1.    Get the Right Details: There is nothing more powerful than details analyzed and used for input into good decisions. But, there also is nothing more demeaning than finding out that your assumptions are wrong or the details don't meet audit requirements. Design order entry, production, shipping and chargeback workflows with the right automated capture of data. Develop and have at your fingertips powerful, executive and budget-supporting graphs and charts based on accurate details that communicate at a management level.

2.    Train, train, train: Status information and automated communications lose impact and sensibility over time. Make it a point to keep your customers, team members and management trained and aware of what shop terms- i.e., "In Production", "Post Production" or "Shipped"- mean to them and what will happen next when they see those words. New people, changes in related processes and seeing something too many times can dull our comprehension. Keep the conversation open between you and those around you. Use open house days, newsletters and follow up phone calls and meetings to increase understanding.

3.    Warning signs: Every shop has bad moments. A normal paper stock runs short due to unexpected demand. Bad weather prevents team members from making it to work, but your online orders keep coming from multiple sites. When a customer's order might be delayed, communicate as personally and punctually as possible. This is the time for a phone call or visit to reset expectations. Don't assume everything will be alright. Train your team to pass the word through proper channels whenever they perceive a delay. Don't wait until the delay happens. Become experts at predicting and adjusting customer expectations ahead of impact.

4.    Smart tools: Bar code point-to-point tracking, printed job ticketing (to accompany physical moves from place to place), and more provide balance and control on the shop floor. Smart tools enhance reliability and predictability and empower your team. Let the systems be your eyes and ears in the shop.

5.    Action items: Get control through predictive reporting based on automated regular data capture. Stock usage, product type, machine usage, customer order history profile, point-to-point efficiency and more are available. Analysis of turnaround by product and customer along with secure tracking for control allows you to make informed management decisions. Online real-time management analysis and workload adjustment boosts customer satisfaction by helping you stay on time with the right production.