Browser-based solution helps Watkins compete, and win, against larger rivals 

Toronto – Avanti Computer Systems Limited, a leading provider of Print MIS and Web-to-Print solutions, today announced that The Watkins Printing Company, a multi-color magazine and publication printer since 1923, has implemented its revolutionary Avanti Slingshot Print Management Information System (MIS).

The Watkins Printing Company prints, binds and mails monthly and quarterly magazines for clients in more than 20 states. Ninety percent of Watkins’ business comes from publications, with a client base consisting largely of Colleges and Universities & National Fraternities and Sororities. Growth plans include extension into recreational markets, such as golf and boating industries, as well as National Educational Associations.

“For over 90 years, The Watkins Printing Company has been a family-run business focused on client satisfaction. Much like Avanti, we are the small nimble player competing against some very big competitors,” stated Bill Green, VP Business Development and Marketing. “In order to become more efficient, flexible and responsive to our valued clients, we turned to Avanti Slingshot’s solution. With clients spread around in numerous states, we look forward to leveraging Avanti’s CRM to provide best-in-class customer service.”

Avanti Slingshot is the next-generation Print MIS, incorporating business intelligence (CRM, dashboards and reporting), production planning (estimating, imposition, planned purchasing, sales orders, inventory management and scheduling), warehousing, shipping and billing into one easy-to-use, easy-to-implement, browser-based system.

Avanti Slingshot provides secure anywhere/anytime access on any Internet-enabled device and supports multiple lines of business including offset, digital, large format, fulfillment, mailing and marketing services. The structure is scalable and suitable for companies of all sizes, including multi-company, multi-division, multi-plant and franchise operations.

“Avanti Slingshot was developed to assist companies just like Watkins Printing in eliminating manual processes and redundancies with an intuitive solution that’s easy to implement and roll out company-wide,” said Patrick Bolan, Avanti President and CEO. “We are proud to have The Watkins Printing Company join our family of customers and look forward to helping them expand their business.”

Watkins Printing anticipates quicker estimates, the elimination of manual processes, and a modular system that can grow alongside the company. Their client base stands to benefit from comprehensive inventory management, process management, and administrative management, all the while enjoying the flexibility and customer service they have come to expect from a company that simply “makes it happen.”

The initial implementation of Avanti Slingshot will include CRM and estimating modules, with future modules to include workflow, inventory management, scheduling and tracking.