Tips for a Fast Turn-Around

Tight turnarounds are an everyday reality in the graphic arts world; it seems like clients always need their projects yesterday! In order for those projects to be moved through the print production process as quickly as possible, many details must be communicated quickly and accurately between client and printer.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you trim valuable time off this process and give yourself the best chance to meet all of your clients’ demanding deadlines:

• Call ahead - For a fast turn-around job it is helpful to get specification confirmation to the printer before the file is sent (i.e. quantity, size, ink colors). This saves time by allowing us to organize and plan the job prior to arrival. It is also a good time to check paper availability.

• Send RIP-ready files- The most common print production slowdown is correcting errors on files at the prepress stage. To be sure your files are error free once they reach our hands, use a preflight software program to help you collect all fonts and images and perform other frequently overlooked tasks. At Springfield Printing we are happy to give you guidance in getting your project RIP-ready before you send it. And, as an added measure, we always thoroughly proofread your files as part of our prepress production process!

• Upload instead of shipping files - The ability to upload your files via the Internet, as opposed to sending them on disks, cuts out shipping time and costs. Springfield Printing’s FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Web site – located at ftp.springfieldprinting.com – allows you to send files digitally in minutes. Don’t forget to include a PDF file of the project in your upload so we can compare our laser proofs with your original.

• Use the fastest shipping service for sending proofs and files - While USPS Express Mail, FedEx and UPS are available in most areas, the speed of shipping can vary. Find out which is the quickest in your area and you can save from a few hours to as much as a day.

• Determine who needs to see the proof - A day’s production time - or more - can be lost if all parties responsible for reviewing proofs are not quickly able to do so. When you have a hot schedule on your hands, it may be a good idea to organize a “proof viewing” in advance. Someone won’t be able to make it? Let us know and we can email a PDF to them directly.

The Springfield Printing Advantage
With proper communication, Springfield Printing can help you plan your projects for the fastest possible turn-around and the best-looking product. And, our FTP transfer and comprehensive proofreading services mean that our attention to detail lets you rest easy knowing your job is safe with Springfield Printing.