CASE STUDY - Accent Print Ltd
Accent Print Ltd is a full service printing company, to both commercial and trade businesses. The company specialises in digital and on-demand print, which involves working to very tight time scales. The company was set up six years ago by Rhydian Pile who now employs 15 staff, eight of whom are full-time employees.
Rhydian first heard about the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) when he was applying for a Business Transformation Grant through Business Link. The adviser talked about Derbyshire WellConnected, a campaign run by DDEP and launched to help businesses use information and communications technology to enable them to become more effective. He contacted the helpline for some initial advice and decided to enter an ICT makeover competition directed at companies based in Derbyshire.
ABOUT THE ICT MAKEOVER:
Rhydian had a relatively good knowledge of ICT but wasn't sure how it could benefit the business, and funding was always a challenge when trying to introduce new technology to the business. Winning the ICT makeover competition meant he could gain access to the right advice whilst having a thorough assessment by trained professionals. This assessment led to funding for new equipment which had been identified as being essential in order to becoming more efficient.
Having assessed the business, Sharpe Systems (the provider of all the ICT equipment) saw that the existing IT systems were being overstretched and the company did not have a server, despite having 15 users.
Rhydian wanted advice on how the company could demonstrate their work both on and off site so Sharpe Systems looked at ways in which remote working could be installed to increase its efficiency.
As a company, at the time of the ICT makeover, Accent Print Ltd was in the process of implementing several developments which included updating the website and launching a Web to Print solution. This is a brand new service which will allow clients to log on remotely and access their print jobs online. The new service enables the client to order print remotely at any time, which cuts out administrative costs and gives a great deal more flexibility to the customer. Rhydian had already instigated this change before the ICT makeover but didn't know how to make the change work more effectively until Sharpe Systems discussed the benefits of implementing a server.
Rhydian says: "With more and more staff coming on board and our client base growing we needed a more efficient server and the Derbyshire WellConnected ICT makeover has allowed that. It means that staff can access their emails remotely and we have a back up system which allows the company to run more securely. I am able to send quotations when I'm off site, therefore managing my time more effectively as well as maintaining a fast response time for our customers. The ICT makeover also offered the company a laptop - which again helps with remote working - as well as two new PCs. There has also been a 32" monitor installed in the briefing room which enables the staff to demonstrate the new Web to Print service without having to look over the shoulder of the operator. This facility is also beneficial when clients visit the company to advice the designer of amendments."
Rhydian concludes: "With the makeover we are now able to communicate more effectively. In a business world that is fast paced and driven by technology, we are thrilled to have won and the changes will ensure an increased level of service to our customers as well as giving us a competitive edge when pitching for new business."
