Officially launched at Fespa in Berlin earlier this year, Vism is a software system designed to pool all job information into a single place for all team members to access.
St Neots-based Macroart had perused a number of generalist possibilities initially, before commercial director Michael Green was approached by Vism founder Dan Tyler, who he had worked with previously, about the possibilities of his new product. Choosing to collaborate, Macroart worked closely with Vism to develop a platform tailored specifically to its needs.
“Dan was keen to make sure that the system could be worked in to our existing processes, or those of any other graphics, signage, or installations business,” said Green.
“His team have built something that's designed with the user in mind, from the way it looks and feels, to the language that's used. Doing so has meant most of our team could use it out of the box without needing any great amount of training.
“One of the things we really like about Vism is the simplicity of it. It does what you want it to, saves you a huge amount of time in the process, and the features Dan keeps adding mean we have something that really is built for our industry. It has enabled us to work in a more streamlined and efficient way – this clearly passes on a benefit to our customers.”
Through the Vism software, up-and-running at Macroart since the end of the summer, Green and his team have been able to centralise their system, sharing information and the sign-off process with installers to save on admin time.
Macroart specialises in managed signage and display projects and retail roll-outs, which require a high amount of quality control and coordinated execution made easier by Vism.
At its 4,645sqm plant the business operates two Canon Océ Colorados, two 3.2m Durst Rhotex printers, two Durst Rho 512s, a Durst P10 250HS Plus flatbed, an EFI LX3 Pro, a 5m-wide EFI printer, two Zünd Cutters, and a full suite of stitch finishing kit and Fiab high-frequency welders.
Employing 120 members of staff, the display fulfilment operation has increased its turnover from £6m to £11m in the four years since it underwent a management buyout.
Green said: “We always seek to continuously improve our production quality and processes – we are looking at a number of options right now including future investment and acquisitions.”
