ConsiderationsforCloud-BasedOfferings -

by Cassandra Balentine

When it comes to managing business information, print service providers (PSPs) rely on some form of print management information systems (MIS), whether it is a proprietary system, an end-to-end software solution, or various tools that ideally integrate and communicate with one another.

"With the amount of information required for one simple job-from estimating to proofing and payments, it's not possible to stay competitive and profitable without an efficient print MIS,'' explains Adam Witek, VP of operations, Print Reach. with greater efficiency to our customers," explains Tony Tarpey, CEO, PressWise. Lead time for response times as well as enhancement requests are shorter. "We are able to be nimble and scale our business as we need to," explains Tony Tarpey, CEO, PressWise.

''All shops are using some kind of tool to manage their business information,'' agrees Matt Prusa, director of sales, software and strategic solutions, Avanti and Print MIS, Ricoh Above: PressWise provides a single, SaaS-based print workfiow system with the tools needed to streamline your print operation and grow business.

Usersmayalsofindupfrontcostslower with a SaaS model, as most eliminate upgrade fees whenanewversionisreleased, "so customers always have access to the latest tools and features," addsTarpey.

Finally, browser-based solutions allow access from any place, any time. "The ability to engage with the print MIS from anywhere and at any time allows sales teams to meet with clients and provide immediate and accurate pricing and projected delivery times. With a cloud-based system there is no waiting to return to the office to translate scribbled notes into the client database. This client-centered responsiveness improves marketing efforts and increases new client acquisitions," says Witek.

For those with multiple locations, a modern MIS allows each location to have a bird's eye view of exactly what is happening with ajob at any given time. "Having a cloud-based MIS allows companies to grow and to be profitable, which allows for higher volumes. If a company is specialized in a particular segment, this can enable a targeted approach without about internal labor or licensing issues," shares Graves.

Therearesomedoubtsaboutthecloud, but many concerns have been addressed Witek points out that some print providers are concerned their data won't be secure, not realizing that you can back up the data on your own.

Lafler understands why many companies still do not have a 100 percent seepage26for moreinformation. trust in cloud security. "Companies who retain an IT person or stafffeel their data is much safer when it is inside a firewall in their control on a server," he observes.

Vikash Bardia, sales director, PrintPLANR, also sees concern about the limited control over the software on the client end and unconfident networks or regions with less or no internet access.

Some also think it's too expensive. However, when considering it's the brains of your business, Witek feels that the true cost of not implementing a cloud MIS are not considered.

"The perceived limitation is not being in control and loss of business due to the service being down. Actually, having a cloud-based solution allows for better control, updated software, and less downtime," comments Graves.

The anywhere, anytime advantage also has a flip side. "A cloud-based system requires an internet connection to access data and applications soifyou have a weak or unstable internet connection, it could impact your ability to use the system," admits Keith McMurtrie,CEO, Tharstern.

MIS Evolution

Print MIS solutions have evolved to offer interconnected, browser-accessible solutions that enable transparency.

For additional articles on print MIS, visit us online at dpsmagazine.com and watch our recent webinar on the topic at dpsmagazine.com/webinars. dps