Latcham Direct to improve efficiencies with Direct Mail Business Control System

Print Solutions

Bristol based Latcham Direct has invested in the full Imprint-MIS Direct Mail Business Control System (BCS).

The Latcham Direct system includes:

• The DM Estimating module can handle multiple items/components of differing run lengths, including data handling and processing with the ability to split out detailed pricing in a quotation. The system also handles laser and digital print click rates for simplex and duplex personalisation.

• Works Instructions are produced with a user definable format that makes it easy to enter and control orders, regardless of the number of components and whether they are produced internally, outworked or supplied by the client. Multiple cells and their individual mailing target dates and variable components can be handled and managed within one order.

• Within the BCS the Shop Floor Data Capture offers more individual and immediate advantages, in one hit, than any other system with a choice of input devices such as keyboards, barcode readers, or touch screen. JMF data can be also be received through Imprint’s JDF/JMF Connector. Where a machine is not JDF enabled, Imprint’s SentinelNet Machine Monitoring system will capture performance data from almost any print, finishing or enclosing equipment. All data is captured live in order to access valuable real costs to a job and will also update Production Control and Imprint’s on-line Factory Viewing system.

Client supplied items can be tracked and traced through barcode location and pallet labelling and movements traced via hand held ‘palm’ computers and Wireless LAN. Campaign elements can be quickly located when required for personalisation, enclosing or delivery.

A costing area that is powerful in all departments is often underestimated in MIS systems. In the BCS, mailing costs are an important item, so full control is maintained over costs even when split or spread over several mailing runs. Additional costs incurred can be identified and recorded and clearly displayed for easy client approval pre and post invoice.

Stock Control that can be used on both Raw Material and Finished Goods. Often items are supplied while other items are produced in-house, all to be present and correct for enclosing.

Production planning including scheduling for complete campaigns and multiple cells that can be controlled to ensure that all items reach the enclosing date together, updated live from multiple areas of the BCS.

‘In today’s fiercely competitive direct mail market it is so important to accurately monitor real job costs in order to evaluate a jobs profitability. The Imprint BCS does exactly that, by giving users fast and accurate estimating and full cost analysis and reporting across the whole business for every job,’ said Wayne Beckett, director at Imprint-MIS.

Over the past few years, Latcham Direct have invested over £1 million in new digital printing hardware, servers, and software more recently they invested over £40,000 in advance intelligent enclosing technology.

Mike Hughes, managing director at Latcham Direct, added: ‘Our vision is to adopt a client focused approach to helping our clients simplify complex customer communication problems using digital printing, cross media and secure document management solutions and by integrating this with the new Imprint BCS we will have complete visibility of all jobs as they run through the business.’