Print Services Showcase

THE OBJECTIVE

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is the first university in the UK to use a sole supplier of print management. QUB wanted to achieve all the benefits associated with professional print management.

HOW THE OBJECTIVE WAS ACHIEVED

Looking at the KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) during the first year of the contract, completed on 28 February 2007, CDS has met and exceeded client expectations. On a pro rata basis CDS saved on average £300 per print job.

KPI’s cover a number of areas including deadlines, quality of service and product, innovation, value for money, environment and customer relations. CDS’ performance on each job is measured using Customer Evaluation forms. The company also produces a monthly report showing the average print price quoted by suppliers and the final price to Queen's University Belfast. This is in line with CDS' Open Book policy.

CDS employs a dedicated Account Manager to oversee the contract with Queen's. The Account Manager acts as a print consultant and is able to advise on any aspect of the printing process ensuring best practice is applied across a number of areas, which include price, quality, delivery and environment. By having a single point of contact and superb project management, CDS ensures Queen's benefits across all of these areas.

Print costs are controlled by the Account Manager who approaches a number of previously vetted suppliers for a quote on each product. Suppliers of a similar capacity are aware that they are in competition with each other and this drives the price down. All savings are passed to the client.

One of CDS’ strengths is the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers taking an approach which is win, win, win for all parties involved. CDS assesses suppliers on a job by job basis. Finding the right balance requires understanding, knowledge, innovation, creativity and an intelligent approach.

Having a wider understanding of business communications also enables CDS to look after areas such as corporate identity and brand. For example CDS ensures that all documents produced for Queen's comply with the University’s brand identity.

Among the many innovative solutions that CDS applies is a fully electronic system for quotes, orders and tracking jobs. Automated systems help deliver a smooth, seamless and cost effective service but they are no substitute for the CDS Print Management team’s trump cards – knowledge of the industry, creative solutions, business intelligence and the ability to build strong relationships based on trust, understanding and respect with suppliers and clients.

A new transparent information management system was implemented and the council now also benefits from our other services.

Julie McGregor, Senior Buyer, Purchasing Office, Queen's University Belfast said; “The print management service provided to Queen’s University Belfast by CDS, Belfast has met and exceeded all of the objectives set out within the contract leading to savings of around £120,000 in the first year and a greater consistency in brand.

The dedicated Account Manager and single point of contact has provided users with a uniformity in approach and the peace of mind that comes with their various print requirements not only being handled by an expert but being purchased with Value for Money and quality in mind at all times. We are delighted with the results achieved by CDS and are looking forward to working with them again over the next 12 month period.’’

THE OBJECTIVE

The Council wanted a print management service to help achieve the Government’s best value targets by reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

HOW THE OBJECTIVE WAS ACHIEVED

We opened an office in Chelmsford close to the council. Using local suppliers which met our high standards and our list of vetted suppliers, we were able to deliver over 10 per cent savings a year.

A new transparent information management system was implemented and the council now also benefits from our other services.