Floor Care Guide: What Facility Managers Need to Know

Floor Care Guide: What Facility Managers Need to Know

Floor Care Guide: What Facility Managers Need to Know

When customers walk into a store or patients enter a hospital, they immediately begin to assess their environment, often judging a facility based solely on its aesthetic appeal. Your employees are no different—they deserve clean, safe facilities, too, regardless of whether or not your business receives customer traffic. Appearances and safety matter, and your floors make a subtle yet impactful statement about your organization’s brand, level of professionalism and commitment to cleanliness.

Commercial and industrial floor care options have changed over the years and will continue to evolve in the face of new substrates that reduce maintenance; the expectation for greener, more sustainable cleaning materials; and a maturing custodial workforce that requires continuing education to stay fluent in new trends.

Whether you run a hotel or elite university, your facility team needs to know about these trends and how to evolve with them. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the curve.

Ease labor burdens with increased automation

Like most industries, the facility management (FM) sector has been hard hit by the labor shortage as leaders struggle to recruit and retain skilled talent. Research shows that 66% of facility managers and staff have left or have considered leaving their job in the past year. As FM staff age out of the workforce, organizations will need to replace these seasoned workers without breaking their budgets.

When FM professionals are in short supply, organizations can do more with less by investing in automation. Robotic scrubber-sweepers, for example, can clean large areas with minimal employee interaction or intervention, allowing teams to focus on more strategic, high-value tasks. This type of automation is especially useful for organizations that maintain massive warehouses, manufacturing plants or any other venue covering thousands of square feet.

Seek sustainable substrates and solutions

Floor Care Guide: What Facility Managers Need to KnowFrom routine cleaning to waxing and stripping, floor care requires the use of many potentially dangerous chemicals. Opting for greener alternatives, such as water-based cleaning agents, non-toxic solutions and supplies made from all-recycled plastic, is a simple way to help protect the environment as well as your employees’ health. Seek a distribution partner that carries environmentally conscious brands and ask for guidance when building your facility’s sustainability strategy.

An added bonus of prioritizing sustainability is the positive impact it can have on customer perception of your brand, as 4 out of 5 people describe themselves as likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to environmental sustainability. By using eco-friendly floor care products and promoting your commitment to sustainability, you can increase brand loyalty and attract new customers.

Don’t go it alone

With the rise of self-service technology and big box stores, it’s never been easier to purchase floor care products and other facility supplies. But convenience often comes at a cost, and organizations that rely on these quick solutions lose out on the industry knowledge and expertise a facility supply distributor can provide.

Find a partner that not only understands floor care trends and techniques, but one that can identify gaps in your FM strategy and help you fill them. Because although your next order of hardwood floor cleaner or surface disinfectant might be a click away, no online retailer will understand your business needs quite like your local supply partner.

For more on how to make the most of your floor care and maintenance program, reach out to our facility supply team.

 

 

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Why the Roland TrueVIS VG3 is a Game-Changer for Large Format Printing

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Why the Roland TrueVIS VG3 is a Game-Changer for Large Format Printing

Large Format technology is constantly evolving to be better, faster and more efficient than the printer models of years past. With the release of its latest printer/cutter in the TrueVIS VG3 series, Roland has solidified its reputation as one of the most innovative brands in the industry.

Both the VG3-540 and VG3-640 models are advanced wide format printing machines designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern printing businesses, sign shops, retailers and major enterprises. We’ll explore a few of the new features, benefits and upgrades that make TrueVIS a worthwhile investment.

Superior Print Quality

The VG3 series includes a newly designed printhead that delivers exceptional print quality and performance. Advanced True Rich Color technology ensures accurate color reproduction, allowing you to create crisp lines, sharp details and graphics with vibrant and consistent colors that pop. Both models also offer state-of-the-art media handling capabilities, including high-speed printing and automated inkjet maintenance, which yields consistent, reliable results.

In addition to superior print quality, the VG3 series is second to none when it comes to precise cutting capabilities. Whether you’re creating labels and decals or wall decor and vehicle graphics, the new TrueVIS machines can print and cut on small and large scales.

Versatility

Today’s sign and graphics professionals require versatile printers equipped to handle multiple print applications, from banners and signs to vehicle wraps and backlit displays. The VG3 series supports a variety of inks, including UV, resin and eco-solvent, plus large format media types and substrates, including vinyl, textiles and paper, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need flexibility in their printing capabilities.

User-Centric Design

Roland products are designed with the end user in mind, and this new series of wide format printers is no exception. The VG3 machines are designed for ease-of-use, with features such as a 7-inch LCD touch-panel control, auto-calibration and other intuitive, automated tools. The automated maintenance feature, in particular, ensures the printer is easy to operate and maintain, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Powerful RIP Software

Fueled by VersaWorks RIP software and Roland DG Connect, a powerful print operation app, the TruVIS goes above and beyond when it comes to boosting productivity. Roland DG Connect comes with data and visualization tools to optimize your print workflow, while VersaWorks boasts a host of features, including detailed color matching, simplified drag-and-drop functionality and all the tiling, nesting, variable data and color profiling tools you need to produce stunning visual communications.

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Additional features include:

  • Automated pinch rollers to ensure accurate print and cut operations
  • Enhanced nozzle mask function, which helps to minimize printer downtime by allowing you to turn off a specific misfiring nozzle band without disrupting production
  • Custom crop options to improve accuracy on long print runs of stickers and decals
  • New media holder and other features to make loading easier
  • Smart media clamps with integrated grooves that don’t interfere with sheet-cutting or need to be removed at any time
  • Perforated sheet cut option, which allows for “easy tear” perforations between print jobs

Roland’s TrueVIS VG3 series large format printers are built to last. With superior print quality, color matching and enhanced product features, the upgraded series is a solid investment for businesses that want to stay on the cutting edge of the wide format printing industry.

If you have questions about the VG3 or want to set up a virtual or in-person demo, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

 

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The Rise of Sensors and IoT Technology in Facility Management

The Rise of Sensors and IoT Technology in Facility Management

The Rise of Sensors and IoT Technology in Facility Management

From office buildings and high-rise hotels to airports and manufacturing plants, the growing complexity of facilities is fueling a shift in how they’re maintained. Many facilities and property managers are embracing the move from human oversight to digital oversight, as it allows them to focus less on tactical tasks and more on strategic programs that enhance productivity, minimize waste and resource consumption and in some cases, even reduce their carbon footprint.

IoT, Defined

One of the fastest growing technologies is known as the Internet of Things, or IoT. The Internet of Things is a massive network of connected objects and people, all of which collect, transfer and share data with other Internet-enabled devices. In the world of IoT a “thing” can be virtually anything—or anyone. Connected home appliances, such as smart TVs and refrigerators, automobiles outfitted with sensors that detect things like low tire pressure, heart patients with pacemakers, and pets tagged with microchips are all examples of IoT and sensor technology in action.

As connected consumer products continue to grow in popularity, these devices are increasingly making their way into commercial facilities and business environments alike. We’ll explore how IoT and sensor technology can have a positive impact on your facilities management strategy, and how you can begin to effectively implement these game-changing tools.

Technology in Facility Management

IoT is ideal for sizable facilities with a substantial footprint. Teams that manage large or multi-site facilities are tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including safety and security, operational activity, cleaning and maintenance and more.

These are just a few examples of IoT and sensor technology and how it can assist with the many different facets of facility management:

  • Energy consumption: With the help of IoT and motion sensors, you can reduce energy consumption by turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied, or adjusting the temperature via remote thermostat controls. The same technology can help to minimize water consumption when applied to touchless restroom faucets.
  • Asset monitoring: IoT can help facilities managers stay stocked with sensors that send alerts when supplies are running low.
  • Labor management: IoT tech allows facilities leaders to monitor employee productivity, assign tasks and make adjustments to labor resources as necessary.
  • Equipment usage: Sensors and IoT tech are perfect for tracking equipment usage and detecting failures in HVAC systems, plumbing and beyond, enabling facilities teams to perform preventive maintenance and quickly reduce downtime when issues associated with aging equipment or hardware arise.

The Rise of Sensors and IoT Technology in Facility Management

Sustainability and LEED Certification

The green movement has spurred a sea change in how buildings are constructed, maintained and operated. Many businesses are striving to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, and one way to do this is by becoming LEED certified.

LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings—and IoT can help facilities reach their sustainability goals. In fact, some facilities were able to cut their costs by up to 30% with the help of IoT technology.

While IoT can make a tangible difference in your facility management approach, it’s important to note that it’s not perfect, and there is a learning curve when implementing these tools. Third-party integrators can help merge IoT data and integrate systems into your existing infrastructure, but the sheer volume of data IoT produces creates a challenge when it comes to analyzing and acting on this data. Ideally, facilities operators would have a single source of IoT information, but this can be difficult to achieve when using multiple integrators, dashboards, etc.

If you’re curious about exploring ways to improve your facility management strategy, a Mac Papers + Packaging Facilities Supplies expert is ready to chat.

 

 

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MRO Goes Digital: Facility Management Trends for the New Year

MRO Goes Digital: Facility Management Trends for the New Year

MRO Goes Digital: Facility Management Trends for the New Year

The maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) industry is booming, with even more growth on the horizon: Between 2023 and 2028, the market is forecasted to expand at a rate of 2.3%, catapulting the total market value from $685.5 billion to $787.2 billion by 2026.

A major catalyst driving this growth is the rapid digitization occurring across the MRO and facility management (FM) space. Long considered a manual, analog process, MRO is increasingly becoming a digital-first industry as FM leaders adopt technologies like IoT, sensors and smart equipment. Once you examine the benefits MRO tech has to offer—enhanced efficiency, improved workflows, increased agility and flexibility, and the relative ease of implementation—it becomes clear that these technologies have the power to transform your facilities.

Here are a few of the trends we’re seeing take over the MRO sector and how you can leverage them to improve performance.

MRO Goes Digital: Facility Management Trends for the New Year

Data, Data Everywhere

Many business and facility leaders find themselves grappling with a glut of data and digital information, thanks in part to the increased number of connected devices being used across the workforce. In MRO, this includes smart equipment outfitted with sensors that relay information about an asset’s maintenance needs and overall health. Armed with this data, facility managers and operations leaders are able to proactively service equipment before a breakdown occurs, saving businesses considerable time, money and resources.

While data often uncovers useful insights that can be incorporated into your MRO strategy, it can be overwhelming if you don’t have a way to decipher and optimize it. That’s where automation and integration come in.

Automation and Integration

Everything from performance reports to facility supply orders can be automated. Because each business, and by extension, each MRO function, is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to automation or integration—some organizations may choose to automate their work order processes, while others may focus more on invoice automation when submitting payments to vendor partners or contractors.

Integration is another trend that will continue to grow over the coming year, especially for tech-savvy organizations seeking ways to aggregate their data. The goal of integration is to manage different FM data streams and house them under one roof, making it easier to turn the information into actionable business insights.

Predictive Maintenance > Preventive Maintenance

If you’re in the MRO industry, you’ve heard of preventive maintenance, which IBM defines as “the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future.” But what about predictive maintenance?

Predictive maintenance involves continuously monitoring assets and equipment in order to predict when a failure will occur. Once a potential issue has been identified, facility managers can take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of a failure or breakdown.

According to the Department of Energy’s Federal Management Program, predictive maintenance can save roughly 8-11% more than preventive maintenance alone, and as much as 40% more than reactive maintenance. With that amount of savings on the line, there’s no doubt predictive maintenance—and the artificial intelligence (AI), automation and IoT tools needed to enable it—will continue to gain momentum in MRO and facility management.

“Going digital” means different things to different organizations, and getting started can feel like a daunting task—but you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to a Mac Papers + Packaging Facility Supply specialist today for more information.

 

 

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Ensuring Your Wide Format Business Thrives During Times of Economic Uncertainty

Ensuring Your Wide Format Business Thrives During Times of Economic Uncertainty

Ensuring Your Wide Format Business Thrives During Times of Economic Uncertainty

As we continue into 2023, many business leaders are looking to the future with some degree of trepidation. Economists are buzzing about a potential downturn, but regardless of whether or not one comes to pass, companies should be taking this time to prepare, not panic.

All businesses need to have plans in place for when the economy slows down, but even more so if your organization is on the smaller end of the spectrum. That’s why many wide format printing companies are developing strategic operational and budgeting practices now to protect against an uncertain future and position themselves to thrive. By focusing on the areas of your business that you do best, examining costs closely and shepherding your customers through their own concerns, you can help your organization flourish.

Ensuring Your Wide Format Business Thrives During Times of Economic Uncertainty Focus first on customer needs

Whether the economy is on solid or shaky ground, it’s important to gain a deep understanding of your customers’ greatest needs so you can do your best to meet them. Begin by analyzing your current book of business, including key accounts, to determine how you might ease the burden on customers dealing with economic pressures.

For example, if a customer typically purchases a particular brand of wide format media, you might offer a lower cost alternative. In addition to the immediate cost savings, your customer will come to see you not merely as a vendor or product supplier, but as a trusted partner who has their best interests in mind. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from moving products and making profit, and building brand loyalty through better business relationships.

Seek to serve untapped markets

Sectors such as healthcare and education tend to be more resilient against the shifting tides of the economy. Some retailers, including grocery and convenience stores, also remain relatively stable. While other industries like hospitality, tourism and the event space might be more subject to this ebb and flow—and therefore less likely to purchase your goods and services when the economy hits a speed bump—grocery stores and universities are a safer bet. Consider expanding into these markets to counteract the dip in demand you may see from customers in other industries.

Keep a close eye on your inventory

During the pandemic, businesses the world over experienced major supply chain setbacks that hindered their ability to maintain proper stock levels. When it comes to inventory management, taking a proactive approach is key for printing and packaging-related companies. This becomes significantly easier to do when you have a distribution partner you can rely on. Particularly if your distribution partnership has been long-standing, they’ll be able to help you stay stocked (without overstocking), secure competitive pricing and plan for the future.

Consider financing major purchases

Most businesses are far less inclined to make large purchases during periods of uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find other ways to fund big expenditures. For instance, if you’re in the market for a wide format printer, ask your supplier about equipment financing options. Paying incrementally allows you to keep an eye on your cash flow while reaping the cost-saving benefits of wide format technology, such as automation. Depending on your jurisdiction’s tax codes, there may also be a tax benefit to buying and financing equipment before year-end.

Leading wide format printing companies are building resilience now to protect themselves from future economic events. If you need help crafting a strategic plan, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

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Automation in Printing: Improving Turnaround Time and Reducing Errors

Automation in Wide Format Printing

Automation in Printing: Improving Turnaround Time and Reducing Errors by Sean Profera and Tom Grizzle

Most companies strive to work smarter, faster, better. In today’s turbulent economic environment—where labor shortages and supply chain disruption remain the norm—streamlining operations, optimizing production workflows and improving overall productivity have become even larger and more urgent challenges.

So, what’s the most effective way to introduce efficiency? The short answer: intelligent automation.

Wide Format Printing AutomationAutomation 101: Wide Format Vs. Offset Printing and Graphics

There are different types of automation, from mechanical to technological. In the printing business, automation can be applied to specific parts of the physical printing process, or it can be used to refer to software- or technology-powered automation.

Does your company’s wide format printer come equipped with a robotic arm to assist with material handling and loading? That’s a prime example of mechanical automation in action. On the software side, there are dozens of prepress wide format applications that come with automated tools built in: nesting software to manage multiple print jobs, for instance, or variable data printing, which allows users to change specific elements or variables for individual print pieces.

In the offset printing and graphics space, automation has been on the rise for the past decade and continues to grow year over year. Everything from automatically cleaning your printing blanket to auto-feeding and auto-discharging materials can be reduced to the click of a button, saving precious time and resources.

How Automation Can Improve Your Business

Whether you’re an enterprise with a large-scale, grand format operation or a small or midsize commercial printing business, time is money. Automation can shave hours off your production timeline, but that’s not the only benefit.

Here’s how automation can improve your operations:

  • Reduce human error: Computers aren’t perfect, but they are far more accurate than human operators. Once certain presets are programmed, you can “set and forget” those print jobs and your equipment will take care of the rest.
  • Improve turnaround time: Thanks to automation, you can produce more printed pieces faster without sacrificing quality. Consumers are increasingly demanding personalization in their printed products, but they don’t want to wait longer for them. Automation takes significant time out of the prepress stage, as well as the finishing process, enabling you to take on more jobs and, ultimately, grow your business.
  • Enhance workplace safety: Offset printing equipment is large, expensive, and oftentimes, dangerous to operate. With tens of thousands of moving parts, they are far safer to operate when certain tasks are handled by robotic technology, helping to enhance workplace safety and reduce damage to your equipment.
  • Alleviate labor issues: After the recession of 2008, scores of commercial printing businesses closed. This created several ripple effects, including a shortage of skilled workers equipped to operate, maintain and train others on the intricacies of offset printing. As historically manual tasks become automated, equipment operators don’t need the technical knowledge that may have precluded them from entering the wide format industry. Businesses are then able to fill positions more quickly.

 

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Aqueous Media and the ArgentⓇ AQ Difference

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Aqueous Media and the ArgentⓇ AQ Difference

Aqueous Media and the ArgentⓇ AQ Difference
By Chris Jones

From fine art prints to gallery wrapped canvas décor and family photos to adhesive vinyl films and banners, aqueous inkjet printers are equipped to handle a wide variety of indoor and short-term outdoor applications. Thanks to the versatility and premium image quality of water-based inks, the aqueous segment of the wide format printer market continues to thrive as the preferred choice for photo and décor professionals who require top notch archival-quality and an eco-friendly printing environment free of harmful fumes and odors.

Whether you operate a commercial or wholesale printing business, we understand your need for quality and consistency when it comes to the products you—and most importantly, your customers—rely on. That’s why we created Argent AQ, Mac Papers and Packaging’s exclusive line of digital media for aqueous inkjet printers.

In addition to being a greener and cleaner way to produce graphics, aqueous printers typically have a lower cost of entry than their eco-solvent or UV inkjet counterparts. This makes aqueous printing an easily accessible option for companies seeking to create high-impact graphics using compatible media platforms such as Argent AQ for fine art and photos, canvas prints, proofs and posters as well as durable outdoor signage, such as banners and yard signs.

For example, commercial printers catering to budding photographers and home decor enthusiasts understand the importance of color. With Argent AQ, you get exceptional ink absorption, archival-quality media and an accurate presentation with vivid color output. These finished products can wind up as the prized portrait above a customer’s mantelpiece, a banner at a national trade show or a poster in a retail POS display.

Color, texture and ink absorption aren’t the only factors you need to consider. Managing inventory, cutting down on material waste and reducing costs are considerations that printing businesses of all shapes and sizes evaluate when selecting the best material for an upcoming project. We designed our Argent product line with that in mind, helping you zero in on each of these bullseyes so you can exceed customer expectations and deliver premium quality without the premium price.

Inventory management, for instance, remains a complex challenge for companies in many industries due to continued supply chain disruption. But this problem can be virtually eliminated when you choose Argent AQ. With a fleet of over 100 trucks, we’re able to provide an excellent product and peace of mind with next-day delivery to businesses across the Southeast.

Last but certainly not least: material waste. From stickers to window graphics, professional printers might print hundreds, or even thousands, of pieces a day. Errors, incorrect color calibration and test runs add up quickly, resulting in extra costs that significantly impact the bottom line. Our wide format media experts can help develop an inventory strategy and ensure you receive stock based on your business needs.

For more information about our line of digital media for aqueous inkjet printers, check out our Argent AQ products. If you’re ready to explore aqueous solutions but don’t know where to start, drop us a line—our wide format team is happy to help.

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Wide Format Printing Maintenance, Materials and More

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Wide Format Printing Maintenance, Materials and More
By Sean Profera

When it comes to the wide world of wide format printing, there are a lot of terms to understand, functions to master and techniques to learn. After the initial set up and installation, you’re ready to dive deeper into what your wide format equipment can do and how these capabilities can be leveraged to improve your business.

Consider this your guide to getting the most out of your machine, where you’ll learn about the importance of preventive maintenance, as well as how to select the proper substrates—plus tips for cutting and finishing.

You Say Media, I Say Materials

Terms like substrate, media and materials all generally refer to the same thing: the surface or product you print on. Unlike your standard desktop model, wide format printers can print on anything from fine art paper to textiles, including materials such as pressure sensitive adhesive vinyl, wood, fabric, PET film, foam and even some metals.

You’ll want to have a firm grasp of your intended applications before you buy or upgrade your wide format equipment, as different machines have different capabilities. If you’ll be creating branded t-shirts, for example, you’ll want a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer, or a model that comes equipped with dye-sublimation technology. The more detailed you get, the better—even specific applications such as car wraps have nuances to consider, such as the type of vehicle and how contoured it is, which can determine the type of adhesive and supplemental media you’ll use.

Lastly, keep in mind that you might not always need top-of-the-line substrates to get the job done. If you’re printing signs for a one-time event, such as an election, you can save money on materials by opting for those at a lower price point, as durability and longevity won’t be your top concerns.

Uptime, All the Time

Routine maintenance is a must when it comes to keeping your equipment in working order. Particular processes will vary according to printer type, size, usage rate and more, but here are a few universal golden rules:

  • At a minimum, perform weekly maintenance. This includes cleaning components such as your printheads, and capping and wiping stations.
  • If you increase usage, or you’re printing panel after panel for eight hours per day, switch to a daily or every-other-day maintenance
  • Don’t forget to keep an eye on your ink expiration dates. Some, but not all, printers will alert you when the ink has reached its expiration. Rotate your stocked inventory and be sure to agitate or circulate your ink if your current printer doesn’t automatically do it for you.
  • Run diagnostics and assess your data. Your printer is smarter than you think and can produce a number of reports that track maintenance activity via easy-to-use apps and digital tools. Use these insights to stay on top of your cleaning and maintenance routine, and to troubleshoot when issues arise.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are also important for staying in compliance with your warranty. If you ever run into a problem and need to file a claim, your printer manufacturer will likely ask for and check your maintenance records.

Finishing Touches

Finishing tools and techniques, such as cutting and laminating, shouldn’t be an afterthought in the printing process. Production of the printed piece may be the main event, but you also need to think about what comes next by asking questions such as:

  • Where will the final product be placed? If your sign or graphics will end up outside, for instance, lamination is key for UV protection and general durability.
  • Will you need to purchase a cutter? Some machines come with cutters, but most are sold separately.
  • Does the material need to be further manipulated after printing? Some pieces, like large canvas structures (think: bounce houses and blow-up games), will require liquid UV coating lamination. Others, such as massive banners, may even need to be welded or sewn prior to installation for additional strength.

In the end, you don’t need to know everything about wide format printing (that’s our job), but understanding the basic capabilities, substrate options, maintenance best practices and finishing techniques will help you get the most out of your equipment.



Navigating the Customer Experience as a Small Business

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Navigating the Customer Experience as a Small Business

Navigating the Customer Experience as a Small Business
By Ron Wagner

If there’s one perception many small business owners wish they could change, it’s the notion that their business is small. It’s their business, and it is of paramount importance to them. At the same time, smaller businesses don’t typically have as many resources at their fingertips as others—but that doesn’t mean they should take a backseat in the race to acquire and retain customers. If anything, they need to push harder and become even more customer-centric than their competitors. It all comes down to building great experiences that build great brands.

Customer experience, or CX, applies to every business on the planet, regardless of size. While a global enterprise’s approach to CX will look and feel different than that of a slightly smaller business, understanding (and serving) customers should be as much of a priority for small, family-owned or independent companies as it is for today’s leading brands.

Why is CX Important?

If investing in CX sounds more like a nice-to-have than a must-have, consider how much of a premium consumers place on experience: Research shows that in the U.S., even when people love a company or product, 59% will walk away after several bad experiences. Globally, 32% of all customers would stop doing business with a brand they loved after just one bad experience.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, as 77% of consumers are willing to pay more if they receive excellent customer service specifically from small businesses. Not only are they open to paying more, customers are more willing to travel further for the products or services they trust, forgive mistakes when a familiar brand makes them, and advocate and evangelize for companies that deliver great experiences.

Here are a few ways to build trust by building a customer-centric brand.

Tell Your Story: Build a Brand That “Connects” and Customers Want to Support

Invest time in making it clear why your business exists and how it helps solve problems for your customers. People will travel further, pay more and give greater consideration to brands and products they want. Case in point: 91% of the time, customers will shop at small businesses when convenient, and 74% seek ways to support small businesses even if they have to go out of their way to do so. Brands are built on emotional connections, and if you can create a brand that tells its story well and taps into that emotional connection, you’ll foster long-standing customer relationships, lasting value and guaranteed revenue … regardless of the size of your company.

Empower Your People: They are the Core of Your Business

Before you build, refine or even redefine your company, it’s crucial to make the distinction between your product or service and your brand. Both small and large businesses begin with a great product or service, but it has to be supported by people who care and believe in helping customers solve problems. If business owners encourage their employees to do their best to resolve issues quickly and efficiently, this signals to customers that the company trusts their employees and values their customers.

This is the bedrock of a solid customer-centric organization. And it’s what will transform buyers into repeat customers who go out of their way to support your brand—even when it’s not always “convenient.”

Stay Close to Your Customer: Understand What’s Important to Them

If you’re anything like most businesses that may be a bit smaller than their competitors, you rely on a carefully crafted budget in order to stay profitable. Some leaders shy away from exploring customer experience optimization because they fear the cost. But the best CX programs aren’t effective because they’re expensive; they work because the organizations that use them took the time to understand the market, conduct customer research and make key strategic decisions based on hard data. This allows them to outsmart, rather than outspend, the competition.

Investing in research, however, can be an expensive investment. Independent businesses seeking customer insights without the price tag have a few options: Google reviews, or online reviews in general, can be valuable tools for gauging how your brand is perceived in the market. Email outreach is another way to stay close to your customer, solicit feedback and show buyers that you have a vested interest in their interests.

Help Vs. Sell: Put Your Customer in the Driver’s Seat

Human beings are hardwired to seek control, because control gives us a sense of safety and security. When we feel that others are in a position of power over us, it creates discomfort. For example, do you know that uncomfortable feeling when you’re sitting in a car dealership while your sales representative is in the office with their sales manager debating the price? It’s one of the more stressful consumer experiences; the industry refers to it as keeping customers “in the box.” You have no control.

Successful brands put their customers in the driver’s seat—they advise, instead of dictate. Your role isn’t to tell customers what to do, but to help them understand their options and answer their questions. By transferring knowledge rather than forcing sales, you’re putting customers in a position to make empowered decisions.

Whether they’re shopping small or going big, buying B2B or B2C, customers engage in a certain amount of personal risk when making a purchase, and they don’t want to make mistakes. Don’t try to sell them, but rather try to help them buy by showing them options, being transparent and showing total value. This builds the trust that leads to connection that ultimately leads to brand loyalty.

It may sound daunting, but by taking an incremental, scalable approach, you can improve the customer experience without upending your operations or straining your resources. With a strategic plan in place, you can create a better CX while building a brand that stands up and stands out.

Stay tuned for our next article on the tools and tactics you can apply to enhance the experience your customers have when interacting with your small business.

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ISA Expo Recap: 3 Observations from the Show Floor Shaping the Industry This Year By Sean Profera

ISA Expo Recap: 3 Observations from the Show Floor Shaping the Industry This Year By Sean Profera

The sign, graphics and visual communications space is constantly evolving to keep pace with shifts occurring across the business and consumer landscape. It’s important for industry leaders to stay in step with these trends, so they can identify which up-and-coming products, services or technologies might help their customers achieve their goals. One of the best venues for trend-spotting and product-scouting is the ISA International Sign Expo 2022.

For the first time in three years, the industry’s largest trade show took place live and in person—and it did not disappoint. Graphics and visual communications leaders from across the Southeast gathered in Atlanta to network, explore new suppliers and get a glimpse of the latest innovations shaping the market.

From direct-to-film (DTF) printing to fabric-based signage, the ISA International Sign Expo featured several new applications, as well as a long lineup of new printers and gear. Here are just a few notable highlights from the show.

DTF printing is a trend to watch

DTF printing allows users to print their designs on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film using aqueous or water-based pigment inks before transferring it to their chosen fabric or piece of apparel. Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, DTF doesn’t require fabric pre-treatment, saving printers precious time and resources. Additionally, DTF is compatible with fabrics such as nylon and polyester, which can be difficult to work with when printing directly onto a garment.

Given the efficiency gains and potential cost savings DTF has to offer, we’re excited to see how this technology impacts the sign and graphics industry moving forward.

 The user experience is dictating product upgrades

As the adage goes, the customer is king—and brands that abide by this principle tend to score high in the customer loyalty department. One brand that pays close attention to the customer experience is Roland, who used the ISA International Sign Expo to debut their latest addition to the TrueVIS series.

When designing the VG3, Roland used customer feedback to enhance key features and improve usability. Not only does the new model have an easy-to-navigate LCD touchscreen, it includes an expanded color output to meet end users’ needs. It also boasts an integrated cutting feature and automated media calibration to help optimize time and materials. By keeping the user at the center of product development and incorporating customer feedback into new equipment, Roland has built a brand that buyers can trust.

 Virtual demonstrations can’t compete with a live showroom

At the height of the pandemic, remote events became the norm. Although virtual walk-throughs and how-to videos can be impactful, nothing compares to a live demo—especially when it comes to something as advanced as a wide format printer.

Events like the ISA International Sign Expo are perfect venues for test driving wide format printers and other equipment before committing to a purchase. But trade shows are limited-time events, and they aren’t guaranteed to offer the specific product you’re looking for. That’s why we built our very own demo center in downtown Orlando—to give our customers the chance to see, use and ask questions about the items on their wish list.

Whether you’re ready to explore a new application, purchase equipment or simply want to pick our brains about how you can accomplish your organization’s goals, drop us a line and we’ll ensure you get the full wide format experience.

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