PRODUCTION WORKFLOW

With Production Workflow you can get answers to questions like:

• What ads still need to be worked on to close this issue?
• What needs to be done to the ads to prepare them for publication?
• What materials are we expecting? When are they coming in?
• Where is the digital file for this ad?
• What other publications did this ad run it?
• What special production processes did the advertiser need for this ad?

Production Workflow is a fully integrated extension of the MSGL's ÉLAN Ad software suite. It was created to help you manage the process of producing your publications and includes extensive material management and process flow capabilities. Whether you need to track film or digital images, Production Workflow can help you.

Starting with the insertion order you will be able to track critical production information such as size, shape, color, special positioning and disposition of ad materials in real time. Extensive user-defined fields give you flexibility in managing the unique trafficking information needed by each of your publications.

Simplified data entry screens allow interaction by different departments during the process. For example, your salesperson can identify a 'pick up' ad at order entry time. The material information can then automatically be attached to the order record and used by production when needed. Or, if the material is supposed to arrive at a later time, it can be noted and scheduled for an automatic follow up in the future. When it arrives, production can easily log it in. Either way, the result will be an efficient mechanism to maintain the data needed to produce your publications.

With Production Workflow, you define the unique steps needed to produce each of your publications including setting up mileposts and status indicators to identify work performed as well as work yet to be done to close an issue. At any time, you will be able to see how each issue is coming along and "drill down" to the specific details of each ad.

At any time during the process you can use the export facility to easily download the production data to most of the popular page layout systems.

Benefits:

• By having all of your production data on-line and part of the central ÉLAN Ad database, you won't be duplicating information (and risking error!). If you are still using manual trafficking with paper logs, you can achieve even more efficiency.
• Centralized workflow relieves the dependency on a single or just a few resources.
• More efficient production operation reduces the risk of error and the need for costly make goods.
• Extensive tracking and automated follow up avoids the last minute rush in search of needed materials.
• Better management of the production process leads to a more profitable publication.

Features:

• Full integration with order processing
• Communications link with sales
• Interface to page imposition
• Interface to reader service
• Production-definable security
• Publication specific fields and processes
• Material tracking including pick-ups.
• Reporting by advertiser, order, edition, issues and status
• Digital file tracking
• Tickler file and reminder tracking
• Download data to MS desktop applications
• Extensive comments entry

The best way to know if we're right for you is to see a demo. Call 1-800-234-4674 or email us: sales@msgl.com and we'll set up an online or onsite demo of the latest release.