The Top 5 Supply Chain Challenges in Print Manufacturing
If your business is part of the commercial print sector, you’ll most likely have come across some of these key supply chain challenges, at one time or another. But what is the most effective way to mitigate these risks?
Raw Material Procurement
Sourcing a variety of materials, from paper and ink to specialised substrates can be difficult—particularly in finding compliant and reliable suppliers who can deliver on time. Variations in price and quality mean that your business must carefully select providers who can meet your standards and requirements.
How can supply chain software help overcome this challenge?
Supply chain software, such as Prosure360, can automate procurement, better manage supplier relationships, and optimise sourcing for cost and quality. With the support of this revolutionary technology, you’ll be able to streamline supply chain management and ensure that suppliers and contractors meet your requirements.
Just-In-Time Production
The print industry often operates on a just-in-time production model. Essentially, this means that businesses within this sector produce an exact number of products at the specific time their customers require it.
This can present problems when there is an unexpectedly high demand for a product, like the post pandemic boom within the commercial print industry. This requires precise coordination and reliable supply chain management to keep up with consumer demand.
How can supply chain software help overcome this challenge?
Real-time insights and automated scheduling in supply chain management software ensure that materials are readily available from your approved list of contractors and suppliers. This reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions as well as minimising production delays.
Quality Control
Commercial print businesses often have large clients in marketing, healthcare, finance, and other fast-growing industries. So, controlling quality and delivering products on time is essential in protecting your business’ reputation and retaining your high-profile clients. Any problems that occur within the supply chain can lead to defects or wasted resources. In some cases, defective print products could even pose a risk to health and safety, if damaged or corrupted during transportation.
How can supply chain software help overcome this challenge?
Investing in supply chain software will allow your business to monitor quality at every stage, alerting you if there are any defects. With real-time data at your fingertips, you’ll always have complete visibility of your supply chain—this ensures that any quality problems that may occur are reported immediately. Also, some supply chain management platforms, like Prosure360, allow suppliers and contractors to upload their qualifications and certifications. This empowers businesses to make an informed choice about who they work with and improve quality across the board.
Transportation and Logistics
Meeting tight deadlines is non-negotiable in the print manufacturing industry. Transportation issues that lead to late deliveries can result in lost opportunities and client dissatisfaction. So, effective logistics and transportation coordination is essential. Without keeping a close eye on the supply chain, there could certainly be logistical errors that impact your business’ daily operations.
How can supply chain software help overcome this challenge?
Supply chain software allows you to identify and manage risks, helping you to build a resilient and robust supply chain. This type of software enables businesses to respond to unexpected changes and reduce disruptions in the supply chain.
Sustainability
As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) becomes increasingly prevalent in the modern business world, it’s important that your supply chain reflects sustainable practices.
In print manufacturing, this means businesses need to ethically source print materials, manage waste effectively, and minimise energy consumption. Checking that suppliers align with your ethical values and standards can be difficult to do manually, which is why supply chain software acts as the perfect solution.
How can supply chain software help overcome this challenge?
With Prosure360, your business can set ESG parameters when onboarding new suppliers and contractors. This ensures that everyone you work with meets your standards regarding: fair labour practices, anti-corruption, and ESG.
