Posted by Becky Bornstein on February 27th 2012 | 0 comments
DataSource worked very closely with a full service real estate advisory firm that sponsors real estate investment programs to lower their print management costs for their customers and their own bottom line. The situation was that the company always handled their print management and fulfillment in-house. As the company grew, the process became less manageable and increasingly costly. They were looking for ways to reduce costs to their customers and help their own bottom line. And, in the current volatile financial environment turnaround time had become a critical factor.
The solution DataSource provided was tapping into their own wide network. DataSource found partners who could meet high quality standards and short turnaround times at favorable costs. DataSource streamlined the entire process, from simplifying ordering to developing a customized accounting system that input a monthly summary directly into the company’s system.
The results generated from the new solutions incuded:
- A 25% reduction in print costs
- Distribution savings of 35%
- Turnaround time for a rollout has been reduced from 5 to 7 days to within 24 hours
- The company now has a firm handle on print and fulfillment costs due to their accurate automated accounting information
As you can see there were many costs reductions when the proper management system was put into place. Other benefits included reduction in cost of printing and distributing kits, delivering faster fulfillments, and more accurate billing. Are you currently outsourcing your print mangement?
Posted by Becky Bornstein on January 25th 2012 | 0 comments
We currently worked with a large propane supplier. They have over 1,300 locations and still growing. Before creating the energy efficient print management program with DataSource, they used numerous suppliers to meet their printing needs. But when the executive reviewed what was happening they quickly realized these vendors couldn’t keep up with the company’s growth. After this conclusion, they decided to team with DataSource to develop a print buying process.
DataSource did a thorough analysis of the company and their purchasing habits. Below are the changes they recommended and that took place:
DataSource went in, reviewed all the printed pieces and SKU’s and then deleted unnecessary SKU redundancy.- DataSource would be the one stop shop for their print resource since DataSource has a large network and more buying power to reduce costs.
- They used iSupply360 to streamline the entire printing process and created an easy-to-use web portal.
- The old billing system was replaced by an electronic system.
- They improved service to ship-to locations and streamlined the fulfillment of materials to third-party partners.
- Promotional products were brought into the optimized print supply chain, benefitting from the same cost control, web-based ordering and improved distribution as paper goods.
- DataSource created an online library of branded variable-print materials, including business cards and stationary, all kinds of paper marketing materials, Spanish versions, and promotional products including balloons, hats, giveaways, and trade show supplies.
- DataSource drops 2,500 to 4,000 new customer mailings each week.
After implementing the processes above, the company now has a highly efficient print supply chain management system that has reduced its direct print cost and has dramatically cut indirect costs, through ease of ordering, accurate reporting, reduction of waste and redundancy, and an improved billing system. What benefits have you seen from using an print management system?
Posted by Becky Bornstein on January 23rd 2012 | 0 comments
Digital on Demand has so many positive attributes such as saving money, reducing waste, having more control, and shortening delivery times. DataSource just extended it’s offering this month to add digital on demand. Digital on Demand’s newest efficiencies will combine enhanced services using the latest digital technology; increase document efficiency; manage version control and provide customized digital solutions for business communications. These innovative technologies will provide personalized one-to-one and one-to-many to drive greater results and effective solutions. Some clients will benefit by reducing their warehouse storage costs and move to an on demand inventory solution. Other benefits from using Digital on Demand printing are:
- Increased delivery speed. The process of preparing files for digital printing is automated and does not require lengthy procedures like color separating or generating plates and screens.
- More control over the quantity. Digital printing allows you to easily and economically print one or many pieces on demand. Order as little or as much as you need, precisely when you need it.
- Less wastes are produced in terms of ink, paper, chemicals and set up materials with digital printing.
- Reduce storage costs associated with outdated materials.
As you can see there are so many benefits to using digital printing. Not only are you saving yourself money, but you are helping the environment and improving customer satisfaction. Have you started using Digital on Demand printing services? If so, what are you thoughts?
Photo courtesy of flickr
Posted by Becky Bornstein on September 14th 2011 | 0 comments
The DMA states that “spending in direct mail is forecast to rise 3.6 percent annually between 2010 and 2014.” This is just more proof that direct mail is not going anywhere and will still remain an important marketing channel for many companies. But this also means that more and more companies will be turning to direct mail, so it’s important that you know how to make the most of each of your direct mail pieces. Below are 3 key elements to optimize your direct mail ROI that has worked for numerous DataSource clients:
Have a clear message - The headline must be clever and grab people’s attention. Make sure that the message you want to convey is very clear. Also, your headline should address some sort of concern your prospective customers has. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box. People respond to emotional situations. For example, “What If Your Brakes Fail? Is Your Baby Safe?”- Have a call to action – Make the offer time sensitive in order to create a sense of urgency, you will create a feeling of scarcity in the recipient’s mind. And by having a call to action, you give them a clear message of what they must do to take advantage of the offer you are marketing. For example, “Limited Time Only: Free Brake Inspections”
- One Time Is Not Enough - In almost every advertising instance, frequency, clear communication, and repetition are the only 3 elements that work. Make sure that your offer is being marketed on your other marketing channels such as emails, social media and mobile marketing. Make sure the message is consistent across all mediums and the different proponents are branded alike. Having a clear message and only sending it once is not going to get you the results you are looking for. You must touch the target audience multiple times.
What other tips do you have for optimizing your direct mail ROI?
Posted by DataSource Newswire on August 30th 2011 | 0 comments
When it comes to print supply chain management, find a system that works and stick with it.
With clients in the restaurant industry, automotive industry and commercial industry, DataSource understands their needs unique. Innovation and creative solutions sets DataSource apart from the competition by focusing on the individual needs of each client. With apparel and event specific products, brand identity and protection is always a priority for DataSource.
Changing and adapting is necessary for the survival of any business. DataSource helps pin-point and examine specific target markets then develops, designs and delivers campaigns to fit your needs. Sometimes when DataSource is hired, clients have campaigns already in place. DataSource can help run the campaign more efficiently with print supply chain management, buying power, or slight modifications to the campaign.
Having DataSource examine print supply chain management needs with fresh, yet very experienced, eyes means innovative solutions can be successfully paired with a company’s system. DataSource continually monitors client services and results to keep its innovative solutions working efficiently for the long term. DataSource develops solutions, designs innovative approaches and delivers outstanding results to its clients time after time.
Posted by DataSource Newswire on August 23rd 2011 | 0 comments
DataSource can help virtually any size business save time, space, and money. Utilizing the print supply chain management capabilities of DataSource makes both environmental and economic sense.
DataSource gives specialized services, such as print on demand capabilities, which allows a business to only warehouse what it truly needs as it needs it. Rather than wasting resources storing more documents than needed or promotional products for an extended period of time beyond what they are needed for, DataSource is able to procure what is needed and store it without waste.
Promotional materials such as brochures and gift cards can be ordered and supplied efficiently rather than in unnecessary bulk. Publications and transactional document materials, such as reports, manuals, invoices and statements, can also be kept in stock without being overstocked.
As a business evolves and grows, these documents also evolve and change. Having too many on hand or paying to warehouse overstock that may become outdated or useless is an underlying source of waste. DataSource stores documents and delivers them as needed. Not only will our print supply chain management help you become more cost-efficient, DataSource is environmentally conscious and automatically recycles unused portions of your print materials… which ultimately means our clients are more environmentally friendly.
Posted by DataSource Newswire on August 15th 2011 | 0 comments
Restaurants need to stay competitive and evolve in this changing market and economy.
Like local restaurants, DataSource relies on long term relationships with its clients. DataSource does much more than supply a restaurant with an efficient print supply management solution. With experts on staff who know the volatile restaurant business first hand, DataSource can help enhance an establishment’s marketability while helping make the print supply chain more efficient.
DataSource is able to help make a local diner or nationally known chain, stand out in what seems like an overcrowded and rather redundant industry. Standing apart and being seen as unique is important long before the customer orders from the menu. With professionally designed, customized banners and posters, DataSource works hard to protect brand identity and create memorable visuals with well designed menus and menu boards. Also, with close attention to individual needs, DataSource ensures the competition is not churning out the exact same platform as a marketing tool. Each client has different needs, different expectations and very unique long term goals. Each of these is seriously attended to and never lost in the shuffle when DataSource is in charge of marketing supplies.
From everyday operations to follow up surveys, DataSource is a restaurant’s best partner and supplier of print supply chain needs from start to finish. Tap into the resources at DataSource and you’ll begin to understand how our print supply management and restaurant marketing expertise helps you focus more on customer service which helps make loyal, repeat customers.
Posted by DataSource Newswire on August 5th 2011 | 0 comments
Every automotive dealership, regardless of size or experience, needs to establish a strong customer base in order to stay relevant and successful. Attracting repeat business is not just about the car you sell. Customer service, efficiency, and being accessible helps turn car buyers into loyal customers. Loyal customers like to tell others about their great experience.
So, how do automotive dealerships become more efficient?
Let’s start with the print supply chain management capabilities of DataSource. Small changes to the way automotive dealerships function can sometimes make a big difference in the highly competitive new car sales market. DataSource may be just what you need to reach that next level.
DataSource specializes in the unique print supply needs of today’s auto dealerships. DataSource has more promotional products to fit particular dealership needs than any other print supply chain company. DataSource not only supplies a dealership with necessary extras, such as signage, banners, document needs, employee incentive products, and showroom supplies, they also help reduce the overall costs of these supplies.
Rather than seeking out several individual companies to supply various products, DataSource is literally a one stop shop for everything you need. This helps reduce warehousing costs, shipping costs, and time dealing with several supply chain establishments. DataSource also has the unique ability and structural capacity to assist small to large dealerships.
The automotive industry is fast-paced from the showroom to the parts and service departments. So many variances and individual components can help or hinder the growth of any dealership. With DataSource taking care of the print supply chain management needs, automotive professionals have more time to take care of customers instead of choosing who to print business cards.
Posted by DataSource Newswire on July 22nd 2011 | 0 comments
Fresh ideas come from experienced places. At DataSource, our goal is to help our clients become more fit. Survival of the fittest in the corporate world means adapting to new environments, understanding the changing market and competing on a healthy level, locally and globally.
Creativity that makes a difference is something that can be sparked when the right minds come together with the same goals. DataSource professionals study your company’s needs, develop ideas, design solutions and deliver implementation.
It’s time to break free from the status quo and get on the road to higher successes by utilizing the services of DataSource:
Planning & Assessment
Marketing & Creative
Procurement & Sourcing
Fulfillment & Distribution
Technology Integration
Reporting & Management
At DataSource, we keep what works efficiently in your company while implementing workflow improvements, print management solutions and other services that help improve your company’s position in the market.
Posted by Becky Bornstein on July 13th 2011 | 0 comments
At DataSource we get a wide variety of request from our customers for various promotional items. Every now and then we will have a client call and ask us what we think are the most effective items to promote their brands. There are many things that you have to account for before making a decision such as, how many pieces do you need, how will they be used, what age group are these going to, what are their professions, what is their shelf life, etc. The one rule of thumb we always like to go buy is to give something away that the recipient will want to keep. Below is a list of the top 5 most effective promotional items that will work for many different events and companies:
- T-shirts and other Wearables – Promotional apparel is a great way to gain exposure for your company. The more people see your company’s logo the more likely they are to remember your company. Make sure the shirt is clever, eye catching, and that your logo is placed where people can easily see it.
- Calendars – Everyone can use a calendar at their desk or on their fridge. The best part about this item is that it has a long shelf and is most likely placed where someone will see it daily.
- Electronic Accessories – Jump drives are one of the most popular in this category. Most business people need a quick way to save documents so this is ideal. They are less likely to lose it and more likely to keep it longer.
- Writing tools – You can never have too many pens . . . And if someone does lose the pen with your logo, it’s most likely that someone else will pick it up so your company is still gaining exposure.
- Mugs/Bottles – These are great because everyone can use a water bottle or mug. It’s a great way to show that your company is eco-friendly as well. And they have long shelf lives.
We would love to hear your thoughts! What promotional items does your company use? And how effective have they been?
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The solution DataSource provided was tapping into their own wide network. DataSource found partners who could meet high quality standards and short turnaround times at favorable costs. DataSource streamlined the entire process, from simplifying ordering to developing a customized accounting system that input a monthly summary directly into the company’s system.
