How can you evaluate and compare different print analytics tools and solutions?

1 Your goals and requirements

Before you start looking for print analytics tools or solutions, you need to define your goals and requirements. What are the main challenges or pain points you want to address with print analytics? How do you measure your current print performance and efficiency? What are the key metrics and indicators you want to track and improve? How do you plan to use the insights and recommendations from print analytics to implement changes and improvements?

2 The features and functionality

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and requirements, you can compare the features and functionality of various print analytics tools or solutions. When making this comparison, you should look for features such as data collection and integration, data analysis and visualization, data reporting and dashboarding, and data automation and optimization. In particular, consider how accurate, reliable, and secure the data collection process is; how easy, intuitive, and customizable the data analysis and visualization interface is; how flexible, comprehensive, and actionable the data reports and dashboards are; and how well the tool or solution leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing to enhance its capabilities.

3 The scalability and compatibility

Another factor to consider when evaluating and comparing different print analytics tools or solutions is the scalability and compatibility. How well does the tool or solution scale with your print environment, business growth, and changing needs? How well does the tool or solution integrate and work with your existing print infrastructure, software, and hardware? How well does the tool or solution support and comply with your industry standards, regulations, and best practices?

4 The cost and value

Of course, you also need to consider the cost and value of different print analytics tools or solutions. How much does the tool or solution cost upfront and ongoing? What are the hidden or additional costs you may incur? How do you calculate the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) of the tool or solution? How do you compare the value and benefits of different print analytics tools or solutions?

5 The support and service

Finally, you need to consider the support and service of different print analytics tools or solutions. How reliable, responsive, and helpful is the support and service team of the tool or solution provider? What are the levels, channels, and hours of support and service available? What are the feedback, reviews, and testimonials from other customers and users of the tool or solution?

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?