The word “compatibility” is intricate. Be it humans or technology; it holds a profound importance. If not, there are apparently destructive consequences. However, today, we will talk just about technologies. These days, when most of the businesses strive online, it is important for the websites to work smoothly. Irrespective of the software installed and the tools integrated to enhance functionalities.
When Web-to-Print technology established its foothold in the ecommerce market; things changed. Following the herd mentality, ecommerce store owners started integrating web-to-print product design software to their website. Now, that is a great decision considering the personalization options that these tools offer. But in most of the cases, there were regrets at a later stage. The technology was not compatible enough and the sales figures touched the ground like a tumbling tower of cards.
Also read: How to Overcome the Issues Pertaining to Adoption of Web to Print Software?
The question we need to ask here is, does the software work seamlessly with your platform? Is it compatible to your current workflow? Does the online product designer tool help you run your print-production cycle smoothly?
If the answers to any of the above questions is “no,” you need to rethink. And of course, read this blog. We have come up with a valuable guide to help you traverse through the web-to-print jungle. Let us get going:
Know Your Objectives
A software is nothing but operating information used by a computer to simplify your manual tasks. Before employing a web-to-print software to conduct your print job, you must know your objectives. Do you want it to acquire information? Or want to track your print production cycle? Should it help your customers to design different products or enable you to print?
List down some or all the purposes you want it to fulfill. Thereafter, speak to the providers and know if their software provides with similar functionalities. It will help you know whether you are on the right track with the search.
Ask for Compatibility Diagrams
Approach a product design software provider and he will rave on about how his tool helps you with print production workflow, web-to-print ERP, print MIS, CRM and more. And you know how big words can be intimidating! As you do not understand them, you just nod your head, smile, and agree.
Unfortunately, this is not the right approach. Especially, when you are investing into an online product designer for your valued business. You need tangible figures depicting how the tool will fit your technology platform. Ask for diagrams/flowchart explaining how each functionality will fit into your business. Request a personalized demo for your knowledge and ask questions fearlessly.
Jot Down the Queries
No journey is as smooth as silk. Especially after you have installed a software that is so crucial for your business. You are sure to have questions and roadblocks while implementing the online product customizer on your website. Think about the challenges you might face and make a list of top priorities.
Once you have a checklist of the potential issues you might face; sit with the providers and know about the solutions they can offer. Remember, even if they do not have an instant solution, the approach is very important.
Willingness to Customize
Each technology has its pros and cons. So, whether your website belongs to the Magento, PHP or WordPress platform, the “one-size-fits-all” attitude does not work. The online product designer provider must be open and cooperative enough to understand your platform and build the tool from the scratch if the need be.
Although Magento is the most popularly accepted platform; e-store owners also build their websites on Shopify, WooCommerce and other platforms. Therefore, do not worry about your ecommerce platform. Just ensure that the provider understands this and is ready to modify the software accordingly.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, you should also consider the future scope and market of your business. Try to know if your product design software is dynamic and flexible enough to deal with the upcoming market trends. By doing so, you will be able to identify the benefits it can render your business with.
PrintXpand is a platform independent and all-inclusive web-to-print software solution. It comes with a user-friendly frontend/backend. You can seamlessly integrate it with your website platform and simplify your web-to-print production cycle.
