Online Proofing Tools: The Hero of Printing After Covid-19?

Covid-19 has profoundly impacted the printing industry, but not in the ways you might think. In March 2020, all business processes that involved human touch and face-to-face interaction were eliminated or significantly scaled back. What many thought would last only a short period quickly turned into long-term changes. These processes and in-person interactions are being replaced.

Not Recovery, But Reinvention

In the wake of Covid-19, the print industry is not recovering but reinventing. Each part of the print industry will be faced with monumental decisions that require significant strategy.

Jennifer Matt, president of Web2Print, puts it plainly:

“…success will depend on your ability to deploy, implement, and optimize your use of software in the digital transformation of your business.”

This global pandemic is forcing the industry to accelerate digital transformation or fade away entirely. Reliance on paper-based workflows is now nearly obsolete. Larger suppliers and distributors have moved to virtual workplaces where paper workflows simply aren’t possible. Competitive pressure for faster turnaround times has left no room for inefficiency.

It’s vital that suppliers, distributors, small print shops, professional print services, and managed print services escalate efficiency and innovate. Through the decades, innovation has proven to be the key to thriving in the print industry.

For Suppliers

As suppliers continue to source and manufacture large print runs for distributors, they need solid communication with their clients and a clear representation of their specialty. Quality control and pricing remain top priorities, but a fast and frictionless process can seal the deal.

An efficient proofing process not only offloads the responsibility from distributors, but it’s also extremely appealing. Straightforward processes, quality products, and competitive pricing are staples for winning and retaining distributor business.

For Distributors

Distributors act as high-level assistants to their customers, finding the right product, keeping track of deadlines, and helping internal processes run smoothly. Innovation with software must be at the forefront.

An easy interface is critical for businesses and organizations to make approval decisions, design, and collaborate. Distributors serve businesses of all sizes, while managed print services often target major industries such as education, healthcare, legal, and auto.

For Managed Print Services

Managed print services target industries requiring high-volume in-house printing. Their services include analyzing printing needs and eliminating the need for a local printer — a costly and cumbersome reliance.

Many large managed printing companies advertise complimentary proofing, but this is only as effective as their communication methods. If clients can’t clearly express their vision or specific project details, dissatisfaction follows.

To operate at high velocities, managed print services must utilize software that eliminates bottlenecks, keeps deliverables organized, streamlines workflows, and keeps key players in the loop.

For Print Shops

Small print shops pride themselves on personal, friendly service and the ability to handle a variety of print jobs. However, many operate with outdated systems that are difficult to navigate.

Comprehensive, easy-to-use online proofing tools are now non-negotiable for print shops wanting to meet client needs, work with various file types, and execute diverse jobs.

Online Proofing Tools: Innovation Through Technology

Desktop Publishing technology has become more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. Individuals can now self-publish and create ready-to-print material, making it harder for print shops to attract and retain customers.

Retention requires a design and proofing process that is as frictionless as possible. Implementing online proofing tools, such as Ashore, creates a collaborative experience while reducing labor for customers.

Ashore resolves many of the challenges facing the printing industry with:

• Automated workflows
• Branded proofing dashboards
• Internal organization
• Simple review links
• High approval rates

Most proofing tools limit approver options or charge per user. Ashore offers flexibility with affordable plans, unlimited file uploads, and customizable workflows.

For Suppliers

Extensive white-labeling maintains your professional presence and integrates seamlessly into your processes. Ashore’s API allows integration with your proprietary software, with unlimited file uploads.

For Distributors

Organize varied portfolios and high project volumes with tags for quick proof sorting. Clients don’t need an account — simply send them a review link, and they’ll only need to identify themselves once.

For Managed Print Services

Use automated workflows tailored to your team. Add approvers or non-approvers for each stage, from design to project management to client sign-off. Forgot someone? Add them directly or send a review link.

For Print Shops

No more chasing clients for edits. Automated reminders boost approval rates by over 50%. Mobile-friendly access and quick page tour guides create a smooth, hands-on experience for customers.

Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”

Every project is different, so customization is key. Ashore offers:

• Approval checklists
• Email templates
• Internal deadlines
• Tags for easy proof organization
• Secure email delivery through Postmark
• Live email status updates

Proof timelines capture every detail — from email delivery to comments and status changes — making project tracking effortless.

Annotation tools enable clear, contextual feedback. Layered comments keep the current note in focus while fading others, creating a smoother editing experience.

Access is stress-free: approvers only identify themselves once, or you can pre-add them for instant access.

Reinvent or Die

The printing industry began its reinvention in 2021. While these changes can seem daunting, Ashore’s proofing software may be the hero every printing company has been waiting for.