A print business is a complex process that includes many different aspects, such as placing an order online, managing artwork, prices, production, payments, inventory and delivery. Doing all these processes separately is going to take longer and lead to errors.
That is why it is crucial to integrate a web-to-print store into your workflow if you are a modern print business owner. A connected web-to-print store will be able to connect to CRM, MIS, ERP, accounting, payment and shipping systems and decrease manual operations and data transfer from one department to another.
Why Web-to-Print Integration Is Important for a Print Business
A web-to-print store is expected to perform more tasks than just accepting online orders. It is supposed to integrate with systems that a print business uses. Thanks to web-to-print integrations, it becomes possible to:
- Minimise manual data entry.
- Increase speed of processing orders.
- Store customer data in one place.
- Avoid errors while transferring orders for production.
- Handle payments and deliveries.
- Effective communication within departments.
These process flows can help a print firm be more productive as it grows and gets more orders.
What Are Web-to-Print Integrations?
Web-to-Print Store Integrations Overview
Web-to-Print Store Integrations link an online print store with other systems that a company uses in its operations. Data exchange occurs automatically, saving employees from retyping the same data manually.
It means that an order placed on a website by a customer goes straight to the production or MIS system. The customer’s payment information will also be processed in case of a linked payment gateway.
How the Systems Interact with Each Other
The connected system allows the web-to-print store to communicate its information with CRM, MIS, payment, production, and shipping systems. It will keep the orders’ information up to date without the use of manual labour, spreadsheets, and emails.
CRM Integration for Web-to-Print
CRM systems can be used by print companies for managing customer information and communication with customers. CRM system stores all the necessary information about customers.
Centralised Customer Information
CRM Integration for Web-to-Print allows customer data to flow from the print store to the CRM system. This way, salespeople will be able to view customer information.
Integration of Print MIS with Web-to-Print
The Print MIS controls crucial aspects of the print job. These may include quoting, job creation, scheduling, production, delivery, and invoicing.
Connect Online Order With Production
The integration of Print MIS with Web-to-Print can transfer online order details directly to the production system. It can decrease duplication of data entries. It can also include:
- Creating job tickets.
- Production scheduling.
- Order status updates.
- Costing and quotes management.
- Inventory data.
- Invoicing and reports.
The integration of storefront and MIS results in narrowing the distance between online ordering and production.
Payment Gateway Integration for Web-to-Print
Payment Gateway Integration for Web-to-Print allows customers to pay through supported online payment methods. It enables customers to select available payment methods and place their orders quickly. It will help reduce manual payment validation, speed up order confirmation, organise payment history, and ensure that customers get a smooth payment experience.
Easiest Way to Pay Online
Integration of an online payment gateway with the Web-to-Print service allows users to make payments through online payment methods that are available with the service. Once payment is made, the order moves on to the next level. Its benefits include:
- Minimise manual payment validation.
- Order confirmation.
- Payment history organisation.
- Simple payment process.
Payment integration is a typical feature of modern web-to-print storefronts.
Other Necessary Web-to-Print Store Integrations
CRM, MIS, and payment systems are far from the only integrations that can prove to be useful. There are other Web-to-Print Software Integrations available.
| Integration | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CRM | Customer details and communication |
| MIS | Print jobs and production |
| Payment gateway | Online payments |
| ERP | Business and financial processes |
| Inventory | Stock and material tracking |
| Shipping | Delivery and tracking |
Such Print Business Integrations could help connect sales, production, stock, financial processes, and delivery.
Improvement of Workflow Automation via Integrations
Integrations assist in the automation of repetitive processes, save time from manual effort, increase accuracy and assist teams in managing orders seamlessly. Here are some improvements of workflow automation via integrations :
- Order Automation Processing :- In case of a connection, order data doesn’t have to be duplicated many times. Data can be transferred automatically from the storefront to the appropriate business software system.
- Proofing and Approval :- Online proofing and approval software can be used to help customers check the artwork before printing. It helps to eliminate delays and print mistakes.
- Connecting Orders to Production :- A connected system is able to transfer order data – product specifications, finishing options, files, etc.- from the storefront to production.
Choice of the Correct Web-to-Print Integration Solutions
All print companies differ and thus require different solutions. Web-to-Print Integration Solutions must be consistent with existing work processes and future development plans. It is necessary to consider the following:
- Evaluate your current systems.
- Evaluate API/platform compatibility.
- Start with priorities.
- Evaluate security/data protection.
- Consider future growth plans.
- Evaluate support/maintenance services.
- Test the integration solution before deployment.
A flexible platform will be easy to scale up with expansion of product lines, customer base, and volume of orders.
Print Business Integration Challenges
Challenges may be expected during integrations too. Different applications can have different data formats. Outdated software may not cooperate with advanced platforms. Data synchronisation can also become problematic in case of non-compatible systems. Integration expenses and maintenance costs can also be taken into account. Careful planning and testing can solve this problem.
Conclusion
A connected web-to-print system can help simplify print operations. CRM can assist in customer management. MIS can help link online orders with production. Payment systems can help with the checkout process. ERP, inventory, shipping and accounting systems can help with business processes.
If you run a print company and want to save time on manual work and boost digital efficiency, Web-to-Print Integration Services could be the best solution for you.
PrintDeed enables print companies to implement an integrated web-to-print process. Discover the most suitable Web-to-Print Integration Services for your business and integrate your web store with the systems that will optimise your business processes.
Connect Your Web-to-Print Store With Your Business Systems
Integrate CRM, MIS, payment gateways, and other essential systems to streamline orders, production, payments, and workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is web-to-print integration defined?
Web-to-print integration implies that the web-to-print store is integrated with different systems, such as CRM, MIS, ERP, payment, accounting, inventory, and shipping systems. Thus, the flow of information from one system to another is minimised manually.
Why would it be useful for print companies to integrate their web-to-print with CRM?
CRM integration will help manage customer and order information. It can be useful in managing customers, orders, and communication.
What is MIS integration of web-to-print?
MIS Integration for Web-to-Print implies integration of web orders with print production systems. Information about jobs, scheduling, costings, production, and orders can be managed with minimal data input.
