Unlike commercial printers, in-plant printers get a job from a colleague, servicing just their organization. These colleagues down the hall expect fast turnaround, flawless results, and solutions for challenges and applications that weren’t part of the request yesterday. As organizations ask in-plant teams to produce environmental graphics, window graphics, wall murals, and graphics, choosing the right media for the application has never been more important.
Today’s In-Plant Requests are Expanding
Requests from internal customers are no longer just printing business cards and brochures. The list of printed jobs continues to expand for in-plant print shops. Today’s requests include applications like window graphics, wall murals, privacy films, event signage, branding, floor graphics, long-term graphics, and temporary promotions. While the applications are changing, expectations haven’t. Internal customers still expect quick turnaround and perfect execution.
The Challenges of In-Plant Print Shops
Tight Deadlines
Everyone is asking for a deadline of tomorrow. Marketing needs a wall mural done tomorrow for a video shoot. Facilities needs directional signage before the semester begins. The admissions department just added another event. No matter the application, you need products that are easy to print and install. They need to be reliable and perform as your internal customer expects. You don’t have time for troubleshooting issues.
Unknown Surfaces
All surfaces have different needs when it comes to graphics. Painted drywall, glass, textured surfaces, concrete, brick, and LSE plastics all have different requirements for success. You won’t be able to use the same media on a sensitive surface as you will on glass. Compatibility of the surface to the media and adhesive is a critical detail. Choose the right media based on the surface for a successful installation and reduced failures.
Removability and Turnaround Time
A demanding schedule of events can mean a quick turnaround time for graphics, leaving very little time for problems. How the graphic removes is an important part of the equation. When adhesive residue and longer than planned removals happen, they slowdown your team and add unexpected costs. Prioritizing how the media will remove from the get-go will deliver the turnaround your expect.
Media Selection Matters More Than Price
When a wide format application fails, it costs you. There are hidden costs to every graphic failure. From reprints, overtime, and wasted labor to unhappy departments, all of these hidden costs create unexpected problems. Choosing the media that will overcome application challenges eliminates these hidden costs.
Choose a Partner, Not Just a Supplier
You need materials you can count on and you need a partner you can count on. Look for a partner who can help guide you in even the most complicated applications. They should have technical expertise to be your resource when it counts. In return, your partners should offer you reliable inventory, quality solutions, and consistent quality so you can deliver the best solution to your internal customers. Partnering with Continental Grafix gives you all this and access to premium solutions for graphics on windows, walls, and floors.
Whether you’re producing temporary signage, wayfinding, or long term branding installations, selecting the right media allows your team to deliver quality to your internal customers. You’ll be able to choose the media that will overcome the challenges of the application so you’ll reduce rework and other hidden costs. All of this will keep your internal customers happy. The right media solution doesn’t just make installation easier. It helps your in-plant become an even more valuable resource to your organization.
Are you an in-plant print shop ready to partner with Continental Grafix? Get in touch.
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