Welcome to Silicon Systems

Back Issues

Flowmation - Web to Print

The Flowmation Web to Print Module allows you to improve competitiveness and service by facilitating customers to create, proof and order print products online.

Take the Tour

The Flowmation Web to Print Module allows you to eliminate proofing, increase profitability and speed up job completion. Let’s take a tour of how this works in practice.

For the purpose of the tour, we have a fictional digital printer called PerfectPrint. One of PerfectPrint’s key customers is a chain of cafes called Joy of Java. PerfectPrint uses the Web to Print service to facilitate Joy of Java’s local managers ordering business stationery and menus online.

By ordering and proofing online, Joy of Java gets fast, convenient service and can depend on quick turnaround when they need new stationery or other print products. PerfectPrint knows that with their online ordering system they’ve strengthened their relationship with the Joy of Java chain, giving them a strong incentive not to ‘shop around’.

Creating a Template

The first step in creating a Web to Print job is the creation of the template. This template is the master that will be used to create individual print-ready files for each customer order.

PerfectPrint’s in-house designer, Linda, begins by creating a blank template with the Web to Print client software. She sets the page size to standard business card and imports the artwork. In this instance, all graphics were created in Adobe Illustrator and imported into Web to Print in eps format. The ability to import eps graphics means that pages can be put together using any of the major graphics or page-layout software packages.

Next, Linda enters and formats text for a single business card. Web to Print offers complete typographic control including the ability to reflow and reformat text based on variable elements.

After setting up the design for one card, Linda designates the variable components - these are the parts of the final file that will be dependent on customer input, such as name and contact info. Linda sets up this template so that the customer will be able to simply select their location from a drop-down list and the full postal address will be included automatically.

Uploading a Template

Completed templates are uploaded to the Web to Print server where they can be accessed by authorised customers. Linda connects to Web to Print’s secure server over the internet. She logs into PerfectPrint’s admin account. She uploads the new business card template to Joy of Java’s customer account, then runs a few tests to make sure she’s happy with the final output.

By having the templates for all of Joy of Java’s print products centrally located, any changes can be made quickly and easily. For instance, if Joy of Java rebrands, as they do every few years, Linda can make necessary changes to graphics and reupload the templates. All of Joy of Java’s local managers will then be able to just login and order new stationery and menus, facilitating smooth, timely rebranding across all locations.

Creating, Proofing and Ordering Online

Customers access their templates and enter their variable information to generate an individual print-ready file and order online.

Dave is a Joy of Java store manager. When he needs to order new business cards, he goes to the ‘online ordering’ page on PerfectPrint’s website. Behind the scenes, the Web to Print server is doing all the work, but the front-end that Dave sees is branded with PerfectPrint’s logo.

Dave logs in. He sees the jobs that PerfectPrint has available to him: Two different types of menu, and a business card. He selects the business card.

Dave enters his name, title and contact info, and selects his store location from a drop-down list. The store’s postal address is then included automatically. Dave runs a PDF preview of the card. He looks it over on-screen and then prints a copy on his desktop printer so he can proof a hard-copy. When he is satisfied, he clicks the ‘next step’ button to place his order. He requests 400 cards in the production notes.

The Order Arrives

Web to Print has eliminated the proofing cycle, meaning the customer can quickly and easily place orders online and be assured a short turnaround time. Dave’s finished cards arrive. He and the other Joy of Java managers are delighted with PerfectPrint - the quality of their work is outstanding, and the online ordering is part of their extended customer care that makes working with them so much easier.

As time goes on, more and more of Joy of Java’s printed materials will be included in the Web to Print system; marketing materials, in-store posters, promotional coupons...

Web to Print brings:
• an end to proofing headaches
• security of brand and corporate ID
• convenient proofing/ordering online
• happier, more loyal customers

Find out more about Flowmation's Web to Print Module and how it can help your business, by filling in our online information request form.