CASE STUDIES

Uniq Media

Eliminates manual processes and
gains speed and efficiency

The Query

Commercial printer desires a more efficient, more connected company, by updating its MIS. UNIQ MEDIA, a commercial printer in business since 2006, offers a diverse range of printing solutions, including digital and sheet-fed processes. Their product lineup includes catalogs, books, brochures, and specialty packaging, with additional services like variable data printing.

UNIQ also provides a wide array of finishing options such as hot stamping, foils, embossing, and UV varnishes. Despite their diverse product lineup including catalogs, books, and specialty packaging, the need to modernize is ever-present. Facing the challenges of outdated processes and the demand from customers for faster, more efficient production workflows, UNIQ is poised to embrace Industry 4.0. Their goal: to revamp their Management Information Systems (MIS), enhancing data visibility and streamlining operations to better meet the evolving demands of thedigital age.

PRODUCTS

Catalogs, magazines, brochures, specialty
packaging, envelopes

MACHINES

HP Indigo, RMGT-7, Die cutter, 2 folder/gluers

COMPANY size:

30 + employees

Location:

Wroclaw, Poland

The challenge

UNIQ was plagued with many manual processes that stalled growth.

According to Marcin Sawicz, CEO, UNIQ’s management system was a “patchwork system.” UNIQ MEDIA’s disjointed management system was hampering its operational efficiency and growth potential. The company utilized a self-developed web system for customer relationship
management (CRM), invoicing, and shipping lists, while production and logistics relied on an assortment of manual processes. The reliance on email servers to track past estimates and orders, coupled with manual data entry in work notebooks for production reporting created significant inefficiencies.

Sawicz explains, “A dozen Trello boards, and Google Docs sheets were used to conduct production and logistics. We did estimates in an Excel worksheet. Additionally, Excel sheets were created for the sales staff to monitor sales. We utilized our e-mail server to keep track of past estimates and orders. Production reporting was done by manually recording data in employees’ work notebooks. The collected data was reviewed and analyzed–once every two months.”

This fragmented approach resulted in a lack of real-time visibility, frequent errors, and an inability to accurately determine the profitability of jobs due to disconnected data flows and absent MES integration. The result was operational delays, inventory mismanagement, and a critical gap indecision-making capabilities.

“Our decision to purchase HiFlow’s technology was based on wanting to reign in the growing chaos in production due to difficulties in evaluating complex projects”

The solution

Connected workflows, data visibility and automation accelerate job completions.

Implementing HiFlow transformed UNIQ MEDIA’s operations, bringing a slew of improvements that catapulted the company into modern manufacturing excellence. The shift from manual to automated processes was immediate and impactful. HiFlow eliminated the need for tedious task management, allowing UNIQ’s team to focus on enhancing quality control. This shift not only boosted productivity but also significantly cut down on human error in production planning.

With HiFlow, UNIQ achieved unprecedented visibility into their operations. Real-time data access transformed how they managed production, inventory, and cost assessments. The system’s ability to track even the minutest details—such as tool access times and manual labor—enabled a granular view of project costs and profitability.

HiFlow’s dynamic scheduling capabilities allowed for real-time adjustments in production planning. Production management could now spend far less time building schedules and more time making meaningful changes This agility helped UNIQ meet customer expectations more efficiently, improving workflow and overall shop efficiency. By integrating Manufacturing Execution System (MES) capabilities, HiFlow provided detailed data post-production, which was crucial for verifying actual job profitability. This integration ensured that every aspect of production was accounted for, from resource allocation to final output.

HiFlow facilitated better communication between sales teams and production staff, enabling them to address production challenges proactively. Enhanced visibility into job statuses and production comments helped reduce potential conflicts, significantly improving customer service.

With these advancements, UNIQ is now well-positioned for future growth. The comprehensive control over data and operations provided by HiFlow ensures that UNIQ
can adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs, setting a strong foundation for continued success in the competitive packaging industry. These strategic implementations of HiFlow’s solutions have not only streamlined UNIQ’s operations but also established a robust framework for continuous improvement and innovation.

Takeaways

Job data easily accessed, provides insights to Sales

UNIQ now enjoys greater control over accurately determining job costs. HiFlow meticulously assesses project profitability by incorporating even the smallest operations, such as tool access, manual work, cutting times, packaging, and assembly. This comprehensive approach simplifies the creation of an accurate view of a project’s cost-effectiveness.

HiFlow’s advanced tools, including its MES integration, facilitate the verification of actual job profitability by collecting relevant data post-completion. This ensures that every aspect of the project is accounted for, providing a clear and precise evaluation of cost and profitability.

Visibility, efficiency and Industry 4.0

The technology in HiFlow offers unparalleled visibility, which is a significant benefit. UNIQ’s adoption of HiFlow leverages Industry 4.0 technologies to transform their operations, driving significant advances in visibility and efficiency. This integration ensures that sales personnel are constantly connected to both the jobs and their customers, always aware of the job’s current stage and able to see comments from production staff. This capability to address and solve any “production puzzles” and promptly reduces potential customer conflicts, thereby greatly enhancing the overall customer experience.

The comprehensive transparency facilitated by HiFlow means that every participant in the production process—from sales to operations—has complete insight into the workflow. This level of clarity and open communication fosters effective collaboration and streamlines processes across the board.

The entire job process is transparent and visible to everyone involved, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. With this level of insight and connectivity, UNIQ is confident that HiFlow will empower them to grow and thrive.

While tools were not a problem, the lack of accurate data flows between warehouse and production resulted in inventory overages– we easily got rid of this during the first year of using HiFlow.”

The Benefits of Partnering
with HiFlow Solutions

We implement – fast. The HiFlow system combines MIS and MES software with easy ERP integration.

We fill your ERP gaps. By optimizing ERP systems with MIS and MES features required for packaging and label printing.

We create automated environments. With seamless connections from order intake to shipping and invoicing.

We feed you data. With insights from real time, critical information from your production shop floor, personnel, and equipment.

We let you see. From smart scheduling to nested layouts to workflow diagrams, instantly see where you stand within the job.

Do you have additional questions about implementation? Contact our experts to discover how HiFlow System can help address your company’s challenges.