79 September / October 2023 - Issue 344 adding: “With these increasing costs, and downward selling price pressure from clients, profits are stuck in the middle being put under pressure. We call this ‘The Margin Squeeze’ and it is affecting PSPs everywhere. “MIS can help by automating processes, reducing labour costs, admin, errors, wastage and duplication of tasks, thus utilising staff on productive, not non-productive tasks. “But even MIS cannot do it all; true automation comes with front-end systems like CRM and web-to-print, feeding into MIS via full integration, while backend systems like imposition, workflow, and digital-front-ends (DFEs) are being driven via MIS xml output. It all has to link up, from start to finish.” Accura is very much in tune with market demand and continues to release updates and new solutions to satisfy demand. Its latest launches include AccuraOnline, its integrated web-to-print portal with features such as live chat, voucher codes, and single-step checkout. Other recent releases include the addition of customer-specific layout sets to its core Accura MIS, as well as the expansion of its AccuraSync bi-directional API-driven accounts synchronisation tool to more accounting platforms such as Sage Cloud. “Printers do not think twice about buying the latest press when their end-of-lease is coming up, yet they stick with a stagnant, poorly supported, non-upgradable, deadend MIS for ten-plus years,” Cocks says, adding: “This holds them back just as much as any piece of equipment. “All because change is hard. Yes, change is hard, but it’s also good; change is what keeps you fresh, change keeps the lights on. If you won’t change, and others will, you lose.” smarter which means print companies are diversifying by adding in cutting tables, label presses, and digital printers. All these need to feed back to data capture consoles for tracking stats.” As to what else PSPs should look out for, Bromley highlights a simple and modern user interface, saying the easier it is to navigate and understand the data, the better. Bromley also speaks about the importance of assisting shipping, saying by integrating with shipping systems, users instantly sync delivery data and improve the dispatch process. This is the same when it comes to live pricing and syncing between suppliers and storefront. “With live pricing the customer gets a real-time quote, based on the cost and availability of items at that time,” he says, adding: “This not only means there are no nasty surprises for the printer, or the customer in this highly inflationary environment, but eliminates the need for double data entry. “Obviously, we are a web-to-print provider but to get the best out of an automated print workflow, you need to integrate several platforms and hardware together. That’s why integration has always been at the heart of the Infigo platform.” Infigo has created dedicated integrations for MIS providers such as PrintIQ and Tharstern. However, it also has a generic integration, “Connect: Flow,” which means Infigo’s platform can be integrated with practically any other MIS. “This means we have one of the most diverse web-to-print platforms, when it comes to integrating with an MIS,” Bromley says. While an MIS is certainly a must-have for modern print businesses, the message here seems to be that of integration. By linking the MIS system to your hardware and other software products, only then will you experience the full benefits these solutions offer. ► SolPrint is the core MIS solution from i-teba www.printmonthly.co.uk Importance Of Implementation The importance of linking with other systems such as web-to-print is backed up by Infigo, a web-to-print provider, and its head of sales, Paul Bromley. He says that while the pandemic accelerated digitisation in the industry, with demand for short-run print increasing, there is a huge opportunity for printers to meet this demand. However, he adds having the right sort of MIS and web-to-print systems in place is vital to take full advantage. “The rate of technological development means that upgrading one part of your workflow can cause compatibility issues in other aspects,” Bromley says, adding: “So, if you’ve recently invested in a web-to-print platform or a new digital printer, you may find that your MIS is no longer up to the job. “The key feature for an MIS is the ability to implement into an automated workflow. A robust API, to ensure you are supported in whatever direction your business may take, is critical. “Suppliers are making equipment ► Web-to-print provider Infigo works closely with MIS specialists on integration BACK TO BASICS / MIS SOFTWARE PT.2
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