Web-to-Print solutions come in all shapes and sizes. You can find solutions that cost you zero, zip, nada, but there is, of course, a catch. You can also find solutions very expensive, that still won't deliver what you need. How should any supplier, regardless, be able to deliver a solution that works if you haven't specified what you need?
If you haven't defined your requirements, technically and commercially, most suppliers won't be able to give you a realistic price. You will end up paying for development and implementation on an open account, and regardless of whether you chose the open-source solution of the most expensive you could find, it will for sure be more expensive.
You may also be tempted to choose a supplier based on features. But I am pretty sure that lists from all the suppliers by far will deliver more than you ever need. If you have specific requirements like integration points, particular applications, or products, it makes sense to disregard suppliers who can't support your objective.
One thing is the cost of the solution. More important is the time and effort to make your solution ready to be published. The more complex your web-to-print solution is, the longer time, and the more effort you will need to spend.
Most vendors or resellers can't predict the time needed for sure. But ask. And ask for references. What often becomes endless projects is not always your supplier's fault. You will need to allocate the time from your side as well.
A suggestion is to divide the entire project into clearly defined milestones. With milestones, the economy and experience will become more and more balanced. Another suggestion is to define from the beginning who is doing what.
If you choose a SaaS solution, be aware that not all solutions can be developed specifically for your needs. If this is the case, this isn't necessarily bad, but just something you have to consider. If your supplier promise you feature in the future that you find critical, ask your supplier to put this on paper - duly signed.
All the SaaS solutions I have seen will have more and more features frequently updated. This is good, but maybe less important in case you get a "monster" solution where the solution becomes so complicated that everybody loses the overview.
If a solution can be developed to your need, this is, of course, good. However, be aware that if it was difficult to find the right solution initially to develop, it could be even more of a challenge. When you develop specific services/features, demand from your supplier to use an easy to use project-management tool to follow the development as it progresses.
Have frequent update meetings (i.e., weekly) where you get the information needed to feel safe about the development.
One of the most important considerations you should have is the cost of upgrading to new versions if you choose to develop new features. Most "licensed" solutions require an AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract.) That essentially is paid, so that you have your software updated to the latest edition. However, the AMC does not always cover the cost of updating the features/functions you developed, which can lead to unexpected additional costs.
To get the software installed and run is one thing. When the software is ready to be used, it's not. Now comes the time where you test it carefully. Testing software isn't as easy as you expect, so here you should pay attention.
Most software is tested against test-cases.
A test case sets a scenario and describes the expected result. With enough test cases written and tested, you are most likely good to go.
Now comes a critical time. Now it's time to add products and prices, so stay tuned for the next chapter.
The above processes, of course, affect the total price of your solution. Without knowing all the solutions in the market, I am sure that some solutions are easier than others - so watch out!
LOVE PAPER WEEK Coming in February 2025
Two Sides to launch pro-paper promotion 3rd – 7th February; PSPs around the globe are encouraged to get on "board" (pun intended!).
New Tecnau Manufacturing/R&D Facility
Italian postpress manufacturer opens modernized space that enhances production and testing capabilities for finishing solutions in high-speed, digital production environments.
INXhrc RC Expansion for Rigid Packaging
FOOD-SAFE: INX International has expanded its natural-based portfolio with new formulations of dual-...
Chicago-area PSP Taps Truepress JET 560H...
EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION: Screen's roll-to-roll inkjet quality proves indistinguishable from offset ou...
Latest Version of Ultimate Impostrip
PRODUCT NEWS: v 2024.2 of imposition and nesting automation software solution for inkjet print production.
MetJET ONE Digital Press Shines
Koenig & Bauer device enjoys successful factory acceptance test at RSI Metal Litho plant in Pennsylvania, USA; the print-on-metal decoration...
Derrick Nelloms Named VP of PRINTING Uni...
Seasoned events executive brings more than 30 years of operational expertise in the events space to the leadership role.
C K Print and Design Adds AccurioLabel 4...
EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION: Early adopter in U.S. won over by one-hit white from Konica Minolta; adds to OEM's fleet on production floor in stat...
Latest News
Subscribe
Subscribe to our INKISH newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
New Trade Services Leader at The BoxMake...
Justin Stacey has started a new position as Vice President of Ecommerce and Trade Services at The BoxMaker and its Fantastapack.com subsidiary in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
SuperGraphics Expands with Nyala 4
swissQprint celebrates the sale of its 2,000th large-format printer, delivering stunning, high-quality prints at 1350 dots-per-inch resolution for brand owners around the globe.
Schöttner Druck on 'Fire' with 3rd Versa...
PSP in Bavaria produces individualized print for the pharmaceutical industry using integrated offset-digital, hybrid workflow; latest installation marks the 3,000th Versafire digital printing system delivered b Heidelberg.
Koenig & Bauer Initiates Reorg
Following its Q3 earnings report, 'lean' moves reduce number of business group segments from three t...
U.S. Female Exec Is Tech Influencer
ECI Software Solutions President and COO Sarah Hagan has been named a 2024 Globee Woman Executive wi...
Can Automation Engineering Merger
As of 1 January, 2025, Ferrum Packaging AG, leading manufacturer of can seamers for the beverage ind...
New Product Manager for Enfocus Switch
PEOPLE NEWS: Isabelle Noppe has been promoted to manage the workflow automation software product lin...
The Future of Flexo
Ricoh reduces production of parts in Chi...
Ricoh is moving production from China to Thailand to avoid 60% US tariffs, impacting its printer parts. Other OEMs are also shifting to less...
OneVision introduces version 24.2
Software updates are essential for efficiency, with Version 24.2 enhancing the OneVision software suite. Interviews with OneVision team memb...
Canada Post Reports $315 Million Q3 Loss
Despite strong revenue growth in direct marketing, work stoppage persists as transaction mail volumes erode further and a highly competitive...
International Exhibition about Creativit...
FREE ADMISSION: DesignInspire, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organised by Hong Kong Design Centre returns on 5-7 December. The event is sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency.
Login
New User? Signup
Reset Password
Signup
Existing User? Login here
Login here
Reset Password
Please enter your registered email address. You will recieve a link to reset your password via email.
New User? Signup