ERP Software for Printing Industry: The Key to Optimising Your Printing Business for Growth

Running a printing business can turn out to be a highly satisfying entrepreneurial experience and an overwhelming affair at the same time. Companies need to take care of multiple tasks to run the business efficiently. This includes managing orders, procuring printing materials from vendors, getting images and contents from the client end, overseeing production, ensuring timely deliveries, generating invoices, and so on. So, how would it be if all the aspects of the printing business could be brought under a single platform? This is exactly where an ERP for the printing industry steps in.

ERP software forms the backbone of the printing industry. It is a versatile solution encompassing all the features to meet the industry’s specific demands related to process automation and data handling. Enterprises mainly use ERP for order management, process automation, resource utilisation, etc.

Here’s a look at how an ERP system for the printing industry can revolutionise the industry and drive revenues for printing companies.

Challenges Faced by the Traditional Printing Industry

Businesses in the printing industry are exposed to various challenges from time to time. Some of these challenges are as follows:

Rise of Digital Media

Today, we belong to a digital era. Electronic media has become the primary source of information distribution. Organisations prefer electronic communication systems and online advertisements over traditional print media. Consequently, the printing industry has received a setback. It cannot keep up with the possibilities that are opening up with the emergence of visual media. Hence, they need to cut costs by eliminating other overhead-increasing manual tasks.

Increased Need for Customisation

Customers today reach out to printing companies for tailored solutions. They look for services designed to match their exact needs. The increased need for customisation can be challenging for enterprises offering standardised solutions to customers. Hence, order management, keeping additional parameters in mind, has become more crucial than ever.

Operational Inefficiencies

Printing companies have many departments that operate different systems—leading to several challenges. The departments lack real-time visibility over the entire printing process, which hinders workflows. As a result, the businesses fall behind in the rat race.

Cost Constraints

In order to keep pace with technological advancements and changing market demands, printing businesses have to invest in cutting-edge machinery. This leaves them with less budget for other supporting activities like account handling, order management, supply chain management, etc. So, they must automate these functions to reduce costs and stay profitable and competitive in the market.

Collection of Accounts Receivables

The printing businesses may need to extend credits to the customers. Sometimes, it takes a massive effort to get back the credit amount. The organisations must take various measures to get the credit in due course. This can be a time-consuming and expensive affair.

Problems Related to Supply Chain Management

Issues with the supply chain can impact printing businesses. Businesses face many challenges involving a shortage of raw materials, unavailability of ink, etc. These issues can lead to delayed delivery and poor customer satisfaction.

Benefits of ERP Software for the Printing Industry: How Does the Software Address the Challenges?

There are multiple advantages to choosing an ERP for the printing industry. Here’s a look at some of the benefits:

Enhanced Automation

An ERP system for the printing industry can streamline business processes like inventory management, invoice generation, order management, etc., to reduce human effort. The employees can put their focus on core business jobs. As a result, productivity increases, and the cost becomes low. There are fewer chances of errors.

Tailor-made Business Solutions

The customers of today have turned their focus to personalisation. Here, again, an ERP for the printing industry proves useful. The ERP solution is highly adaptable. It can be designed to suit the exact business needs. The features of the ERP can be customised to offer better services to the customers. Customisation allows for improved customer satisfaction and brand loyalty increases.

Proper Inventory Management

The printing ERP solution acts as a storehouse of information. It helps in accurate inventory management. The ERP system also comes with a separate module for inventory management. The module provides instant communication between the different business departments. So, the chances of under-stocking or over-stocking are reduced.

Improved Business Efficiency

With the best ERP software for the printing industry in place, the productivity of a business increases. ERP software can bring different aspects of the business together on a single platform. It can be used for production planning and scheduling. That way, the printing businesses can operate smoothly.

Effective Sales Management

ERP has a big role in boosting the company’s marketing success. It allows businesses to build sales strategies, optimise prices, and design marketing campaigns. The ERP solution can help businesses align themselves with the changing marketing trends. The companies can look for new business opportunities.

Increased Cost Savings

Reducing costs is a challenge for printing businesses. ERP systems help reduce operational costs without affecting the business’s performance. By automating the different levels of the printing process, the need for constant manual labour is reduced. An ERP system can also control sales, taxation, payroll, etc.

Better Business Insights

The reporting feature of an ERP solution offers a complete picture of the printing business’s financial state. The reports are needed for budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, etc. These features facilitate better decision-making.

Streamlined Supply Chains

Printing ERP comes with built-in supply chain management tools. These tools allow for smooth order scheduling and real-time reporting. The supply chain process becomes scalable and efficient. Companies can benefit from better resource utilisation, lower costs, and on-time order delivery.

Features of ERP for the Printing Industry

Some of the striking features of the best ERP for the printing industry include the following:

Production Planning and Costing

An ERP solution can help with production planning and costing. The improved planning process aids in better cost management. The cost of materials, labour charges, and other expenses are recorded. The detailed data provides a clear view of the company’s financial state.

The production planning feature of an ERP allows the business owners to understand where the business resources are being allocated. The company owners can identify areas for cost reduction. With proper production planning and costing, enterprises can also master the product scheduling process.

Order Management Strategies

The printing companies can produce orders in bulk quantities using an ERP to meet the client’s demands. By producing items in large volumes and storing them, the companies can swiftly respond to customer demands. This reduces waiting periods and paves the path for timely delivery. The companies can store raw materials in advance to streamline the production process.

With proper order management strategies, production uncertainties can be greatly reduced, and projects can be tackled when the need arises. The ERP order management services also help with inventory control. Business owners can get a clear view of their inventories and make well-informed decisions for their businesses.

Printing Specifications

The ERP solution allows you to set print specifications in advance. Various specifications and costings can be added conveniently. Adding specifications beforehand enables printing jobs to be carried out easily. The ERP system can analyse the materials and finishes to determine the cost of the printing process.

The ERP systems have features to quickly generate quotes catering to the client’s needs. The ERPs also store all the details of the clients so that the important information is easily accessible for future reference. The stored information promotes easy order modification and replication.

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ERP Software for Printing & Packaging – Functions and Modules

An ERP system consists of various modules which contribute to its functionalities. So, here are some of the ERP modules that are specific to the printing industry:

Finance Management Module

The ERP solution supports various accounting features needed to manage the business finances. From tracking sales orders to preparing invoices, the ERP solution does it all. In fact, it is a 360-degree financial management solution. The ERP solution can also automate various accounting-based activities. It helps with budget control and forecasting.

CRM Module

The ERP system has a built-in CRM module that enables businesses to explore opportunities and plan campaigns. The CRM solution can be used to build improved relationships with the customers. Also, as the ERP system is connected with the various departments of the printing business, every department has detailed information about the customers. The data allows businesses to serve customers in a better way.

Quality Management Module

This module specifically ensures that the quality is maintained during the production process. Strict quality control measures are undertaken to verify whether the end products are of the desired quality. This has a big role to play in offering customers top-notch services. The business reputation will be maintained. The companies will face no trouble building a loyal customer base.

Material Requirement Planning Module

For the printing processes to be carried out smoothly, there must be a constant supply of raw materials. That can be assessed using an ERP. The ERP can list the materials required for the printing process. This ensures sufficient raw material is available for the printing process to be carried out smoothly. Because of advanced material requirement planning, business disruptions can be reduced.

Sales, Purchase, and Inventory Modules

ERP solutions have different sales, purchase, and inventory management modules. These modules are interconnected with one another, allowing for smooth business workflows. The modules can create sales and purchase orders, track invoices, and quickly resolve pending issues.

How SilverTouch Can Help With ERP Implementation?

If you are willing to implement the best ERP software for printing production, then it is high time that you reach out to the experts at SilverTouch Technologies. The success of your printing business largely depends on how well you implement the ERP. As per research, around 75% of businesses fail to achieve the desired result from their ERP solution because of a lack of proper implementation. With SilverTouch as your ERP implementation partner, this no longer remains a challenge. The experts SilverTouch has a track record of 100% successful ERP implementation. They will offer you the best services at budget-friendly prices.

The professionals at SilverTouch are well aware of ERP systems’ various features and functionalities. They will closely work with you to develop a solution that matches your business needs. The professionals will also ensure all your business challenges are mitigated and the ERP solution works exactly how you want it to be. They will test the system repeatedly to make it completely error-free. This will offer your printing business an excellent exposure. Your customer base willimplementing ERP software for the printing industry extend. You will be able to earn an incredibly good revenue from your business within a short tenure.

For more details on implementing ERP for the printing industry, contact the experts at SilverTouch, and they will offer you the necessary details.

FAQs about ERP Software for Printing Industry