It Was the Best of Times. . .

1) Down to a Science

Returning champion WorkflowOne, Dayton, Ohio, unveils not only higher sales figures for 2008, but a sophisticated business model, as well. Earlier this year, the corporate giant introduced the Dual Network Advantage (DNA), a model consisting of “two fully integrated networks enabled by proprietary, market-leading technology and the logistics infrastructure to ensure timely and efficient delivery,” explained Greg Mosher, CEO and chairman of Workflow Management. As of July, 53 of WorkflowOne’s new enterprise clients have chosen to buy through DNA, saving brand spend costs anywhere from 15 percent to 30 percent.

How does it function? DNA can be broken down into what are referred to as Helix Networks: the Services Network and the Manufacturing Network. Mosher said, “The [Services] Network is made up of Workflow’s extensive intellectual capital and cadre of domain experts, as well as the resources of 300 plus certified trade partners and suppliers that help Workflow aggregate [its] clients’ spend by either using Workflow’s manufacturing platform or Workflow’s bid/buy/outsource platform to give [our] clients the best price, quality and value.”

He continued, “The [Manufacturing] Network is made up of 22 sophisticated, fully owned production facilities throughout the United States. The two networks offer the flexibility to manage the supply chain from design to delivery in the most efficient, effective and economical manner. Using its Helix Networks, Workflow will be at the forefront of its clients’ brand strategy creation and design.”

When asked about the biggest problem facing the industry today, Mosher responded that the markets his company serves, including print and promotional products, are fragmented. “There are approximately 30,000 printers serving an $88 billion industry, with the top 10 companies representing just 16 percent of the overall business. Some of our competitors focus primarily as print brokers and lack the infrastructure found in end-to-end solution offerings, such as warehouse locations, logistics and manufacturing capabilities,” he said. “On the other hand, many manufacturers in the industry face excess capacity that in turn creates lower profit margins. As a result, industry consolidation continues at a rapid pace. This is why Workflow has produced [DNA], to give our clients the choice that is the most beneficial to them and their businesses.”