Press checks are a critical component of the paperboard packaging manufacturing process where customers review the printing, design, coloring, text, etc., before giving final production approval.
Before COVID-19, this process was handled in person, with a member of the customer’s team traveling to the manufacturing facility. However, in light of the pandemic, our industry has seen the emergence of virtual press checks.
To share the challenges and opportunities with this new process, we reached out to PPC member Hilda Murray, Executive Vice President and Owner of TPC Printing & Packaging.
Virtual Press Checks from Preapproval to the Day Of
Whether you’re running a basic package or an intricate design for a high-end client, succeeding in a virtual space means staying prepared and doing your due diligence. In fact, before the actual press check, Hilda’s team takes the customer through a preapproval process:
“Now, we are doing a lot more pre-approvals for color matching and coatings. In some cases, we are performing actual press production to test out intricate graphics or those that require special deco-like glitter. Most of the packages we produce are pretty complex and we have comps from comp houses that are used to prep our files and produce color-accurate proofs on the actual substrate prior to production. The key has been much better preparation, planning, and approvals.”
By adding more quality assurance tests or a series of pre-approvals, manufacturers may save time and problems down the line, especially when it comes to the day of the virtual press check.
“For the actual press check, we establish the date and exchange photographs of the press sheets along with the targets submitted. We allow one adjustment, then we run. It has been proven to improve our efficiency. Obviously, it saves the travel time and expense on the part of our clients.”
Additional communication – not necessarily for approval – with clients can also improve the efficiency of your process and decrease the time needed for the actual press check.
“We have internal reps on hand to provide photos and/or videos of the press run in real time. Ongoing communication throughout the day is key and press sheets are sent out for further alignment, not approval.”
Abiding by these new behaviors actually allows for more safety for your team and clients. Handling this process online means that you can keep unapproved people out of your working environment. It also means that you can spend your time and energies elsewhere instead of preparing for and sanitizing after pre-approved outside guests enter your premises.
Hilda’s Six-Step Guide to Virtual Press Check Success
No matter the size of your company or how frequently you perform press checks, Hilda’s team has found six takeaways that can work for everyone. Their process, in a nutshell, includes:
- Put an experienced team together to ensure successful press checks. On ours, we have our senior pressroom supervisor, CSR for the account, and sales representative for the account.
- Implement a series of internal team meetings to keep processes and team members aligned with goals.
- Clearly communicate expectations. I would highly recommend a pre-game meeting with the client’s point person. We have had instances where we were asked to send a sheet and pull the job to give the client ability to evaluate the press sheet. There needs to be clear communication of the cost of pulling a job for this type of review.
- Clearly communicate that once approved, you are producing. If there are issues when press sheets are received, make sure the approval was very clear and signed off via e-mail or other type of documentation.
- Follow up with the client afterwards to get feedback on any issues, improvements, or concerns.
- Evaluate your internal process after each press check.
Are Virtual Press Checks Here to Stay?
Despite creating challenges for the paperboard industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many opportunities for improved processes, including press checks. Sending everything virtual has increased safety and efficiency while decreasing the time it takes to complete. Your team saves on resources while your customer saves on time and cost – it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Hilda’s team is already experiencing the benefits:
“In my opinion, It is doubtful that in-person press checks will be done going forward. It is costly and time-consuming for our clients, and it becomes a marketing strategy to improve the experience for them. It has already improved production efficiency at TPC.”
With that said, it will benefit your team to start wisely implementing virtual press checks as soon as possible. The sooner you adopt, refine, and employ a winning process, the sooner your customers will have an even better experience, and you can land even better business with your improved service.
Need help finding a plan that’s perfect for your business and your team’s dynamics? Lean on PPC – we’re always working to provide the resources and connections you need to keep your company on top.