5 Signs Your Print Shop is Outgrowing Its Current Software Solution

Are you concerned that your apparel decorating or promotional products company is outgrowing its current print shop software? How will you know when it is time to pursue other options for your business? We can help you answer these questions by examining the five signs to look for to determine if it’s time to begin the search for new print shop management software.

1. Disparate Systems and Outdated Hardware/Software

If it is necessary to work outside of your implemented ERP or business management software solutions to execute core operations such as inventory, accounting or production, you’ve likely outgrown your software. Or if various departments are using disparate software creating siloed work environments, it may be time to implement a solution that integrates all of your core business functionalities in one centralized database.

Hardware and software that runs on outdated and unsupported operating systems and servers can pose reliability and security risks that include data breaches and limit disaster recovery options. In addition, print shops that began with simpler software options may now need the more advanced tools of an all-in-one system as the business grows and expands. These are all indicators that the search for a new industry-specific ERP solution is in your future.

2. Frustrations in Reporting

Difficulties in getting useful reporting information due to manual data conversion steps, spreadsheet manipulation and copying and pasting between documents, requires a solution that makes analyzing and sharing key business data across your apparel decorating business simple and easy.

ERP advancements in reporting and analytics functionality provide drag and drop reporting tools for producing meaningful KPI reports – allowing better, timelier and smarter decision making by print shop stakeholders. With an integrated ERP solution, data is accumulated from all areas of your business from sales, production, inventory, accounting and more, providing visibility throughout the organization.

3. Process Changes and Expansion

If recent business developments and process changes occurring on your production floor are adding extra strain on your current software’s abilities, your system may be holding your company back. Comprehensive ERP for screen print and apparel companies is developed to adapt to growth, with the scalability of businesses in mind to easily add additional user licenses, functionality, new integration partners and warehouse or production locations.

4. Hindered Customer Relationships

Due to the intense competition in your industry marketplace, customer dissatisfaction can create problems quickly for your business. When outdated systems fail to provide real-time access to customer order information, inventory levels, artwork approval history, shipping integrations and eCommerce platforms, it may be time for a change.

Printing business software with an accessible customer portal allows for the ability to check on the status of orders and account history, review and approve pending artwork, and view and print unpaid invoices – fostering on-going customer relationships. With a strong ERP provider that partners with you to succeed, they stay abreast of industry trends providing solutions and new integration partners to ensure you remain competitive and meet changing consumer’s needs.

5. User and Storage Limitations

If the number of users taking advantage of your current print shop management solution causes your system to slow down or causes accessibility limitations, it is time to consider moving to a new technology solution that fosters growth. File size capacity limits, screen delays, reporting lags and overall decreased system performance are also indicators that a switch may be necessary. Robust ERP software for your screen printing and apparel shop provides a fully scalable solution to meet your business needs now and in the future.

If any (or all) of the above signs are causing problems in the day-to-day operations of your showrooms, production floors or warehouses, it may be time for a change in your shop management software. For a personalized demonstration of our print shop management solution, Aptean Impress ERP solution, contact us today.