American Print Management FAQs

What makes American Print Management different from other print management firms?

American Print Management differs in three key ways. First, unlike many firms that promote print management services, we are not a print supplier or broker. We work as an extension of each client's procurement activities - never as a broker, never as a print supplier, and never standing between our clients and their print suppliers. We have no direct interest (financially or otherwise) in any supplier that actually provides your print services. Our interest is ensuring that your suppliers are qualified to perform your work based on your own specified requirements. Second, we do not replace your suppliers. Rather, we create an environment in which you realize significant cost savings using your own trusted suppliers. Third, we do not get between you and your suppliers, reselling your own print back to you with a markup. . Our business success is built around the offering of (1) Web-based workflow system built to manage intricacies of the print procurement process; (2) Support services designed to augment existing print procurement activities; (3) Set of recommended best practices that are proven to save money; and (4) License to use e-LYNXX patented* automated vendor selection procedure.

Who are American Print Management’s clients?

Our clients represent varied industries and include some of the largest and most recognized leaders throughout North America. Since the cost of print (including direct mail, marketing, commercial print, publications, packaging and labels) equates to 3% to 20% of an organization’s gross revenues, virtually any organization can realize significant profit enhancement from our services. Our client base includes large organizations procuring print for their own use and consumption as well as major print providers that outsource and resell a portion of their overall print solution. Our agreements include provisions that protect the identity and procurement integrity of our clients. References are available to qualified parties.

What is significant about the patented* automated vendor selection procedure?

The AVS Technology® is being used to reduce procured print spend by 25% to 50%, thus saving major print buyers many millions of dollars. Unlike store-front and e-catalogue systems that manage the procurement of inventoried or commercial-off-the-shelf items produced in advance and warehoused until purchased, the AVS Technology® is utilized in any industry or area of spend management that involves goods and services that are ordered to precise and unique specifications and produced following order.

What is significant about the Print Management Center?

American Print Management provides a web-based, hosted management system (Print Management Center) developed by e-LYNXX, the parent company of American Print Management. This system enables an organization to administer and manage its entire print procurement process starting from a creative idea and initial specification through all subsequent revisions, approvals, procurement, production, receiving and billing.

How does American Print Management charge for its services?

There are a number of ways that American Print Management can be compensated for its services, system and intellectual property. Our standard arrangement is based on a gain-share model with charges based on success. In this arrangement, there are no up-front charges, ongoing retainers or fees for IT integration, customization or tailoring. Our only charge is a percentage of the measurable cost reduction achieved. Other compensation methods, including percentage of projects procured, periodic retainer, technology seat licenses, fee-for-service and patent licensing are available to suit specific client requirements.

	Can we use our own suppliers when working with American Print Management?
	Yes. American Print Management does not represent or in any way endorse specific suppliers to be used in the procurement of your print services. We encourage clients to invite any or all trusted suppliers into their supplier pool.

How many vendors does American Print Management recommend its clients have in their supplier pool?

Building and maintaining a sizable supplier pool is one key to gaining adequate competition in a controlled environment. Our client data conclusively demonstrates that increased competition leads to achieving greater levels of cost savings. The number of recommended suppliers is a buyer specific metric and is dependent on a number of factors, most notably the diversity of products procured, amount of work awarded, observed bid response rates and general supplier management practices. We subscribe to the belief that you can never have too many suppliers as a larger supplier pool enhances the probability of locating idle production capacity when projects are available. However, American Print Management general guidance is that no fewer than 14 to 24 suppliers be active for each product category and active quality level.

	What if we do not have enough suppliers in our existing pool?
	We maintain a large database of North American print suppliers that we can access in order to identify, qualify and recommend additional suppliers for buyer approval and acceptance. In the end it is the choice of our clients that dictates the suppliers invited to participate in their own respective programs.

How are print suppliers qualified though the American Print Management program?

Clients typically furnish a list of suppliers with which they have established favorable working relationships. The client then determines specific objective attributes that represent qualitative and quantitative supplier characteristics. These attributes typically include print production capability, quality performance levels and supplier profile information. Once attributes are established, each supplier is qualified using an objective quality assurance program.

	Can American Print Management accommodate our special procurement terms and conditions?
	Yes. The Print Management Center is designed to address, facilitate and keep record of special terms and conditions that apply to all your print jobs or are unique to any individual project. Examples of this include client specific master service agreements (MSA’s), corporate terms and conditions and non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s).

What training is required to use American Print Management’s system?

All key client and supplier stakeholders need to know how to use the Print Management Center. We support thorough client training that can be performed at the location of your choosing. Supplier training is straightforward and is typically completed over a few hours through a self paced, web-based environment. Once trained, your key stakeholders receive ongoing professional help desk support through our toll free phone, email and/or directly through the Print Management Center.