• Rationalisation and acquisition reduced the number of potential customers
• These large, powerful customers were demanding shorter lead times, squeezing profit margins and demanding more for their spend In order to combat this, Reprographic Systems introduced a process for distributing proofs of printing plates to clients via email. Prior to this introduction, the process was a little more complex:
• A hard copy proof was sent to the printer (Reprographic Systems’ client)
• The printer forwarded this proof to their client
• The client then sent the proof back to Reprographic Systems via the printer

This process could often take 2-3 days.

Following a feasibility study, it was identified that proofs could be emailed to clients as a PDF, a colour document
format that was small in size and easily read by both PC and Macintosh.

By using this new system, and now dealing directly with the end client, it was found that client sign-off could be received within the hour and relationships between Reprographic Systems and the end-client were growing stronger. In 2001, when the system was introduced, take up was low. Now, a year on, around 40% of the work undertaken by Reprographic Systems is proofed electronically.

At this time, Reprographic Systems also considered the implementation of a web site to capture customer orders and act as an info-site. Unlike many companies developing web sites at the time, the idea was considered and then dropped. Although there were issues with the current system of customer orders being submitted on paper forms, it was felt that a web site was not the right medium through which to capture these orders as no two were ever the same. It would have been impossible to build an online form to cope with all eventualities.

Additionally, in early 2000, a staff member requested that he be able to telework for the organisation as he wanted to re-locate to Wexford. Until that point, it would not have been possible due to the technical constraints of the systems being used in the Reprographic Systems’ studio. Introduction of new technology, by Barco Graphics (the design package being used by the organisation) meant that this could become a reality and the operator started working from Wexford in Christmas of 2001.

The introduction of both the eProofing and eWorking programs allowed Reprographic Systems to build stronger relationships with clients, be more proactive, and, with a shrinking market in Ireland, allowed the company to seek new clients and new contracts in other countries.