Using the right medium : Printed and electronic reporting

Why bother with project management?

At Jones and Palmer we strive to deliver all of our projects using project management techniques, without it the costs of production for both print and web would spiral out of control and we would struggle to meet delivery deadlines.

Essential elements

When planning a project we believe it is essential to set the following:

Objectives

Without a clear set of objectives the project goals will never be met – this is known as ‘moving the goal posts’.

Understanding your business

This helps meet your requirements in terms of design and content.

Project roles and responsibilities

The Project Managers role is essential when launching a new project, they act as the liaison between the project board (Client, Account Director) and the project team.

Planning

The budget must be set first, and then plan the schedule to meet this – remembering to plan contingency options as something will always slide.

Implementation

Ensure availability of resources prior to starting the project.

Review

At the end of a project it is key to review the product against the original objectives to check they have been met.

Our online project management portal

Project portals allow all the assets for any project to be kept in one secure place, with only the latest files available for review, whether they are pictures to share with the designers, copy being shared by authors or typesetters or timetables for the project. Dialogues can be shared with the right people and you can drop in at a time to suit you to check on the status of your project. These portals can also help manage the projects by sending out automatic reminders based upon the timetable to the appropriate people involved at each stage.

Benefits of managing your project online

Information is available anytime, anywhere – 24/7
Send corrections and alterations online
Save time collating amends
All information is stored in one place
Never miss deadlines
Unlimited file storage
Secure access permitted to the right people
Traceability

Proof yourself - online proofing options

Online mark-up

Online mark-up involves posting up a central PDF to a website that can then be marked up by multiple commentators simultaneously from any location and in any time zone. All commentators can be informed electronically that a new proof has been posted, and how long that proof is available for comment. This solves two major headaches for the project owner - how do I get copies out to all of the commentators, get them back on time, collate all the responses onto one copy and return it to the agency? This tool saves an enormous amount of resource for the project owner.

Desktop sharing

This service allows you to share a desktop with a creative or typesetter. This solution is popular to overcome a specific problem where you might want to try out a number of different design or layout ideas with a limited amount of time. Particular issues can be overcome prior to a proof being released, so can save significant amounts of time and resource.

Authoring systems

To have the ability to amend the master file at any time, generate your own proofs, so that you are not waiting for an agency to be able to allocate resource to a project can be a huge benefit. Most systems can be designed to suit the skill-level of the user. Some software may allow text changes only with little control over the creative elements of the project; whilst other solutions can allow full access to all elements of the job, but this inevitably comes with a greater responsibility.

At Jones and Palmer, we offer state of the art proofing options, which combine with the more traditional versions, to suit all preferences. Developed in line with our customer's requirements, our online proofing offerings are secure, yet fast, with flexible control options, and above all easy to use.

Choose out of our four levels of service which one suits your requirements the best;

Level one – Online portal and proof mark-up:

This service provides an online portal for sharing all assets and project communication, with proof mark-up facility, also giving you the option to remotely view ‘live’ amendments.

Level two - Online portal and live copy editing:

As level one, but with the ability for client authors to remotely amend copy in the live file and create press calibrated proofs.

Level three - Online portal and live copy, image and graphic editing:

As level two, but with the ability for client authors to remotely use a full media suite to amend and retouch images and graphics.

Level four - Online portal and live copy, image and graphic editing with in-house member of Jones and Palmer team:

As level three, but with a dedicated team member of the Jones and Palmer studio based on site with the client.

All these service levels are available to compliment more traditional hard copy proofing workflows to ensure the greatest flexibility for review and sign-off procedures.

Benefits of Jones and Palmer’s online proofing services;

24/7 access
No software installation required
No font installation necessary
Multiple users can work on the document at the same time
Unlimited number of authors
Full training and support
Full audit tracking of amends made
Secure (no offline copies of file)

Jones and Palmer have a full suite of proofing and authoring tools to help you with your project. We would be delighted to explore the most appropriate solution for your requirements.

If you have a moment take a look at what our customers are currently saying

Contact your Account Director to organise a live demonstration

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