Bytes Infigo

Paul Lyward, managing director at Windsor Print, has found that this web-to-print system has opened up new opportunities, finds Philip Chadwick


What does this web-to-print system do?
It automates and simplifies the ordering of smaller jobs for our customers and thus gives them more control. The system incorporates a number of templates based around customers' look and branding. Sometimes ordering the smaller pieces is a burden for customers, particularly if they are in the middle of a big project. They can order repeat work or make small alterations, track jobs and monitor prices with minimal effort. We call this system a online print management tool.

Why did you choose this particular product?
The main attraction for us was its simplicity. A few years ago we looked at Xerox's web-to-print product. It was very, very expensive and I came away feeling a bit bemused. But Bytes' Infigo is not an off-the shelf product and is much more affordable. We also know Bytes well as we bought our Xerox digital presses through them and they are very helpful. This is still work in progress, but we're able to give Bytes feedback on the system and they make various tweaks for us.

What features do you particularly like?
I was adamant the system shouldn't be a barrier for customers - once they have placed their order they ought to be confident that it's done and dusted. This system gives them that reassurance. I even tested it on my eight-year-old daughter and my mother, who is a bit of a technophobe. They were both able to easily order business cards - it was very straightforward. We took it to our customers and it did not create any problems. It is like online banking only with a bank manager - it works 24/7, but customers can still pick up the phone and talk to us. We don't invest in technology for technology's sake - there has to be a benefit for the customers.

Is there anything that you dislike?
The mail merge option is very powerful, but it needs to be simplified. The interface is not very clear.

What's the quality like?
It's as good as the stuff you put on it.

Has it won you any new work?
It's meant that we have the ability to go to customers with ideas and follow them all the way through. We're not just printing copies now, but also talking about marketing and design. We have started talking to customers about the templates and the content that goes on them. You can't underestimate the importance of communicating with your customers. And it's come at a good time - most companies are looking to streamline their business to save money.

How have existing customers responded?
We started the system with one of our existing customers and we watched more and more files go through. By having this online tool, we were able to track every order.

What were your experiences during the installation?
It's a mistake to underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes to implement a new system, but it wasn't a downside with this product. We have been retrained.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
We have worked very closely with Bytes for the last six years and this product has strengthened the partnership. They have not just come in with a package and disappeared. They are there at the end of the phone if we are stuck or overloaded with work.

Conclusion
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Supplier’s response:    
Douglas Gibson, Infigo product manager at Bytes Document Solutions says: "Windsor Print can generate new revenue opportunities from their existing digital print equipment while expanding its services and building customer loyalty. With Infigo, commercial printers gain a powerful retail-ready web front-end. It delivers great opportunities for new revenue streams from items such as personalised business cards, stationery, marketing collateral, customised greetings cards, calendars, photo albums and books. This is all for very little set-up or development costs. Hosting and transactions costs are a fixed monthly charge from £175 (200 jobs/month, 50p thereafter). Training, installation and configuration is £1,800."

Price
    License fee starts
    from £6,500
Contact
    Bytes Document Solutions
    01293 543434