From the time you give your Suttle-Straus sales rep the green light to the time your project goes to press, a complex dance of human and technological events takes place in our Client Services Department. It’s a process you’ll likely never notice, but it’s vital to ensuring timely, accurate and cost-effective results. Take a look at the behind-the-scenes action of Suttle-Straus’ client services team.
Step 1: Job Planning
If your project hasn’t been estimated yet, it goes to one of our job planners, who are experts in our various production capabilities. They plan the project, lay out press sheets, order materials, and assign costs and hours to work centers.
Step 2: Scheduling
Our Workflow Department uses powerful scheduling software to slot the project into each operation to ensure things flow properly, in the correct order and on time.
Step 3: File Processing
Our premedia operators convert your documents into press-ready files, imposed for the press or other output devices, as required.
Step 4: Proofing
The press-ready files are output on color-calibrated proof printers and assembled to provide you with the most accurate representation of your project possible. At this time, various forms of “soft” proofs can be generated for online or remote proofing.
Step 5: Plating
Once you have reviewed and approved your proof, the job moves into the Plating Department and printing plates are imaged. In the case of digital or grand imaging jobs, the files are transmitted to the correct device for output.
Throughout this process, dedicated client service representatives (CSR’s) are managing the steps, ensuring everything goes smoothly. They also facilitate all communication between departments and with the customer.
Working as a CSR requires extreme attention to detail, good follow up, and clear communication skills. While it can be stressful at times with many moving parts, it’s a challenge that many of our CSRs find very rewarding. And, seeing the final product and the satisfaction of our clients makes it all worth it!
Stay tuned for our next “Behind The Scenes” article, where we’ll follow the path of a conventional print job from press to bindery.
