Web-to-Print: The First Step to Production Efficiency

Key questions to consider when identifying needs and goals include:

• How will the solution be delivered (e.g., hosted or licensed)?
• What applications and services are currently offered and which services will be migrated to a Web-based storefront?
• Will services be expanded to include non-print applications?
• Are there corporate goals, such as mobile enablement, that need to be supported?

2. Consider Integrating with Other Systems: When selecting a Web-to-print provider, consider existing software, such as variable data printing, that can be integrated with the storefront to allow customers to order personalized print. Ensuring that the two solutions have means in place for integration (such as an API) will help simplify the process. About 36 percent of in-plants currently offer job customization/personalization/variable data services through a Web site or Web-based interface to facilitate custom job creation.