From labels to tradeshow graphics: how artwork submission portals transform customer experience and downstream automation

In the print and packaging world, onboarding new jobs efficiently can make or break a production schedule and the profitability of an order. Four Pees has shared real-world insights into how job submission portals can enhance both internal automation and external customer satisfaction.

Customization as a cornerstone

There are many artwork submission methods, from email, over filesharing services to online submission portals. Through the multiple projects Four Pees has done in this area, one of the key learnings is the importance of customization. This may be related to the type of work, but also to the type of customer. The submission and validation process of a label artwork is less complex than that of multiple artworks for a tradeshow booth. Still, there are similarities such as dynamically checking sizes and shapes, creating a proof sheet, etc. How print buyers interact with their artwork in real-time, detect errors, and make quick decisions on corrections often requires a different approach depending on the type of product, the type of customer and how the print service provides wants to position and differentiate itself. The ultimate goal for every print services provider is the same, reduce errors and provide the ultimate customer experience 24/7.

Behind the screens: more than just uploads

It’s easy to say automation is simply about removing manual tasks, but in reality, implementing this automation can be quite involved. The development of these portals combines UX/UI and web development skills as well as advanced industry and speciality tools knowledge and experience. They do however enable you to automate the entire artwork onboarding process, not just checking printability, but also order conformity. Not just checking but also correcting and not just accepting files, but also automatically creating proofs and getting approval. All automated and connected with the rest of your production and administrative technology stack.

From labels to tradeshow graphics

Another interesting use case we have implemented show, is for a tradeshow company. The portal we built for them allows clients to configure their booth, choosing header designs, back walls, and layout preferences. All within a guided, visual interface. It’s a testament to how far customization and interactivity can go when tailored correctly. The booth configuration is then linked to the artwork checking and creation of the proof sheet and even the pack list for not just for an individual booth, but for the entire tradeshow. This shows how these portals can take job onboarding beyond just checking the artwork, but handle the entire process even into logistics.

Cloud-First, not Cloud-Eventually

The takeaway? Start small, think big, and go cloud-first. Begin automating your most common product types and gradually expand. A cloud-first approach not only simplifies deployment but ensures scalability and easier maintenance. It avoids having to go back and forth between online order and submission sources and on-premise artwork processing. What happens in the cloud, stays in the cloud!

Whether you're onboarding label jobs or custom 3D layouts, the principles remain the same: make it user-friendly, focus on detail, and empower customers through smart, connected automation.