HIFLEX Web2Print
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Web2Print System Description
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Contents Introduction 01. Company profile 06 02. Reasons for Web2Print 08 03. References: Web2Print by HIFLEX 10 Web2Print from the viewpoint of the print buyer 04. Product matrix and estimation 12 05. Online product design 14 06. Quotation and factsheet 18 07. Shopping Cart 20 08. Account management 22 09. Data upload and preflight check 24 10. Closed webshop for business customers 26 Web2Print from the viewpoint of the print company 11. Administration and web design 28 12. Configuration of the product matrix 30 13. Processing additional services / Order book 32 14. Customer database 33 15. Distribution to production partners 34 16. Print approval 36 17. Online payment systems 38 18. Integration of delivery services 39 19. Job tracking 40 20. Inventory calls and fulfillment 41 21. Target group-oriented marketing 42 22. Promotional code generator 44 23. Partner and affiliate programs 46 24. Gang printing 48 Implementation 25. Implementation and support 50 26. Ten strategies essential to the success of Web2Print 51 5
Company profile HIFLEX is a global software solutions provider, specializing in the print and media industries. HIFLEX products include the Web2Print system»hiflex Webshop«,»HIFLEX MIS«and»HIFLEX Print Support«. Automation of business and commercial processes The name»hiflex«stands like no other for software solutions that automate business and technical processes for the graphics industry. As the market and technology leader, we take a responsibility for ensuring that our customers stay consistently ahead of their competition. HIFLEX means customer focus, fast service, reliability, expertise and innovation. We actively support our customers efforts to use the demands and opportunities of their markets to their advantage. 100 highly qualified and motivated experts stand ready to provide their knowledge combined with our award-winning technology and software solutions:»hiflex Webshop«,»HIFLEX MIS«and»HIFLEX Print Support«.»HIFLEX WebshopHIFLEX MISHIFLEX Print Support«With the introduction of»hiflex Webshop«and»HIFLEX Print Support«, HIFLEX revolutionized online ordering and procurement. The HIFLEX Web2Print system is designed specifically for the requirements of custom printed materials and is the world s only webshop system that supports free formats and variable number of pages. HIFLEX Print Support is a robust web-based purchasing system for print and media buyers. Through digital modeling, HIFLEX Print Support makes the usual purchasing process substantially more efficient and takes out significant administrative costs for both the buyer and the seller.»hiflex MIS«(Management Information System) is a highly refined, high-performance business and process management system that models and supports all business processes within the graphics industry. Repeated winner of international CIP4 Innovation Awards 0810100901/02 HIFLEX is a leading partner member of the CIP4 Organization, the international consortium for the integration of processes in the print and media industry. HIFLEX has received numerous and distinguished CIP4 Innovation Awards, specifically for HIFLEX s highly successful and real world JDF installations. This distinction testifies to the practical and economic benefits print service providers and print buyers can achieve through JDF connectivity with HIFLEX Systems in use. In 2008, for example, HIFLEX received commendations from the CIP4 Organization in the categories»most innovative use of process automation technology Worldwide«and»Best process automation implementation Europe«for the project realized with online provider PrintPlaza (www.printplaza.com). The review panel commented:»a fantastic Web2Print project! Far beyond the competition.«that same year, HIFLEX became the first MIS vendor to pick up an InterTech Award in the category for MIS and 6
Web2Print systems. The InterTech Award judges praised especially the management functions and the superior integration of the JDF certified HIFLEX products. Market leadership through technology leadership This global competition has determined HIFLEX to be the most competitive enterprise workflow system specifically designed for graphic production. The HIFLEX mission is to solidify and extend its position as the technology and market leader. That is why each year HIFLEX continues to reinvest approximately 30% of its revenue in research and development. The software developers take great care to ensure that no patents held by other companies are infringed. At the same time, HIFLEX is continuously expanding its own stock of international patents and has already filed more than 20 applications. In this way, the HIFLEX webshop solutions are well protected against imitators and the patent claims of other Web2Print vendors. HIFLEX s patents protect Web2Print solutions against imitators and other vendors Web2Print is not sideline business. Web2Print is mainstream! 7
Reasons for Web2Print DTP, PDF, CTP, digital print, JDF: The print industry has been in a state of constant change for more than 30 years. The most important future trend is a movement from traditional print ordering to Web2Print. Market research predictions claim that, before long, more than one-third of all print orders will be handled over the Internet. Web2Print belongs not just to specialists, but to traditional commercial printers and the packaging printers as well Web2Print is more than just sideline business, and is quickly becoming mainstream within the industry. The Internet is no longer the domain of specialized online print suppliers. More and more»conventional«print companies are turning their attention to online business, in order to stay ahead of the shifting purchasing demands of their customers. Web2Print solutions provide print companies with many new opportunities and possibilities. Statistics confirm the rising significance of Web2Print A report published by Nielsen Media Research indicates that more than 85% of worldwide Internet users have already made purchases online. There is an obvious movement among consumers and businesses, progressing from traditional order processing to the more convenient method of purchasing products and services online. A high degree of acceptance in this movement to the web is demonstrated by the fact that 66.5% of the print buyers questioned replied that they make use of Web2Print services. More and more print companies are using Web2Print The number of print customers who manage their orders online (whether as a whole, or in part) is consistently rising. Only recently, a company specializing in Web2Print reported its one millionth Web2Print order. According to studies, more than one-third of all print orders will be handled over the Internet by 2012. HIFLEX Webshop can be used by any print company HIFLEX Webshop offers a complete Web2Print system which is finely tuned to the needs of the print production market, giving its users the freedom to design their own individual portal. It serves as the front-end to the integrated MIS package, administering customer, order, and product data in the background. HIFLEX Webshop has been developed as an easy to use Web2Print portal available for implementation by any print service provider including those who do not use any other HIFLEX products. 8
Highlights of the HIFLEX Web2Print solution: Convenient product configuration: A meager 25 individual selections can be combined to create over 1.500 different final products. This means that a print company can present its whole product spectrum quickly and efficiently at a glance. The HIFLEX Webshop is the world s first Web2Print system to offer print products in variable formats. In this way the customer can also configure products deviating from the standard formats. Online product design: Expanding its solution, HIFLEX offers a variety of additional modules for integration into Webshop. The print buyer is supplied with all the necessary tools to create and edit print products online. Automatic data verification: Immediately after upload, the transferred data is subjected to an optional integrated preflight check that verifies its suitability for printing. Phone calls to the print buyer due to improper data are essentially eliminated. Shopping cart with secure payment processing: When an order is placed for payment by bank transfer or credit card, the order value is debited to the customer directly via a certifiable payment system. An interface links HIFLEX Webshop to well-known and secure online payment systems such as PayPal or PayOne.»Drupal«content management system: HIFLEX Webshop plugs into the worldwide leading, open source content management system»drupal«. Professional websites can be created and edited very easily. You can even design multiple shops running on different domains which can be connected to the same back-end. Automation in back-office: The administrational processing is automatically done in the background: Creation of quotation, order, invoice, job ticket, delivery note and shipment labels are just some of the processes that are automatically completed. Furthermore, the system offers a bi-directional XML interface to connect third party systems. Gang printing: Online business offers the printer enormous profit potential by composing multiple-product forms and more efficient utilization of production capacities. Even ultra short runs can be printed at lucrative prices. HIFLEX offers a smooth integration with Metrix. Prospect acquisition: HIFLEX Webshop is the key to an assortment of important marketing channels. Next to the integrated promotional code generator advertising containers can be created in order to be incorporated into partner websites. E-mail marketing functionality permits existing and potential customers to be informed of special offers and new features. Search engine marketing: The major challenge for Web2Print systems is effective marketing. HIFLEX Webshop has been programmed to secure top search engine rankings in order to place your site above the online competition. The integration of Google Analytics is already configured. Enhanced customer loyalty: Password-protected areas can be set up as customer-specific portals for the ordering of CI-conformant printing materials. This sustained enhancement of customer communication attracts loyal customers, saves time and reduces costs. 9
References: Web2Print by HIFLEX HIFLEX Webshop offers a complete Web2Print system, finely tuned to the needs of the print market, while supporting a fully customizable design and layout. A sophisticated MIS package controls all customer, order and product data in the background. Webshop can be used by any print service provider HIFLEX Webshop has been developed for painless utilization by any print company including those who do not use any other HIFLEX products. Open up new markets and achieve a dramatic boost to your efficiency when creating print products. The award-winning HIFLEX Webshop supports you in every aspect of fast, cost-effective and quality-assured media production. The existing implementations of HIFLEX Webshop help illustrate the extensive capabilities and depth of customization that the system provides: Printello.de PrintBeyond.com The HIFLEX Webshop portal can be custom-designed. PrintPlaza.com KoellerNowak.de 10
Software is always something intangible, whose functionality can only be properly evaluated by personal use. Consequently, HIFLEX offers its webshop as a demo portal on the Internet. At the address www.bestprint24.com, you can test HIFLEX Webshop whenever you want. Demo webshop on the Internet This demo portal shows exemplary how customers can order the different products configurations. Don t worry about placing orders; no real job is generated and nothing is billed because the BestPrint24 demo site is not linked to a real print company. Take a live tour of HIFLEX Webshop. At www.bestprint24.com, we have created Webshop for online testing. 11
Product matrix and estimation A convenient product configuration tool allows print products to be selected and configured online. Only a small number of options are needed in the background to achieve a comprehensive range of product variants: 25 product properties can be combined into more than 1.500 different final products. Convenient product matrix One of the many features which makes HIFLEX Webshop so special is its simple structure. The individual elements of a print product are broken down into their smallest components and, as such, can be selected separately. The print buyer uses an online configuration tool to assemble the desired products. The user guidance in HIFLEX Webshop could hardly be more straightforward: Product properties such as format, number of pages, color, paper, finishing and refinement options, are defined step by step. The system then immediately calculates and displays a quotation price based on the user s selections. Custom formats and individual run lengths can also be specified, where required. Only a few separate features are needed to achieve a broad product range Despite the diversity of combination possibilities, the printer only needs to manage a limited number of options in the background. For example, a folded flyer only has 25 features, but they can be combined to achieve 1.536 different product variants. There are more than 300.000 individual print products to choose from throughout the standard product portfolio. The print buyer is given an easy to use, online configuration tool to assemble their desired products. 4 + 8 + 1 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 =25 4 * 8 * 1 * 6 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 12
During the configuration process, unworkable combinations are excluded by way of a configurable plausibility check and any essential processing steps (e.g. creasing with 200 gsm stocks) are automatically added. Where appropriate, products may also consist of multiple parts, such as cover and content pages. Plausibility checks exclude unworkable combinations Product configuration with custom formats and any number of pages are unique in the Web2Print world. The format of the desired print product can be defined in steps of as little as one millimeter. Unique in the Web2Print world: Custom formats Changes affecting individual components are very easy to implement and become applicable for all linked products. If the price for a particular type of paper changes, for example, the new price must only be updated at one point in the system (see Chapter 12»Configuration of the product matrix«). The price change is then immediately available in the online estimate of all products configured to use this paper. Single input for price changes As soon as the product definition is completed, the calculated prices are shown for various order quantities. If the desired amount is not shown, the customer can specify an individual run length for generation of a quotation. The system calculates all prices online and in real time. Price feedback in real time The prices for various order volumes are calculated and displayed in real time. 13
Online product design HIFLEX Webshop is an open system that allows the integration of third-party functionalities. Next to the already implemented PDF Online Designer, for instance, it is possible to integrate external tools that offer webshop visitors the functions of professional DTP applications. In this way, individual print products can be created quickly and easily. Online design possibilites with professional tools The basic version of HIFLEX Webshop already incorporates integrated tools for professional, template-driven online product design. PDF-Online: PDFlib is a sophisticated tool for PDF file creation and processing. It is a standard module of HIFLEX Webshop and offers ideal functionality for the dynamic generation of print-ready PDF files. PDF documents with text and images are created online within webshop. PDFlib neither uses nor requires any additional software for PDF creation and is pre-installed with the supplied software package. PDFlib is used to create individual product designs. The selected components and entered text are automatically combined into a print-ready PDF file. 14
Kroppr: This module is a graphics tool which can be integrated into HIFLEX Webshop. Kroppr is used to scale, rotate and crop uploaded images. These images can be processed online and incorporated into existing layouts all without the need for additional software. Kroppr is part of the basic version of HIFLEX Webshop. The integrated graphics tool Kroppr provides online cropping, rotation and scaling functions. The result can be embedded in existing templates. Tom * 1. May 2009 15
Pageflip: The PageFlip effect a function simulating the turning of a page permits live presentations in the style of a book or magazine. With this module the customer is able to preview and check the final appearance of a corresponding print product on screen. Are you planning to have a magazine or book printed online? With PageFlip, you can evaluate the final appearance of your product in advance 16
The design options in HIFLEX Webshop can be extended with a variety of supplementary modules, all of which seamlessly interface with the system: External tools allow Webshop to offer its customers extended design possibilities on DTP level Below you find a short view of typical products: XMPie: This software module optimizes the online creation of personalized print products. Instead of static content, XMPie combines variable images with different text and background colors. It is a good tool for the personalized generation of brochures, mailings, calendars, catalogues and many other products. Pageflex: With Pageflex at your fingertips you can create CI-conformant print products. Working online, you can produce complex, original documents which would otherwise demand the attention of a graphic designer. The Pageflex technology permits direct editing (WYSIWYG) within the layout right down to the microtypography. At the same time, a personalization option (Data Merge) draws dynamic content from a database to generate individually targeted documents. InDesign-Server: The internationally renowned layout program Adobe InDesign is also distributed in a server version. Following installation on the Web server, it offers extensive functionality for the creation of print products, with an endless assortment of layout and typography options Create printed products without placing restrictions on your imagination. Texts, colors and images can be added or modified as you desire. 17
Quotation and factsheet HIFLEX Webshop automatically generates a quotation and an order factsheet in PDF format. This factsheet contains an overview of the selected product with all the relevant product details, as well as information on the required type and layout of the print data file, assuming that the customer has chosen to upload their own files. Configure options for the customer Climate-neutral printing Once product selection is completed, the customer can open a PDF quotation specifying the costs for production and delivery of his product. These costs are influenced by a variety of additional settings and options. In our demonstration version Bestprint24.com, for example, the customer can request climate-neutral printing, an online proof or express delivery, and can also indicate the exact type of file to be submitted with the print data. The latter selection results in more or less work for the print company and will naturally be reflected in the final price. Quotation for a defined print product Delivery date and shipping costs calculated automatically by the system Along with the price, HIFLEX Webshop automatically calculates the delivery date and specifies the deadline for receipt of the print data to ensure dispatch by the offered date. The cost for shipping the completed order is listed based on the number of parcels and the calculated total weight. If the deadline for file delivery is not met, the system automatically notifies the customer of postponed delivery and new print data deadline. 18
The quotation generated by HIFLEX Webshop is accompanied by an order factsheet, which the customer can open and print as a PDF file. The factsheet summarizes all of the relevant details related to the product configuration, informing the customer of important parameters regarding the layout of the file, such as bleed, color space, minimum resolution of images, etc. Factsheets summarize the order Automatically generated factsheets provide an overview of all customer relevant information. Alongside product and price, the required data file structure is described. 19
Shopping Cart The HIFLEX shopping cart shows the customer anytime which print products were selected. The checkout site enables the specification of delivery and invoice addresses. The desired type of payment can also be chosen. Adding products to the shopping cart After the customer has completed the configuration of their desired print product, the relevant selections are saved in the HIFLEX shopping cart. Here, the print buyer is offered various options: If more than one product is to be ordered, any number of further products can be defined through the product matrix and added to the shopping cart. If the customer changes their mind and decides not to order a previously defined product, the item can simply be selected and removed from the shopping cart. Cookies save the shopping cart contents HIFLEX Webshop stores the selected products and specifications in the form of cookies on the customer s computer. This ensures that the products remain available on the website, even if the browser has been closed between visits. Promotional codes If you are running a marketing campaign with promotional codes (see Chapter 22»Promotional code generator«), the customer can enter an appropriate code in the field provided. The system verifies this code and automatically deducts the associated value from the total price. Registration of an account is required Up to this point, the print buyer is able to select and configure products in the open area of the webshop. The final placement of an order, however, requires prior registration. If the customer is not logged in, or if no webshop account yet exists, creation of a unique account is the next step (see Chapter 08»Account management«). Entering of delivery and invoice addresses To conclude the order, the customer must enter delivery and invoice addresses. If the same customer has already placed orders in the past, previously entered addresses are offered for instant selection. HIFLEX Webshop distinguishes between invoice and delivery addresses. In this way, it is possible for an agency to order print products on behalf of a client and to have them shipped in neutral packaging directly to the end customer. Accepted payment providers This is also the page where the customer chooses a form of payment. In the background all payments are handled via the connected payment provider (see Chapter 17»Online payment systems«). All customer data must be protected against unauthorized third-party access. For this reason, HIFLEX Webshop uses a PCI certifiable online payment system. 20
The checkout site lists all selected products. The delivery and invoice address are appointed here. 21
Account management The account management functions in HIFLEX Webshop are used to enter and manage the company and user data of print buyers. A company account permits several purchasing employees to access the same account. Registration for new customers The customer must have registered an account to be able to place an order in HIFLEX Webshop. If no account exists to date, the customer can create one with simple to use account management functions. The registration is comprised of name, address, telephone number and e-mail details, along with the user name and a personal password. All data is saved in the HIFLEX customer database (see Chapter 14»Customer database«), where it can be edited as necessary at a later time. In addition to the above mandatory inputs, it is possible to specify a fax or mobile phone number and a title. Company accounts If the new customer marks the check box»company/club/organization«, a company account is created which includes any number of individual staff registrations. As companies are able to deduct the input tax contained in their orders, HIFLEX Webshop includes a possibility to enter a corresponding tax ID number. The validity of the specified ID is automatically verified online with the European Commission. Net prices for business customers The tax ID number is later indicated accordingly on the invoice. Furthermore, all prices shown for registered business customers can be displayed as net amounts with the note»subject to VAT at the statutory rate«. Consideration is also given to the different rates of VAT which may apply to deliveries shipped abroad. 22
Form to create a new account. Any number of purchasing staff can be registered as users for a company account 23
Data upload and preflight check HIFLEX Webshop incorporates a user-friendly file upload function with a optional preflight check. As a consequence, the suitability of the print data can be verified immediately after uploading. Different upload options With HIFLEX Webshop, the print buyer is offered an extremely simple means of transferring print data to your servers. This can be accomplished either as a direct file upload upon completion of the ordering process, or by way of an upload link sent to the customer in the order confirmation e-mail. Convenient data upload with progress bar In the case of direct data upload, the customer selects the print-ready file on their computer and initiates the transfer, which begins immediately. The size of the file and the remaining upload time are calculated automatically and displayed continuously by the system, allowing the customer to follow the progress of the data transfer. Preflight check verifies the suitability of the transferred data When the data upload is completed, the system moves on to the optional preflight check (e.g. Callas PDF Toolbox) and verifies that the received file meets all prerequisites for printing. Individual verification profiles can be applied for this check. If a file is found to be unsuitable for printing, the customer is informed as to the non-compliant points or items. No calls back to the customer to rectify problematic data The simple file upload feature and optional preflight check eliminate any need for last-minute calls to the customer that may have arisen while working in a legacy workflow. No separate data upload when using online templates If the print products are created using the online product designer (see Chapter 05»Online product design«), this process step is not necessary, as the system automatically generates print-ready data. 24
1. 4. 3. 2. 1. The customer selects the files to be transferred. 2. The optional preflight check verifies the suitability of the print data immediately after uploading. 3. A preview image shows the file that has been transferred. 4. A final confirmation from the customer is required to complete the upload process. 25
Closed webshop for business customers A closed HIFLEX webshop can be set up to implement customer-specific portals for the ordering of CI-conformant print products. This sustained enhancement of customer communication attracts loyal customers, saves time and reduces costs. Closed webshop for repeat customers A closed HIFLEX webshop enhances the communication between a print company and its business customers, guaranteeing an effortless handling of incoming orders. The value potential of a closed webshop is particularly high, as the customer s whole business processes can be modeled after it. CI (Corporate Identity) conformant print products are defined and released for printing with just a few mouse clicks. Personalization of standard products With a business exclusive webshop, print service providers can allow selected customers to order products such as predefined printed matter with a corporate design. After entering a user name and password, the customer is granted access to a company-specific web page and is presented with an overview of the standard products for which a fixed layout and design has been established. These products can then be easily selected and ordered. 26
HIFLEX Webshop permits orders of both pre-defined customer-specific products and freely configured options. At the same time, certain products such as business cards or flyers can be personalized on the basis of specified design rules. The customer simply selects one of the offered templates and then enters text or exchanges images in the appropriate areas. At the end of the process, a print-ready PDF with all of the customer editions is created. Approval process and control mechanisms As with all other orders, the user is given an opportunity to specify the required quantities, select one or more delivery addresses and check the inputs. This completes the actual ordering process; however, the customer can add an approval procedure with extra control mechanisms and correction loops if an order requires additional authorization. Together, these options facilitate a simple, streamlined way to purchase standard products in a corporate environment. Benefits of a closed webshop system:» Job tracking: Recent jobs and their production progress can be tracked anytime. Also already closed jobs can be accessed.» Product personalization: Personalized CI-conformant products can be defined with just a few mouse clicks.» Stocks of finished and semi-finished products: Customers can check their remaining stock levels online and then call off the required products.» Approval of print data: Order-specific print data can be effortlessly uploaded and approved.» Corrections: Last-minute changes or adjustments can be communicated quickly and easily.» Information: Quotations, order confirmations, invoices and delivery notes for selected orders can be viewed online and printed.» Product configuration: Print products can be configured online and quotations can be generated automatically based on the customer-specific prices saved within the system. 27
Administration and web design The administration and design of HIFLEX Webshop are handled by the open source web content management system (CMS)»Drupal«. Professional websites can be created and administrated via this CMS. Individual elements of the webpage are easily positioned by a drag-and-drop interface, and can be revealed or hidden with the click of your mouse. Widely used open source content management system is the foundation of Webshop HIFLEX Webshop is integrated as an application into the worldwide leading content management system»drupal«. With»Drupal«, it is possible to create and edit online content without special programming or DTP knowledge.»drupal«is distributed as an open-source package and can be used free of charge. There are already hundreds of thousands of different websites using»drupal«as their CMS. These include websites for companies such as Sony Playstation, Sony BMG, Greenpeace, New York Observer or MTV. In addition to many independent experts there is high-quality and comprehensive documentation available»drupal«has garnered an extensive developer community, whose members are constantly working to improve the system by creating expansions and new modules. The open-source CMS»Drupal«is comprised of a core, which delivers the basic functionality, surrounded by any number of plug-in modules which can be added as required. In this way, it offers a limitless scope of functions and features, available in almost every language. On Drupal.org you can download thousands of modules for free. 28
Literally hundreds of design templates (or»themes«) available in every conceivable style and color can be downloaded from the internet. Simple activation then defines or transforms the entire appearance of your personalized webshop. Additionally, Drupal editing allows you to drag and drop elements between different page blocks. It is so intuitive that you can minimize the expensive services of an external graphic designer. Design makeovers couldn t be simpler HIFLEX provides a»multi-domain license«with a variety of layouts. The advantage of this arrangement is that all domains are linked to the same back-end system. Customers who use Google to search for a printing agency, for example, may discover several alternatives, but these shops are simply parallel interfaces to the same supplier: you. Multi-domain license permits several shops to be controlled via one back-end Benefits of»drupal«at a glance: Individual design:»drupal«is an open-source CMS which allows users to assemble individual websites according to their particular needs and wishes. The desired appearance of a page can be attained with Drupal»themes«. A complete design makeover is possible with just a few mouse clicks. Backing of an online community:»drupal«boasts a comprehensive programming framework and a large online community, that offers thousands of plug-in modules from the internet for free. Search engine optimization (SEO):»Drupal«is optimized for interaction with search engines and offers numerous tools for fine tuning the website (automatic generation of meta tags, creation of a site map for Google, etc.). At the same time, the»speaking URLs«and the strict separation of design and content ensures high rankings in all of the leading search engines. No license costs: Being open-source software, there are no license costs for»drupal«. The CMS can be downloaded from the internet free of charge. Numerous plug-ins are available to integrate additional functions into your website. Comprehensive documentation: Countless books and video tutorials have been published on practically every aspect of»drupal«. Simply search for»drupal«at Amazon or YouTube. You will be impressed at the amount of educational resources that are available. Local support: Thousands of web developers are specialized in»drupal«. You are almost certain to find a local expert who will assist you with the implementation of more complex projects, if you require them. 29
Configuration of the product matrix The product matrix in HIFLEX Webshop is configured via a web browser. Straightforward menus let you add, edit or delete individual products and product options with ease. Configuration of the product matrix via a web browser All functions involved in adding, editing, or deleting products and product options in the product matrix are controlled via the web browser. Everything from offering products with additional paper grades, expanding your portfolio with new products, or even discontinuing certain previously offered products is completed quickly and easily without any extra software. The HIFLEX Webshop allows you to modify the matrix with just a few simple clicks and inputs. Once you have logged in as an administrator, the desired modifications can be made in a matter of seconds. Any changes become effective immediately upon saving. 2. 1. The product ID serves as a distinct identifier for the print product. 2. New products can be created via the»add item«link. 3. The details of existing products can be edited to accommodate future changes. The»Copy«link copies the current settings into a new product definition. With this function several similar products can be configured quickly and with minimal input. If a particular product is to be discontinued, it can be deleted from the product matrix with a simple mouse click. 30
Only a few inputs are needed to make changes to the product matrix. 31
Processing additional services / Order book All incoming orders are managed in the back-end of the HIFLEX webshop. The system also incorporates a convenient way for the webshop operator to deal with additional services that the customer may require and to coordinate all relevant transactions. Order book saves relevant data When an order is generated via webshop, all relevant data is saved in the order book. The HIFLEX order book promotes a highly efficient workflow to manage the costs of additional services. If, for example, the customer supplies the print data as an InDesign or Photoshop file rather than a print-ready PDF, extra work will be required of the printer. The additional time and effort needed to complete the job requires approval of additional costs from the customer. After the appropriate costs have been entered in the back-end, the system sends an e-mail message to the customer, notifying them of the new invoice amount. HIFLEX automatically sends the customer an e-mail with a breakdown of any additional costs. The message also contains a link, allowing immediate confirmation of extra costs. If the customer clicks on confirmation link, he is automatically directed to a new page where payment can be initiated (see Chapter 17»Online payment systems«). Once the payment process is completed, the customer receives an e-mail confirmation with a notification of successful payment and the invoice attached. The customer s confirmation is also recorded automatically in the HIFLEX order book, allowing production of the order to commence as scheduled. 32
Customer database The information accessible in the HIFLEX customer database includes data presented in a series of clearly structured tables and charts, which help to visualize the development of the business to date. The master data of all customers registered as webshop users is managed in the HIFLEX customer database. Any number of contacts can be saved for each customer along with individual addresses and telephone numbers. Each customer record can contain as many invoice and delivery addresses as needed. Apart from the master data saved for a particular customer, a variety of extra information can be viewed via the integrated interface. One clearly structured chart, for example, shows the volume of orders handled for the selected customer in the current month, as well as each of the previous twelve months. Other charts compare the turnover of the current and previous years, or the number of separate orders. The reporting options are almost limitless. The HIFLEX customer database presents the master data saved for a selected customer, along with charts that help to visualize the number of orders placed to date and the corresponding business turnover. 33
Distribution to production partners HIFLEX Webshop can also be set up as a network of cooperating companies. This effectively lifts all of the potential restrictions on the offered product portfolio and allows a webshop operator to address new target groups. The system automatically forwards incoming orders to the appropriate partner. Job distribution to partner companies HIFLEX Webshop has been designed with the ability to pass orders on to partners or sub suppliers, if necessary. This function opens up numerous possibilities and lucrative options for your customized webshop and its products. Larger target groups can be addressed and attracted as new customers when the number of available products is expanded. Partners extend the scope of your webshop product portfolio The job distribution to partner companies can be organized on the basis of various criteria:» Print orders for example can be distributed according to the regions in which the production facilities are located. In such cases, it is irrelevant whether the distinction is made between local postal codes or even different countries. When using Internet technologies, the actual distance to different suppliers no longer plays a significant role.» Alternatively, the orders can be assigned according for example to the type of product, such as adhesive bindings, large-format posters or roll-up banners. No restrictions need to be placed on the extent of a webshop portfolio.» Attributes such as paper type and weight can optional be used to influence the distribution to individual printers, which maximizes the efficiency of production with multiple-product forms (see Chapter 24»Gang printing«). 34
HIFLEX Webshop for print company networks: The implementation of PrintPlaza AG (www.printplaza.com) PrintPlaza AG is a practical example of a webshop implementation for cooperating print companies. The Düsseldorf-based system has been using HIFLEX Webshop for several years. A total of five print companies in Germany and the Benelux handle the jobs generated through webshop, all of which work efficiently and are networked via JDF/JMF interfaces. They consistently deliver print quality that is compliant with the Process Standard Offset (ISO 12647-2). This background ensures problem-free production at every location, regardless of the fact that each company is running presses and other machinery that differ from their partner manufacturers. The product portfolio of PrintPlaza AG contains more than 300,000 different print products. They are configured»on-the-fly«by HIFLEX Webshop from only 140 individual items and feature options. The whole spectrum of products is covered, from flyers, brochures, business cards and folders, through to XXL posters or label sheets. Production Plant Düsseldorf Production Plant Berlin Production Plant Karlsruhe Production Plant Munich Production Plant Benelux An example of successful networking. The webshop implementation PrintPlaza.com uses the JDF data format to exchange job information with the MIS systems of different printing companies in multiple locations. 35
Print approval When the»proofing«function is called, HIFLEX Webshop lists all of the orders that the customer has requested a proof for before actual production begins. The system offers an integrated workflow to ensure professional handling of this process step. Proofing avoids printing errors A proof gives the customer an opportunity to check the processing of the print data by prepress before actual production begins. HIFLEX Webshop offers an integrated function that handles and coordinates proofing between the supplier and customer. Automatic handling of the approval process The system generates a list of all the customers who have selected the option»soft proof«or»printed proof«(see Chapter 6»Quotation and factsheet«). To trigger the proofing process, you simply select a contact person of the customer and the order for which proofing has been requested. A date is then specified for receipt of the customer s approval and you can enter a customized message for the customer, if necessary. The system sends an e-mail to the customer, who can confirm the release of the job to production by way of an enclosed link. HIFLEX Webshop lists all open orders for which the customer has requested a proofing cycle prior to production. 36
The customer receives an e-mail with a link directing them to a special area of webshop for proofing. Following confirmation by the customer, the actual print production can begin. The link in the e-mail opens a special webshop area where the customer can complete the approval process. Clicking on the preview image opens a PDF of the print file, which is easily proofed by the customer in their web browser. The resolution and size is dependent on the settings of your prepress system and can be altered as required. If no changes are necessary, the data is released to production. If there are any mistakes or irregularities in the data, however, the customer can either communicate the desired corrections or decline approval and send a new file. Release to production by the customer Once the customer has confirmed the proof, the job status in the HIFLEX MIS is automatically changed to»approval received«. Production of the order can then begin. 37
Online payment systems HIFLEX Webshop incorporates a PCI certifiable online payment system for simple, secure processing of transactions between customers and suppliers. PCI certifiable online payment system The order value can be debited from the customer s account immediately upon completion of the order in HIFLEX Webshop. A PCI certifiable online payment system (compliant with the Payment Card Industry) processes the transaction quickly and effortlessly. Invoices are created automatically by HIFLEX and optionally booked into their respective financial accounts of connected systems. Incoming payments from the customer can also be booked via a corresponding interface. These functions save time and money through direct connection with your financial accounting. Online payment systems offer benefits for both the print company and customer A certifiable online payment system offers benefits to both customers and print companies. The protection of the customer s data ensuring its rightful use are state-of-the-art. The installation of a firewall and communication with SSL encryption are standard data security features within HIFLEX Webshop. The advantage for the printer is that the order value is already debited from the customer s account before production begins. Time-consuming reminder procedures become obsolete. HIFLEX Webshop is successfully using many of the leading online payment systems. These include PayPal, PayOne, Ogone and Authorize.net. 38
Integration of delivery services An interface between HIFLEX Webshop and the leading delivery services ensures a fast and reliable delivery of the finished products to the customer. When an order is received, a delivery note with a tracking number (UPS) is generated. As soon as an order is received, the HIFLEX system optional establishes contact to a delivery service. Shipping of the printed products is then scheduled in the UPS system and confirmed by communication of a tracking number. HIFLEX Webshop provides an interface into UPS services HIFLEX Webshop offers an automatic delivery scheduling interface to the parcel services UPS. In this case, the print order simply needs to be entered into the HIFLEX system and the delivery service is automatically notified of the required shipping information. Via export interfaces it is possible to connect other delivery services such as FedEx or DPD. Automatic scheduling of UPS As soon as the shipping process is initiated, the customer can use the available package tracking functions to monitor their order status. UPS labels are generated automatically when an order is received. 39
Job tracking One important function of HIFLEX Webshop is job tracking, which allows the customer to monitor the status of all print orders online. By offering customers this level of transparency, they can see where their job is in the process and what they are required to do to complete the order. This service pays off for both the customer and the print supplier. Online job tracking Job tracking tools allow the customer to monitor the current status of all outstanding print orders online, including milestones such as data received, proofing, in production or dispatched. The customer receives feedback on the current status of an order in the system and, as a result, knows precisely how the printing of each individual product is progressing. High level of transparency in the processing of print orders Job tracking saves both the supplier and their customer time and money. Telephone inquiries or e-mail are reduced to a minimum. This high level of transparency is the groundwork for sustained customer loyalty, as the customer is kept up to date on the status of their orders at all times. Waiting Files Files Waiting Files for files complete in process for ok confirmed Order In delivery Delivered Cancelled in production 40
Inventory calls and fulfillment The HIFLEX inventory call and fulfillment applications allow you to offer customers other services, in addition to printing. Inventory management, package assembly and logistics services are all available for the ordered print product. Maximize customer loyalty by offering extra value with HIFLEX functions that control inventory calls and fulfillment. These extra services are managed along the entire production and delivery chain, from printing of the necessary packaging and/or documentation via logistics and inventory management services, to assembly of the overall product package (KIT). This transaction into HIFLEX Webshop brings enormous advantages for all concerned, as the customer is constantly kept informed of current stock levels of the ongoing inventory. Customer loyalty through inventory calls and fulfillment For assembly orders the customer books a certain quantity of their product and specifies a delivery date and address. An order is created automatically in the back-end and the required components are reserved in the inventory management system. An internal e-mail is sent within the print company detailing the specifications of the required components, a delivery note, the order number and confirmation of the reservation. A web-based application initiates the assembly process where the individual components are automatically called from stock, and the newly completed packages are entered in return. Both the supplier and the customer maintain an accurate and up-to-date overview of the available components and product quantities. Inventory management for KITs and their components You can offer your customer more than just printing services for example inventory management, package assembly and logistics. 41
Target group-oriented marketing One of the major challenges for a webshop is successful marketing. With this in mind, HIFLEX Webshop offers effective sales and marketing tools to assist the webshop operator with prospect acquisition, customer relations development and success evaluation. Address different target groups Careful target group analysis is imperative if prospect acquisition and customer relations development are to function properly. A reseller may often need»wire-stitching«, a general business customer is more likely to look for»advertising brochures«, and private individuals will probably search for»booklets«or»club magazines«. All have the same product in mind, but each knows it by a different name. If you hope to do good business, it is of the utmost importance that you speak the same language as the customer. To be able to address all of your target groups efficiently, HIFLEX provides a multi-branding license. This allows you to operate several webshops with different content and designs under different domain names. Consequently, each unique domain is able to focus on their respective target group. Webshop is not only for printed products HIFLEX Webshop is optional suitable for the handling of other products, including promotional articles. Typical examples of such products are mugs, baseball caps, pens and roll-up banners. Measure the success of your internet presence via Google Analytics. Google Analytics generates simple charts and graphs that help you understand the extent of your website traffic. With this tool, you can measure the success of a marketing campaign. 42
View an accurate overview of who, when and from where your website was visited. Search engine optimization for top search engine rankings was a matter of extreme importance for the developers of HIFLEX Webshop. All the important search engine technologies have been taken into account.»speaking URLs«support you through optimization, they describe the content of each web page within the web address and contribute to rankings by making your webshop easier to find. Search engine optimization and top Google rankings through»speaking URLs«Google Analytics plays an important role in measuring the success of marketing campaigns. Comprehensive statistics and analysis are available in text and charts. The data can be displayed as either time-related or location-dependent. Google Analytics helps to evaluate the success of marketing activities 43
Promotional code generator The promotional code generator integrated into HIFLEX Webshop supports print service providers in their implementation of bonuses and discount offers. Make use of the promotional code generator as a quick and cost-effective way to draw attention to your marketing activities. Promotional codes for successful marketing The integrated promotional code generator is yet another important tool that supports effective marketing with HIFLEX Webshop and facilitates the implementation of bonus and discount offers. With just a minimum investment of costs and time, the promotional code generator enables you to promote your webshop and draw special attention to your marketing activities. Simple realisation The actual generation of a promotional code is very simple: You merely specify the number of codes to be generated and their corresponding value. It is your choice whether the discount is to apply to a specific product or the overall product portfolio. Discounts can be deducted as either a fixed sum (e.g. 5 Euro) or a percentage (e.g. 10%) of the order value. Available for all target groups The time limit validity of a promotional code is user-defined. The length of time that the offer is valid for can be specified as a precise date. Regardless of whether you use promotional codes as a gesture of appreciation for premium customers or as a marketing instrument for customer acquisition: the integrated promotional code generator in HIFLEX Webshop is your key tool. Automatic discount If a promotional code is entered when placing an order, the relevant amount is immediately deducted from the invoice amount. 44
With the promotional code generator, new marketing campaigns can be initiated in no time. 45
Partner and affiliate programs HIFLEX Webshop offers a partner and affiliate program as a means to generate new customers. It is possible, for example, to offer repeat customers a special discount when they refer a new customer. Additionally, advertising banners can be integrated into the websites of customers and partners. Market development has never been easier HIFLEX Webshop has no regional limitations, meaning that it can be viewed by anyone in the world with an internet connection. Consequently, the development of new markets has never been easier. Your efforts to attract new customers are supported by HIFLEX Webshop through its integrated partner and affiliate programs. Customers attract new customers The best advertising for a product is the recommendation of a friend or relative. After all, they will only suggest products and services that they have used and had good experiences with, making their suggestions more powerful than any other marketing effort. For this reason,»word of mouth«is and always will be the most effective form of advertising. Coded link tracks participation in turnover Give your customers the incentive to recommend your webshop to others. Within HIFLEX Webshop, your customers can send an automatic e-mail to friends or acquaintances. The system generates a special code and appends it to a web link, which the recipient of the e-mail can then use to access the start page of your webshop. Coded information in the link contains the reference customers ID as well as information to activate the agreed bonus, both of which are saved on the recipient s computer as a cookie. This allows the customer passing on the recommendation to participate in the turnover from the new customer. Within the HIFLEX Webshop your customers can send an automatic e-mail to friends or acquaintances. 46
If registered customers maintain a website of their own, it is easy to integrate an advertising banner for your webshop. This function of HIFLEX Webshop automatically provides the customer with an appropriate HTML code, which can simply be copied into the customer s own source code. Web banners on a customer s website The HTML code contains all the details required for successful marketing activity. By simply clicking on the banner the user is taken directly to the internet address of your webshop. The link contains coded information that tracks participation in any new turnover. The system automatically generates the HTML code needed to integrate a webshop advertising banner. 47
Gang printing Online business offers enormous profit potential for print companies by facilitating multiple-product forms and encouraging more efficient utilization of production capacities. Even ultra short runs can be printed at lucrative prices. Web2Print often means gang printing A special feature of Web2Print production is the often exploited opportunity to compose multipleproduct forms. With this feature a print company reduces the costs for printing plates as well as fixed costs, since similar jobs from different customers can be printed together. Printing with multipleproduct forms leads to a stronger competitive position on the Web2Print market. HIFLEX Webshop can be optionally linked via MXML (Metrix XML) to a Metrix server, which allows users to assemble optimized multiple-product forms quickly and reliably. Metrix combines print products in various formats and for different order volumes, folded or unfolded and with individual bleeds and grain directions, into a single sheet layout. The system automatically calculates even the most complex layouts for cut, folded and bound products with different final formats. The calculated layout is exported as an imposed PDF file, a JDF layout, or a Preps template format for additional processing by a compatible workflow system, such as AGFA Apogee, Kodak Prinergy, Screen Trueflow or Fujifilm XMF. The Metrix server gathers orders and assembles a corresponding multiple-product form 48
Typical workflow 2. 4. 5. 2. Order passed to the order book; job number generated. MXML (Metrix XML). 4. Metrix: The auto-plan functionality assembles several possible multiple-product layouts. The system or the prepress operator decides which of the offered alternatives is to be used. 5. MXML output: Metrix creates an MXML (Metrix XML) file with all the jobs for which there was no space on the assembled form. This MXML file is later filled with new jobs from the system and serves as the basis for the next calculation of a multiple-product layout. the job number of the assembled work to the imposition data. 49
Implementation and support HIFLEX Webshop is supplied as a complete, turn-key solution on a USB disk. Simply copy the files to the web server and you are ready to start. Should you need any assistance, our Support staff is happy to help you in any way (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CET). Virtual machines running on Intel-based servers HIFLEX Webshop utilizes Intel-based servers with virtual machines (VMware) on Red Hat Linux. The front-end (VMware 1) runs an Apache web server, a mail server and the HIFLEX Webshop application itself. The PDF-Online software and optional preflight system is also installed on the front-end. The back-end (VMware 2) carries the HIFLEX back-end as the internal management system for HIFLEX Webshop. Professional Support Center with IT and print specialists An essential requirement of a Web2Print solution is competent and immediate support. For that reason, there are always experts at the desks of our professional Support Center. In order to guarantee that we understand exactly what you are talking about, our specialists have both an IT and a printing-specific know-how. Software-monitored reaction time and fast support via the Internet This is how it works: If necessary and after appropriate consultation our staff accesses your system directly and makes any necessary modifications or updates. Fast remote access ensures the shortest possible reaction times and keeps your business running smoothly. In order to guarantee this, all incoming support queries are recorded and managed in a professional ticket system. esupport Center for continuously available assistance and transparent tracking Customers can also follow the processing of their support queries and orders in real time via the internet. After entering a personal user name and password on our website www.hiflex.com, you gain access to our exclusive esupport Center, which offers total transparency to our customers. Investment protection To protect the value of your investment, our software contract provides at least one additional, fully developed version of every HIFLEX program to be supplied within every two years. With this feature you can be certain that you are using an up-to-date software version that takes the latest technical trends and developments into account. Our staff is constantly on hand to offer you services above and beyond the scope of the license agreement, such as the development of individual database queries. 50
Ten strategies essential to the success of Web2Print: Is there already demand for your kind of services on the Internet, or are your products not yet available through an online retailer? Internet market research via Google helps provide answers to your questions quickly and clearly (see: https://adwords.google.com/select/keywordtoolexternal). 2. Appropriate domain name: Choose a suitable domain which will be automatically revealed through an intuitive search. You can register several names, including domains that may resemble your web address with common spelling mistakes. The more addresses you have, the greater the chance you have of being found. A robust foundation for your webshop is extremely important. An online shop with numerous open interfaces is available for targeted expansion with additional tools. Offer as many different forms of payment as possible, and protect your customers sensitive data with SSL encryption. HIFLEX Webshop helps your company stay secure with PCI certifiable payment processing functions. 4. Professional presentation:»you never get a second chance to make a first impression«. This adage is especially significant to the design of your webshop, which must be both appealing and professional. Your website is your company s business card and must represent it in the best way possible. By taking advantage of the Drupal CMS, you can easily create and maintain professional designs or download them from the internet for free. 5. Customer attraction: Attract new customers with specialized marketing campaigns, or by placing banner advertisements. HIFLEX Webshop offers a variety of tools that assist you in expanding your business, e.g. integrated promotional codes. Gain the confidence of your website s visitors. Quality marks, positive customer ratings and guarantees are all factors that have a positive influence on the decisions of online buyers. The internet offers many new and inexpensive marketing channels. Search engine marketing plays an important role in online commerce. HIFLEX Webshop has been optimized to achieve top rankings with all of the leading search engines. Keep your customers informed regarding interesting topics and special offers. HIFLEX Webshop allows you to automatically create newsletters which educate consumers about your portal and its services. Cater to your customers, but don t neglect your own needs. Ensure that order processing is automated on the back-end for a streamlined, profitable workflow. The optional preflight check integrated into HIFLEX Webshop verifies the suitability of customer submitted files. Additionally, online business offers enormous revenue potential via multiple product forms. Production capacities can be utilized more efficiently, which helps you to stay competitive in the small-volume customer market. Stay in contact with your customers. Generate personalized offers and keep your customers happy with discounts, bonus programs, or customer loyalty cards. HIFLEX Webshop includes all of the necessary tools to ensure that first time visitors become repeat customers. 51