How Print Audits Save Companies Time and Money

We’ll let you on some information that may save your company so much on unnecessary costs. From marketing materials to everyday office supplies, printing costs can quickly spiral out of control if not managed effectively. That’s why we recommend you get a print audit. It offers a structured approach to evaluating and optimising print processes, which will save you both time and money. A comprehensive print audit not only uncovers hidden inefficiencies but also helps businesses align their print strategies with broader organisational goals.

What Is a Print Audit?

A print audit is a thorough examination of a company’s printing practices, costs, and processes. It involves evaluating everything from the type of printed products used to procurement methods and overall expenditure on printing. By identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, a print audit provides actionable insights that reduce waste, enhance productivity, and achieve substantial cost savings. It serves as a diagnostic tool, offering a clear picture of where resources are being misused and how to rectify these issues.

The Hidden Costs of Printing

Many businesses underestimate how much they spend on printing. According to industry data, print overspend across all market sectors in the UK is estimated at 25%. This overspend arises from several factors, including:

• Lack of Standardisation: Using inconsistent formats or materials for printed products often leads to unnecessary waste and higher costs.
• Inefficient Procurement: Ordering from multiple suppliers without cost benchmarking can inflate expenses and create logistical challenges.
• Unnecessary Volume: Over-ordering or printing materials that are rarely used adds to storage and disposal costs.
• Outdated Processes: Relying on manual, time-consuming procurement systems reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of errors.

A print audit identifies these hidden costs and provides a roadmap to eliminate them, ensuring that every pound spent on printing delivers maximum value. For instance, consolidating orders or switching to digital alternatives for some materials can lead to immediate savings.

The Benefits of a Print Audit

Cost Savings

One of the most compelling reasons to conduct a print audit is the potential for cost savings. By evaluating your current print spend and identifying inefficiencies, a print audit can reduce your expenses by up to 25% or more. This is achieved through measures such as consolidating suppliers, optimising print volumes, and standardising materials. Additionally, switching to eco-friendly options or leveraging bulk discounts can further enhance savings without compromising quality.

Time Efficiency

Time is a critical resource in any business. A print audit streamlines procurement processes, reducing the time employees spend managing print orders. With a more efficient system in place, teams can focus on higher-value tasks, boosting overall productivity. Automated systems introduced during the audit can handle repetitive tasks, such as reordering frequently used materials, freeing up employee time for strategic initiatives.

Improved Business Processes

A print audit doesn’t just save money—it also enhances your company’s operations. By introducing time-saving efficiencies, it simplifies workflows and eliminates redundancies. This leads to smoother operations and better alignment with your business goals. For example, centralising procurement can improve oversight and ensure consistency across all printed materials, strengthening your brand image.

Quality Assurance

Ensuring that printed products meet your standards is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and professionalism. A print audit includes benchmarking and quality control measures, giving you confidence that your materials are produced to the highest standards and at the best value. This aspect is particularly important for marketing materials, where poor quality can negatively impact customer perceptions.

How Does a Print Audit Work?

A typical print audit involves several key stages:

1. Data Collection
   Gathering information on your current printing practices, including suppliers, volumes, and costs. This data forms the foundation for identifying inefficiencies and opportunities.
2. Analysis
   Reviewing the collected data to pinpoint areas for improvement, such as redundant processes or inflated supplier costs.
3. Recommendations
   Providing tailored solutions to optimise print processes and reduce costs. This could include supplier consolidation, material standardisation, or process automation.
4. Implementation
   Assisting with the transition to new systems, suppliers, or workflows. This stage ensures that changes are seamlessly integrated into your operations.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
   Ensuring that the changes deliver the desired results and adjusting as needed. Regular reviews maintain cost savings and operational efficiency over time.

For example, imagine a retail company that spends heavily on in-store marketing materials. A print audit reveals that they’ve been using multiple suppliers for similar products, each with varying costs and quality. By consolidating orders with a single, benchmarked supplier and standardising materials, they reduce their print spend by 30% while maintaining brand consistency. Furthermore, streamlined procurement processes free up time for marketing teams to focus on creative strategies rather than administrative tasks.

Questions to Consider

• How much is your company currently spending on printing?
• Are your procurement processes as efficient as they could be?
• Could standardising printed materials benefit your brand and budget?
• Do you have visibility over your print costs and suppliers?
• What steps can be taken to align your print strategy with sustainability goals?

Why Choose CDP for Your Print Audit Needs?

At CDP, we understand the challenges businesses face in managing print spend. Our print audit service goes beyond mere cost analysis, offering a holistic approach to streamline your printing processes and achieve your business goals. Here’s what we provide:

• Real Cost Savings: We identify and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring like-for-like savings without compromising quality. Our strategies are tailored to maximise your budget and deliver tangible results.
• Process Improvements: Our audits introduce time-saving efficiencies, simplifying your procurement and operations. By leveraging the latest technologies, we help you modernise your workflows.
• Benchmarking Assurance: With comprehensive benchmarking, we guarantee that your products are sourced in a controlled and cost-effective manner. This ensures consistency and reliability across all print materials.
• Customised Solutions: Every audit is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring recommendations align with your business objectives. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, our solutions are scalable and adaptable.

Ready to take control of your print spend? Contact CDP today to begin your print audit and start saving time and money. Let us help you achieve greater efficiency and cost savings while maintaining the quality and consistency your business deserves.