For quick printers, estimating can prove to be a major factor in
success or failure of their business. When a customer requests a bid on a job, they need a fast turnaround, and best price. For a printer, there are two important issues; first of course is price and second profit. If they price a job too high they might miss out on getting job, and if they price it too low, this starts cutting into their potential profits.
Estimating software is a tool that helps eliminate this margin for error and make every printer's job easier. This ease is why estimating software is becoming an integral part for many companies in printing and graphics industry. But what type of estimating software should a printer look for? With so many different companies selling estimating software it can become difficult to find a solution that is right one. For this reason Cyrious Software has taken on role of business software consultants rather then focusing strictly on selling. When looking for a business management and estimating solution, ability of a company to consult and guide you to correct solution, be it theirs or someone else’s, should be a major deciding factor. If a software company isn’t willing to work to find a solution that specifically fits their business, it might be wise to find a different company to do business with. Estimating software can range from a simple estimating calculator package, to a complete powerful, integrated estimating, job tracking & business management system, like Cyrious Software. The difficulty is figuring out which system is right for your business.
How Much & For What
Companies should look at money spent on estimating/business management software, as an investment and not an expense. Most complete software systems range from about $2,000 all way up to $14,000 depending on number of licenses, modules and different customizations. This somewhat large investment makes it vital for printers to find a system that they can not only use to increase profits and save time, but also one they have ability to continue to grow with.
Many printers are looking for a system that not only has ability to estimate, job track, and do invoicing but also has ability to export to accounting packages, create reports, manage their customer base, and expand their business through target marketing. Because not all estimating software packages have this complete business management functionality, printers and similar businesses need to make sure estimating software they choose has functionality they need (i.e. Customer Management Tools, Marketing Tools, Shipping & Credit Card Integration) The last thing a company needs is to buy additional software after initial investment. Another aspect to consider when searching for a software package is accuracy it provides. Accuracy is one of most important features to look for in estimating software. The price of using inaccurate information can add up and become extremely detrimental to a business. Accuracy in estimating software depends on ability to customize software to fit printers pricing. With Cyrious Software, your pricing & cost structure is customized and built into software making it virtually impossible to have inaccurate estimates.
