Can Automation Really Cut hours off Print Jobs?
Yes, automation can cut hours off every print job. In a busy print environment, where orders pile up, deadlines loom, and communication can easily break down, workflow automation is no longer optional – it’s essential. With tools like Midnight and Printer’s Plan from Print Reach, print shops can finally eliminate manual tasks, reduce production bottlenecks, and bring true visibility to every job in progress.
Why Manual Processes Hurt Profitability
Even the most talented teams can’t overcome inefficient systems. Many print shops still rely on spreadsheets, email chains, or handwritten notes to manage orders, proof approvals, and delivery schedules. These outdated processes create:
- Missed deadlines due to lost job tickets or unclear priorities.
- Bottlenecks in estimating, scheduling, or billing when information isn’t shared instantly.
- Job tracking issues when multiple departments operate in silos.
- Reduced margins as rework and downtime eat into profits.
Every minute spent chasing updates or reprinting jobs is time and money lost—especially when modern print management software can handle those tasks automatically.
Automation Tools That Simplify Every Job Step
Print Reach’s suite of productivity tools for printers—including Midnight (cloud-based MIS) and Printer’s Plan (on-premise solution)—helps print shops streamline every phase of the workflow.
1. Job Intake & Estimating
Manual quotes often delay production and frustrate customers. With Print Reach automation:
- Estimates are generated instantly using standardized pricing formulas.
- Orders flow directly from quote to job ticket—no re-entry required.
2. Scheduling & Production Tracking
A common bottleneck is unclear scheduling. Print Reach software lets managers:
- View all jobs in one digital queue.
- Reassign or re-prioritize jobs in real time as deadlines shift.
- Track progress automatically, reducing status check-ins.
3. Communication & Collaboration
Miscommunication between sales, prepress, and production is a top cause of rework. Print Reach tools ensure:
- Every department sees the same live data.
- Updates (like proof approvals or material delays) trigger instant alerts.
- Customer service reps can check job status instantly—no need to interrupt production.
4. Billing & Reporting
Instead of manual invoicing at the end of the week, Print Reach solutions:
- Generate invoices automatically once jobs close.
- Sync with accounting platforms for faster reconciliation.
- Provide detailed reports on job profitability and resource usage.
Before & After Automation
Before:
- Lost job tickets and inconsistent updates.
- Time-consuming manual quotes.
- Missed deadlines due to poor scheduling.
- Endless email threads for status checks.
- Invoicing delayed by manual data entry.
After (with Print Reach):
- Centralized digital job tracking.
- Instant, accurate quotes and pricing.
- Automated scheduling with real-time visibility.
- Seamless cross-department communication.
- Automatic invoicing and performance reports.
Real-World Example: From Missed Deadlines to Smooth Delivery
A mid-sized commercial printer in Ohio managed production through spreadsheets and printed job tickets. Sales reps frequently promised unrealistic turnaround times because they couldn’t see the production queue. Jobs were missed, clients complained, and reprints were frequent.
After implementing Midnight from Print Reach, the company automated job intake, scheduling, and billing. Managers gained visibility into capacity, while CSR teams could track every job live. Within 90 days, the shop cut turnaround time by 30% and improved on-time delivery rates to 98%.
The Takeaway
Whether you run a digital print shop or a full-service offset operation, print shop workflow automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about reclaiming control. With Print Reach’s print management software, you replace chaos with clarity and turn every job into a well-orchestrated success.
Ready to transform your workflow? Contact Print Reach today and discover how Midnight and Printer’s Plan can help your team work smarter, faster, and more profitably.