New Magazine Receives Accolades
You did an excellent job on the name change of the magazine. As you know, our industry is significantly more than forms. Spotlighting the value-added diversity of products now available to us will help all of us in the journey to be better consultants. I have appreciated your magazine for the past 22 years because you're willing to change to serve my needs. In these fast-paced times, change is indeed good. Kudos to your staff!
Kevin Welch
Principal/VP of Operations
Eagle/American Eagle Graphics
Portland, Ore.
I wanted to express my thanks for letting our company participate in the September issue of Print Solutions as you made the change from FORM.
Dennis McGarry [DMIA's vice president of manufacturer and technical programs] called me in July to explore the possibility of developing a lenticular, removable cover for the September issue in order to introduce the publication's new name. I had the opportunity to meet with Dennis at the Spring Management Retreat in Hilton Head this past spring. We had produced a lenticular post card announcing the retreat that went out to DMIA's membership.
At i2001 in Philadelphia, person after person came to our booth and remarked how much they liked the lenticular cover. The No. 1 comment I heard from people was how the cover grabbed their attention. People seemed to be drawn to the publication as a result.
I congratulate you and your staff for doing something out of the ordinary that turned out to be so successful.
Doug Flitter
VP, Commercial Print Division
ITSA Products
North Mankato, Minn.
Trumper Profile Inspires Readers
I've been in the industry for more than 30 years, and I've read a few industry articles during that time. I was, and remain, truly moved by Darin Painter's profile of Mark Trumper ("Nothing for Granted," p. 38, Sept.). Stories like this need to be shared and are of more value than any how-to article. Heck, for that matter, Trumper's story is the ultimate how-to. You did an outstanding job. Thank you.
Richard Parrish
Manager, Training and
Product Development
Miami Systems/Shelby Division
Shelby, Ohio
I now think Print Solutions is the premier magazine for print versus the other magazines, based on relevant content. Having lost someone close recently, I was touched by Mark Trumper's background. His story really inspired me. It was a super story that landed at the right time, considering all the circumstances. Great job to both Darin Painter and Trumper, and best wishes going forward.
Randy Davidson
President
WhatTheyThink.com
Lexington, Ky.
Darin Painter's profile of Mark Trumper was absolutely wonderful and inspirational--quite a change of pace from the usual fare in your magazine. The front cover was also terrific. Keep up the great work!
Laura Martin
Office Manager
SWC Enterprises Inc.
Canton, Ohio
Changing Industry Article on Target
I thought Ivars Sarkans' article was great ("Strategies for a Changing Industry," p. 16, Sept.). I'm surprised to see DMIA finally talking about a market environment that, in itself, is in a well-established (mature) stage. Sarkans' comments should cause both manufacturers and distributors to rethink how their relationship should be evolving.
Sarkans' comments regarding production orientation in the second paragraph are right on. I've had some success in introducing service orientation in our small company. It does bring dramatic changes in the production environment when production people start thinking about service rather than uninterrupted workflow.
Bill Falstad
President/Sales
Kansas Bank Note Co.
Fredonia,
Kan.
The following responses are to THE OCTOBER QUESTION, "What software
best helps your company operate efficiently or increase sales?"
Team Dispatch has installed newe-commerce software, which is totally integrated with our back-end computer operating systems. We have two models. One is a shopping-cart model whereby the customer can order items stored at our Fulfillment Plus facility. The other is an imaging model that allows a customer to customize print products online. As customers enter orders, processing is done automatically, which lowers transaction costs. This technology also has enabled us to capture new business. The software was developed by us and resides on our in-house server. These systems are distributor-branded and usually are linked to us through the distributor's web site.
Timothy J. Mehl, CDC
COO
Team Dispatch
DMIA Board Member
Erie, Pa.
We use FormTool Scan and OCR software for our internal electronic forms and relational database. It's ideal for electronic transmissions of quotations, credit applications using an e-filler activity for end user executable files, and memos and change notices to the factory. While this software doesn't integrate with our enterprise software, we've been using it for some time and we're all familiar with it. This program allows us to promptly respond to an inquiry, send an email attachment or fax of the document, then have the files available in our office to reference if the customer or prospect asks about the information.
Dick Gray, CDC
President
Xtension Technologies Inc.
