Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1362655
A W A R D S & C U S T O M I Z AT I O N 6 2 G R A P H I C S P R O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M M A K I N G S U B L I M A T I O N M O V E S to have our own software created. We are now in year four of our software and it is amazing! These things I am about to tell you seem small, but when in action, speed you up. We can: • Write up a quote or an order • Tell our team where to order the product from • Look up old orders or products sold • Follow our sales stats • Watch our error rate • Know how much work is in process with and without half down payments • Write up add-on or replacement orders faster as needed • Track orders for where they stand • Pack out orders and print labels • Have a built-in production schedule with it, so all staff are only using one software It also allows us to order product with it by hitting a button. It logs in to order the product, and our shipping/receiving team checks all orders in with it to create more live up-to-date info per order. IMPROVEMENTS I know I just gave you the basic run-down of our company's software history, but no one taught us or told us to look for these programs. This is what Keep and Share looks like. We used this to scan our orders in and upload them to the calendar daily. Each one made our lives easier and more profitable every step of the way. You need to learn sooner rather than later to do as much as possible with the least amount of people to control your profits much better than before to stay competitive in the sublimation market. Software is there to reduce error and maximize output, but it only works if you invest in it and use it to its full- est. It's no different than learning how to use your printer or heat press when producing sublimation. Never be afraid of change when you use your soft- ware to improve your sublimation production, which only helps you improve your profit margins! HOWARD POTTER has been working in the promotional industry for 17 years, from designing to building brands and a family-owned busi- ness. He is the co-owner and CEO of A&P Master Images LLC with his wife Amanda. Their company offers graphic design, screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, vinyl graphics, and promotional items. How- ard, his family, and the business reside in Utica, New York. For more information, please visit masteryourimage.com.