ERP for printing and graphic industry
Ensuring efficient and superior quality operations is crucial in the realm of printing and graphic design to remain competitive.
ERP solution for printing and graphic industry
Faced with the multitude of software used, process consolidation becomes indispensable. Here, the ERP stands out as an essential tool, providing a comprehensive solution to refine the entire process, from initial preparation to final product delivery.
Discover the benefits of a specialized ERP that transforms order management, file validation, and production dynamics in this constantly evolving sector.
The advantages of using an ERP for this sector
Centralization of workflows from multiple software used
In the printing and graphic industry sector, centralizing workflow is a key element to ensure effective operations management. Each printer supplier, whether it's HP, Mimaki, or Roland, for example, uses its own RIP (Raster Image Processor) software to manage printing processes, whether it's for stationery, small format, or large format. The RIP is an essential tool that processes data to ensure high-quality printing that meets customer expectations.
The advantage of an ERP lies in its ability to centralize and communicate with all these RIPs, making the manufacturing process transparent for sales teams and prepress teams. Prepress, an essential term in this context, refers to the team responsible for verifying that customer files are ready for printing. They ensure that the files are in the correct colors, formats, and resolutions, and have the necessary information for optimal printing. By using an ERP, you can automate some or all of the verification actions performed by your prepress team through robotic scans.
Centralizing workflows includes both acquisition flows, such as orders placed by customers via a website, and processing files sent by them. It's not just about tracking orders but also ensuring that files are ready for printing. This approach enables efficient management of incoming and outgoing flows, where customer requests and finished products are managed in an integrated and transparent manner.
Centralizing workflows through multiple software used in the printing and graphic industry sector allows for gathering all relevant information in one place, thus facilitating order tracking and processing customer files for optimized and high-quality production.
Automatic verification of files submitted by clients
Verifying files submitted by clients is a critical step in the printing and graphic industry process. All documents must adhere to CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black) color standards, ensuring accurate color reproduction between the screen and the printer. Automating this verification, particularly regarding color modes and ICC (International Color Consortium) color profiles, is facilitated by using specialized ERP software.
PDF files submitted by clients undergo an automated verification process. Artificial intelligence integrated into the system conducts an initial pass, checking that documents meet required criteria: correct format, vectorized fonts, embedded images, and included bleed. This initial automated prepress work quickly validates compliant files and identifies those needing adjustments.
If a file doesn't meet printing requirements, the system automatically communicates with the client, indicating necessary modifications and providing a new link to submit a corrected file. This automation of the verification process simplifies exchanges with clients and speeds up order processing while ensuring the quality and compliance of files submitted for printing.
Improvement of your production chain
Improving the production chain in the printing and graphic industry is essential to guarantee optimal efficiency and quality results. To finalize large-format printing, a company must coordinate several stages and production chains, including flexible printing for materials like adhesive paper or banners, as well as rigid printing for materials like polypropylene or aluminum sandwich panels. Once printing is complete, the cutting process comes into play, often carried out by an independent cutting table, such as those from the Zünd brand.
The key to improving the production chain lies in precise and efficient organization. It's essential to know production times for given materials and quantities and to optimize cutting processes by planning projects based on raw materials and cutting heads used, whether it's shaping or square cutting. By minimizing downtime on each machine and efficiently organizing work upstream, it's possible to limit raw material changes and optimize production turnovers. This approach avoids tool changes between each print and reduces production interruptions, ensuring a smooth and efficient production chain.
An example of a complete digital printing order process in an ERP
Online ordering platform
- The company uses an online ordering platform integrated with its ERP, allowing customers to submit printing orders directly from a dedicated website.
- Customers upload their design files (PDF, AI, PSD, etc.) via the online ordering platform integrated with the ERP.
Document validation
- Once an order is placed, uploaded documents are automatically reviewed by a validation module integrated into the ERP.
- This module checks file compliance with printing specifications, such as resolution, color mode (CMYK), margins, etc.
- If issues are detected, the client is notified via the online platform to make necessary adjustments.
- If needed, a second validation can be done with your prepress service.
Order processing
- Once documents are validated, the order is automatically transmitted to the production team via the ERP.
- The ERP generates work orders for each order, indicating printing specifications, deadlines, required materials, etc.
Data transfer to production
- Validated files are transferred from the ERP to the RIP (Raster Image Processor) for final preparation before printing.
- RIP converts design files into raster data (pixels) and optimizes them for printing machines.
Production
- Optimized files are available on the RIP and used for printing on the company's digital printing machines.
- Printing machines may be compatible with different page description languages, such as PostScript or PCL, to ensure accurate and high-quality printing.
- The ERP provides real-time tracking of production progress and stock levels.
Shipping and billing
- Once products are printed, the ERP automatically generates delivery notes and corresponding invoices.
- Products are shipped to customers with necessary documents, and shipping information is updated in the ERP for efficient logistics management.
- Invoices are sent to customers, and payments are tracked through the ERP.
The key features of an ERP for printing and graphic industries
Billing and Payment Management
Create invoices, track payments, and optimize payment deadlines to maintain a healthy cash flow. Benefit from an automated solution that streamlines your billing and payment processes in printing and graphic industry.
Blog and Content Platform
Engage your audience and establish authority in your field with an integrated blog and content platform. Publish relevant and captivating content to attract and retain customers for the printing and graphic sector.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Sales Management
Cultivate strong relationships with your customers and increase sales with a comprehensive and efficient management solution. Track leads, automate sales processes, and personalize your communication to boost your company's revenue for the printing and graphic field.
Customer Service and Support Management
Deliver exceptional customer service with efficient support management from your ERP tool. Track inquiries, automate responses, and ensure quick issue resolution for improved customer satisfaction for the printing and graphic domain.
Digital Marketing Campaigns & Marketing Automation
Optimize your marketing efforts with targeted digital marketing campaigns and intelligent automation from your ERP. Create, customize, track, automate, and analyze to increase customer engagement and maximize conversions in printing and graphic business.
Document Management
Facilitate document management for the printing and graphic sector with a centralized and secure solution. Store, share, and collaborate on documents in real-time while securing your data.
Equipment Maintenance and Management
Keep your equipment in perfect working order with proactive maintenance management on an integrated management solution. Schedule interventions for the printing and graphic sector field, track repairs to ensure efficient production while minimizing downtime.
Financial and Accounting Management
Keep a close eye on your finances in the printing and graphic sector with an ERP software ensuring your financial and accounting management. Manage cash flows, budgets, and financial reports for effective financial management of your business.
Inventory Management
Optimize inventory management and be prepared to meet all demands in printing and graphic field. Track stock levels, manage supplies, and minimize stockouts to ensure customer satisfaction.
Manufacturing Planning and Tracking
Plan and track your production in your ERP to optimize supply chain efficiency and ensure product quality. Manage work orders, track production times, and ensure timely delivery to meet the requirements of customers in printing and graphic domain.
Purchasing Management
Simplify the procurement process to reduce costs and optimize operations in the printing and graphic sector. Automate workflows, manage suppliers, and optimize purchase contracts to ensure the quality of products and services.
Quality Management
Ensure compliance with the highest quality standards for the printing and graphic domain. Identify and correct non-conformity, track performance, and guarantee customer satisfaction by delivering superior quality products and services.
Website and eCommerce Management
Expand your online presence and boost sales in the for the printing and graphic business. Create dynamic websites, optimize SEO, and maximize conversions with an integrated platform for website and eCommerce management.
Choose the right ERP for your business !
Odoo ERP
Odoo stands out as a versatile solution tailored to your specific needs. To enhance your operations in the printing and graphic industries, selecting the right ERP for your business is essential. With Odoo, you benefit from a comprehensive platform that covers all aspects of your business. Its intuitive interface and customizable features allow you to configure the system according to your unique business processes.
Odoo offers seamless integration with your existing tools, simplifying the transition to this new solution. By centralizing your data and automating recurring tasks, this ERP enables effective monitoring of your business activity. Regardless of the size of your company in the printing and graphic industries, Odoo adjusts to your evolving needs, keeping you competitive in an ever-changing market.
Odoo GOLD PARTNER
- Worldwide ERP solution
- Based Cloud ERP Solution or On Premise ERP Solution
- Prices per users
- Adapted for small businesses and mid-market businesses
- +40 000 apps availables on Odoo Marketplace
The various activities of companies in the printing and graphic industry sector
Companies operating in the printing and graphic industry sector use an ERP for various activities, including:
Prepress and graphic design
During this activity, companies in the printing and graphic industry sector transform digital files into physical products on media such as paper. Finishing involves additional processes such as cutting, folding, and laminating to achieve the final product according to customer expectations.
Printing and finishing
Printing is the core of the printing industry's business, where prepared files are transferred onto physical media such as paper. Once the prints are made, the necessary finishing step occurs, where products undergo operations, such as cutting, folding, and laminating.
Order and inventory management
This activity involves handling customer order processing, managing inventory levels for materials and finished products, tracking shipments, and ensuring product availability within specified deadlines.
Quality management
This activity involves ensuring that printed products meet established standards and quality requirements. This includes checking the sharpness and accuracy of prints, detecting and correcting defects, as well as meeting technical specifications and customer expectations. By ensuring consistent and high quality, companies can maintain customer satisfaction and enhance their reputation in the market.
Captivea, Your ERP Integrator to Guide You
Launch your project with us now !
Captivea, a specialist in ERP integration, focuses on supporting businesses operating in the printing and graphic industries. We offer tailored solutions specifically designed to meet your unique needs in this constantly evolving sector.
Our experienced team understands the particular challenges your company faces and provides expertise to overcome them. From software selection to configuration, we guide you through every step of the ERP implementation process. With our commitment to innovation, we help you optimize your operations and remain competitive in the printing and graphic industries market.
We are committed to providing ongoing support throughout our collaboration, including training for your staff, to ensure that the implemented solutions fully meet your expectations and contribute to your success in this specific field.