Prepress Workflow
- 1Client uploads file to the portal
- 2Prepress team uploads proof for review
- 3System sends SMS notification to client
- 4Client signs off via mobile link
- 5Job status updates to Ready for Press
Systems for Commercial Printers
Streamline Your Print Production from Quote to Final Proof
Commercial printers bring in revenue through high-volume production and recurring contract work for marketing collateral. Profit leaks occur when artwork revisions stall in email threads, proofs go unapproved for days, or specialty paper stock is not billed correctly due to manual entry errors.
Technology, SaaS & Agencies
- Digital Proof Approvals
- Artwork Intake Portal
- Missed Call Text Back
- Inventory Reactivation
- Automated Rush Fee Invoicing
Also for: Commercial Printers
How the business actually works
How the work flows, start to finish.
- 01
Inquiry
A prospect submits project specifications for a custom print run through your website.
- 02
Estimating
You provide a detailed quote based on substrate, ink coverage, and finishing requirements.
- 03
Onboarding
The client enters a portal to upload vector files, bleed specifications, and branding assets.
- 04
Proofing
The prepress department sends digital proofs for client review and formal sign off.
- 05
Production
The job moves to the press floor for offset or digital printing and finishing.
- 06
Fulfillment
Completed orders are packaged and local delivery or shipping is coordinated.
- 07
Reorder
The system identifies low stock levels for the client and prompts a recurring order.
Where it leaks
Common problems for print shops.
01
Proofing Delays
Jobs often sit idle on the press because a client has not seen or responded to an approval email. This creates production bottlenecks and missed deadlines across the entire shop floor.
02
Vector File Management
Receiving low resolution assets or outdated logos leads to poor print quality and rework. Managing these files via email causes version control issues and lost prepress time.
03
Complex Quoting
Print jobs have dozens of variables like paper weight, lamination, and die cutting that are hard to track. Inconsistent pricing leads to shrinking margins on labor intensive small runs.
04
Manual Reorders
Relying on clients to remember when they need more business cards or letterheads is inefficient. Without proactive outreach, you lose steady recurring revenue to online commodity printers.
05
Payment Lag
Chasing down checks for completed work stalls your cash flow for purchasing materials. Manual invoicing often forgets to include extra charges for rush fees or design revisions.
What LATTICE can build
Systems built around how you work.
Digital Proof Approvals
Automate the sending of PDF proofs with a clear button for clients to approve or request changes immediately.
Artwork Intake Portal
A secure client area where users upload large design files and specify finishing options without clogging your inbox.
Missed Call Text Back
Ensure that new print inquiries from local businesses are captured instantly when the shop is noisy or busy.
Inventory Reactivation
Identify clients who have not ordered their quarterly marketing materials and send automated reminders to restock.
Automated Rush Fee Invoicing
Automatically add surcharges to the final bill when a client requests a turnaround outside of standard lead times.
Review Generation
Send a request for a photo review once a job is delivered, showcasing the quality of your finish and color matching.
Example systems
What it looks like in practice.
Bulk Account Retention
- 1System tags client as a quarterly account
- 2Wait 75 days since last completed invoice
- 3Send personalized email regarding reorder needs
- 4Link to previous order specs for one click approval
- 5Create new draft estimate for the shop manager
New Lead Qualification
- 1Prospect fills out detailed spec form
- 2AI assistant asks about paper stock and deadline
- 3System calculates estimated lead time based on schedule
- 4Manager is notified to finalize the formal quote
Have a different problem?
Tell us what's slowing the business down. LATTICE can build around the way your business operates.
Questions from print shops
How do we handle large design files through the system?
The client portal is designed to accept large vector and raster files. This keeps your project assets organized by job number rather than scattered across various staff email accounts.
Can we automate the approval process for proofs?
Yes. When a proof is uploaded, the system can text the client a direct link to view and sign. This creates a time stamped record of the approval before any ink hits the paper.
Does this help with recurring corporate accounts?
It tracks the history of every order. You can set triggers to reach out to corporate clients when they are likely running low on standardized forms, stationery, or promotional items.
Can we manage different pricing for wholesale and retail?
The CRM allows you to tag clients by account type. This ensures that trade partners or high volume brokers receive their specific pricing automatically on every quote.
What happens if a client misses their deadline for files?
The system can send automated nudges via SMS or email. This protects your production schedule by ensuring all necessary assets are in house before the scheduled press time.