Impressions International

Auckland based company Impressions International are leaders within the Self Adhesive Materials industry in New Zealand. Founded in 1978, they have developed a variety of printing technologies ranging from Screen-Printing and UV offset, to Letterpress. Supplying in both sheet and roll to roll formats.

The relationship between Prism Software and Impressions International goes back to 1988 when Prism was first established. Impressions became one of the first companies ever to use a Prism product when they installed the original DOS based Prism III system. Impressions continued to grow over the next decade, and when Prism WIN was released, were quick to jump aboard. “We felt we were ready to take the next step and move on into the twenty-first century”, managing Director Bill Bamford commented.

Although at the time they thought Prism III adequately served their needs, Impressions were soon reaping the benefits that their new Prism WIN system afforded them. In the administrative area, “Prism WIN took all the hard work out of Month End”. Impressions now have their monthly debtors out within twenty-four hours of month end, and statements and invoices can be sent out the same day that they are initiated. Prism WIN also freed up admin staff who were previously working over-time, and still falling further and further behind.

The Prism WIN system allows Impressions to check jobs and quotes with the click of a button, and job tickets can be created immediately. Impressions have found that the system has allowed them to automate many of the repetitive tasks within their business processes. The graphical interface has made Prism WIN much more user friendly than its predecessor and this, coupled with the in-depth understanding of the business that Prism WIN provides management, has seen productivity improve in all areas.

Impressions International’s competitive advantage comes from a combination of exceptional customer service, quality and responsiveness, and they agree that it is their Prism WIN system that has helped to make this combination possible. As a result, Impressions continue to flourish in the new economy. Prism WIN is integrated into all areas of Impressions’ business, and management have found that this integration, among the many benefits of the system, has meant that the re-keying of information, and the resultant data anomalies that can occur when multiple systems are used, is avoided.

Impressions acknowledge the incredible diversity and power contained within the Prism WIN product, and are continually finding new ways to get more out of the system. As an organisation, Impressions International are always learning more about themselves, and use Prism WIN as the tool to explore new ways to improve how they do business - reports have been particularly helpful here. Impressions started with the standard set of reports available in the Prism WIN system, and have over time modified some of them to capture the unique needs of their business. The many reports contained within the system enable them to analyse and understand trends – particularly in sales and customer behavior. As a result, the savings Impressions are able to make on their bottom line continue to grow, as they become experts in understanding the variables that affect the profitability of their business.

Impressions have been thoroughly impressed with the service that they have received from Prism, “we have found Prism very easy to work with, the product is professional, and geared for our line of business… the service and back up have also been great”, commented General Manager Chris Mills. Impressions have also enjoyed the user group meetings that run every month, “it’s really useful to sit down and swap ideas with other like minded Prism users”.

Impressions International utilises a broad range of the modules available in the Prism WIN MIS system and are currently in the process of looking at upgrading their Shop Floor Management system. With continued use and regular upgrades making the system more and more efficient, Impressions see a full payback on their investment within a very short time.