Let It Grow, Let It Grow, Let it Blossom, Let it Flow

   In the words of 

   Eric Clapton:  

   Let It Grow, 

   Let It Grow, 

   Let It Blossom, 

   Let It Flow.

When an organization begins to think about a print on-demand program one of the common stumbling blocks is that they are too small. On the flip side, others often think of the massive undertaking ahead and run screaming. Honestly, well-executed POD is one size fits all.

In previous articles I have mentioned that successful POD is all about teamwork. This teams number one priority is to identify the task at hand and begin the process. If executed properly, programs are no different based on size. You can plant a bean and watch it grow into a massive stalk worthy of the Jolly Green Giant!

The identification process focuses on the immediate needs of the organization. These might be as simple as streamlining the internal business collateral needs. Things like business cards, letterheads, envelopes, PowerPoint templates for sales presentation or sell sheets. These items are often ordered by a field user and approved by a compliance officer within the organization. Upon approval, they are produced and shipped directly to the end user. Some items may not require compliance approval. In this case orders can process through different streams based on their content. Systems also provide communication to all parties about order status. Alerts can be sent to all necessary parties about the order status, the approval state, the completion of the order and the tracking information for shipping. There is not an organization in the world that will not benefit from this type of internal business collateral system.

Once this is done adding on to a system is a natural progression. A well-crafted POD store often becomes a source for other items such as premiums and promotions, custom newsletters and brochures, static inventory ordering and even a way to manage your trade show shipping needs for displays and booths.

I spend a great deal of time talking about these types of programs. The facts are that in today's economy all manufacturing sectors are looking for a way to be as efficient as possible. POD is efficient for the print world but more importantly it is efficient for your organization as well. It WILL save you time and money. It WILL grow with your needs. It WILL be something you will wonder how you ever lived without.