accura already has more than 600 installations worldwide with this solution, including with companies working across the screen, signage, wide-format, and digital print markets. Crucial Tool Elsewhere, Rob Thurston, UK sales manager at PrintIQ, a cloud-based management workflow system, also talks about the importance of a quality MIS. He says it should be regarded as being crucial for both sign-making and printing businesses as it ensures streamlined workflows and accurate costings. A quality MIS, Thurston says, helps automate complex processes and reduces manual effort and errors, which in turn enhances efficiency. On top of this, Thurston highlights improved decision-making by providing users with time insights into job status, production timelines, and financials. ▲ Accura MIS advises working with a supplier that is receptive to feedback on improving its product for the sign industry “These do not offer the flexibility to be setup for the diverse range of processes needed in sign-making, which could include a wide variety of substrates, screen-printing, or wide-format, along with all the custom work, finishing, and installation that goes with the sector. “A product may look cheap, but it won’t be cheap in the long run if it does not meet your needs, both now and into the future as you grow, it will be very costly.” With this, Cocks offers some guidance on what sign-makers and wide-format printers should be looking for in a quality MIS. First, he advises seeking out a solution that is flexible when setting up all the print and post-print processes. It should also offer seamless integration from web to CRM to production MIS, as well as possibility for third-party integrations and scalability to grow with your own needs and goals. Cocks also urges a focus on affordability so that return on investment can be realised quickly, in addition to ease of use so that all employees can play their part. Regular updates and support are also important. The supplier should be receptive to feedback on improving its product for the sign industry, as well as have a track record of customers in a similar field. “Always make sure you do your due Accura360, a modular solution from Accura MIS, has more than 600 successful installations worldwide 600 MIS Some companies will choose the wrong MIS system that isn’t tailored to the specific needs of the sign industry
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