As printers, when it comes to turn-around times, we are often victims of technology advancements...and our own efficiency. As technology has increased the speed with which we can process jobs, we continue to invest both time and money on these things that allow us to get customers what they want...their product in their hands more quickly (and for less money!). We've gotten pretty good at turning work around at speeds that we might have thought previously impossible. But as we have done this, customer expectations keep moving. What took 7 days two years ago, took 5 days last year and this year the customer wants it (no NEEDS it) in 3 days.
I'm often asked by customers what they can do to get their jobs faster. By far the number one answer is to provide us with clean electronic print files. More jobs are held up in the Pre-Press area than any other department. Delays occur because files are missing fonts, images are low-resolution, there is no bleed built, or many other factors. A customer that provides clean files will see their jobs fly through Pre-Press and get on the presses more quickly. We always suggest that our customers spend some time learning the proper way to build files and pre-flight them prior to sending them over.
The good folks at Enfocus show us why good pre-flighting is essential to produce high-quality work as quickly as possible.
If anyone ever needs help on how to correctly build and pre-flight their files, please reach out to us.
www.alphagraphicsbcs.com