In all projects, the most critical component is time. All the stresses associated with events, projects and specifically the printing, arise from three key things – Costs, Timescales and Quality. Out of the three, time is the one thing we can plan for, but cannot really alter. If we fail to plan correctly, the first two casualties are costs and quality.
There’s a saying – “You can have it fast, you can have it good, you can have it cheap: pick two” – that is variously referred to as the “iron triangle” or the “triple constraint triangle.” Proper planning is the key to getting quality at the best possible price.
To help with planning, here is a list of aspects to consider before setting unrealistic expectations on a print process. Skipping critical steps is always risky but one can make choices both on specifications and design to make sure there is enough time to do it right the first time.
The earlier one makes the correct choices regarding things that affect printing timescales, the better. The wrong choices may lead to one needing to start over when the time available does not match unrealistic expectations. Before one even starts the design, we need to know that there is enough time to produce the specified printing. With the knowledge of how long production will take, precious time can be saved simply by limiting the design or concept stage.
Each of the steps listed below could be done within an hour theoretically but, usually can take an entire day. While some processes can be scheduled in parallel to save time one has to consciously decide what can be done given the expected deadline.
Deciding on the product specification
- Quotation(s)
- Quote Approval
- Materials acquisition
- Draft Design
- Proofing
- Mock-up sample
- Client approval
- Plate Making
- Die Making
- Foiling Block Manufacture
- Printing
- Finishing
- Packaging
- Despatching
From the above list, it is very easy to see how a print job can take considerably longer than hoped.
While all the above may seem negative and a bit of “preparing the excuses in advance”, it is best to keep the focus on what can be done rather than what can’t be done. A printer could always tell you what you want to hear or alternatively give you the best advice to ensure you meet your deadlines.
It is, for example, possible to get business cards, a pull-up banner, flyers and a poster print within 24 hours, if you use the FLASH Products available in the RevPrint online store.
