Storage, Kit Packing & Fulfillment Archives - Thysse https://thysse.com/blog/category/storage-kit-packing-fulfillment/ Where you go with your brand Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://thysse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Storage, Kit Packing & Fulfillment Archives - Thysse https://thysse.com/blog/category/storage-kit-packing-fulfillment/ 32 32 Tour a Modern Print Facility with Dean Bott https://thysse.com/blog/a-tour-of-thysses-print-craftsmanship-and-technology-with-dean-bott/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:32:01 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=4611 Before retiring in 2024, Dean Bott, Thysse’s President, took one last walk through our Oregon, Wisconsin headquarters—a space he helped shape during his nine-year tenure with the company and more than fifty years in the printing industry.
 
Dean was known for giving the best tours in the building. For guests who truly loved the craft of printing, those tours could stretch for hours—filled with stories, insights, and small details that revealed just how much he cared about this work and the people behind it.
 
When Dean announced his retirement, we couldn’t let him leave without capturing one of those tours in video form. This series preserves his knowledge and perspective—a lasting look at the people, processes, and principles that make Thysse: Where You Go With Your Brand®—from the perspective of a true print expert.

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Craftsmanship, Commercial Print Technology, and the Heart of Thysse

Tour a Modern Print Facility with Dean Bott

Before retiring in 2024, Dean Bott, Thysse’s President, took one last walk through our Oregon, Wisconsin headquarters—a space he helped shape during his nine-year tenure with the company and more than fifty years in the printing industry.

 

Dean was known for giving the best tours in the building. For guests who truly loved the craft of printing, those tours could stretch for hours—filled with stories, insights, and small details that revealed just how much he cared about this work and the people behind it.

 

When Dean announced his retirement, we couldn’t let him leave without capturing one of those tours in video form. This series preserves his knowledge and perspective—a lasting look at the people, processes, and principles that make Thysse: Where You Go With Your Brand®—from the perspective of a true print expert.

What IS Commercial Printing?  How Thysse Puts Ink on Substrates

Every brand relies on consistent, high-quality messaging to drive awareness, build equity, and drive growth. Commercial printing is about reproducing those messages, colors and overall brand experience in physical form. There’s a lot more to it than putting ink on paper, at Thysse.

 

Commercial printing is often described as “custom manufacturing”. Unlike most types of manufacturing where industrial equipment, teams and workflows are aligned to produce the same thing at scale, commercial print is a different animal. Variable substrates, graphics, exact colors, page counts, trims, folds and bindings change and feed into a truly dynamic manufacturing environment. 

 

In this clip, Dean walks through Thysse’s digital toner, high-speed inkjet, and offset printing. These complement Thysse’s wide format technologies, which extend the same color control to signage, display graphics, and environmental branding. Together, these platforms allow Thysse to reproduce color accurately across every substrate, device and asset type produced here.

Watch how these three print platforms combine to ensure every substrate—paper, board, or synthetic—carries your brand exactly as intended, backed by G7 Master Certification for unmatched color accuracy.

Dry Toner Printing at Thysse: Fast, Flexible, Personalized

Dean often emphasized that technology should support creativity—not the other way around. Thysse’s digital toner presses enable short-run printing and variable-data personalization with remarkable efficiency and quality.

See how Thysse’s digital print technology brings agility to marketing teams—handling quick-turn booklets, personalized mailers, and print-on-demand collateral for local Madison clients and beyond.

High-Speed Inkjet Printing: Inside Thysse’s HP A2200

Speed and personalization are key to today’s most effective marketing programs. In this video, Dean showcases Thysse’s HP PageWide A2200 roll-fed inkjet press, a powerhouse for high-speed, variable-data printing and direct mail.

Take a look inside one of southern Wisconsin’s most advanced inkjet systems and see how Thysse combines direct mail production, automation and data-driven personalization to help brands engage audiences at scale.

Offset Printing at Thysse: Craft Meets Innovation

Offset printing remains the benchmark for long-run quality and brand consistency. Dean takes us inside Thysse’s Heidelberg six-color press, where automation, LED-UV curing, and G7 color management work together to deliver exceptional results for high-end collateral and packaging.

See how Thysse’s offset printing services blend craftsmanship with innovation to achieve vibrant, durable, and color-accurate results for our clients.

Inside the Bindery: From Flat Sheet to Finished Piece

Printing is only half the story—what happens next transforms it into something memorable. Inside Thysse’s bindery and finishing department, Dean explains how flat press sheets become beautifully finished materials through cutting, folding, die cutting, gluing, and stitching.

Watch how automation and craftsmanship come together to produce everything from pocket folders and stitched booklets to retail packaging and custom marketing pieces—all under one roof in Oregon, Wisconsin.

Inside Thysse’s Mail Inserting & USPS Processing

Once printed, every mail piece must be assembled and verified with absolute accuracy. Here, Dean demonstrates Thysse’s camera-based inserting systems and USPS mailing services, ensuring each envelope and insert set is perfectly matched and ready for delivery.

Watch how Thysse’s direct mail processing and match-mail verification maintain total mail integrity—giving clients confidence that every campaign reaches the right recipient, on time and in compliance.

Wide Format Printing at Thysse: Big Impact, Every Surface

In Thysse’s wide format printing division, ideas scale up and come to life. From retail signage and event graphics to architectural and environmental branding, Dean showcases how Thysse produces large-scale visuals with exceptional detail and color accuracy.

Explore how Thysse’s wide format printing services help brands make bold, beautiful statements across wood, metal, acrylic, vinyl, and other specialty materials—right here in southern Wisconsin.

Fulfillment & Brand Portals: Where Print Meets Logistics

Not every printed piece ships the day it’s produced. Many move through Thysse’s print fulfillment center, where logistics, technology, and inventory management converge. Dean highlights how custom-built Brand Portals give clients real-time control over their printed assets, promotional items, and signage kits—all stored and shipped directly from Dane County to locations nationwide.

See how Thysse’s fulfillment services and brand portal software streamline complex distribution programs—reducing costs, eliminating errors, and accelerating turnaround times for regional and national brands alike.

Sustainability at Thysse: Smarter Energy, Smarter Packaging

The tour concludes with Thysse’s commitment to sustainability. For Dean, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s built into how Thysse operates. From solar-powered printing to renewable paper sourcing and right-sized packaging, sustainability shapes every stage of production.

Discover how Thysse’s investments in eco-friendly printing and packaging innovation—including on-site solar power that supplies much of our Oregon, WI facility—reduce waste, conserve energy, and strengthen local manufacturing for a greener future.

A Legacy of Leadership and Craftsmanship

As Dean steps into retirement, his legacy remains visible in every part of Thysse—from the technology and processes he helped refine to the culture of craftsmanship he championed.

 

Dean’s tour wasn’t just a farewell—it was a way to preserve the knowledge and spirit that shaped Thysse’s culture.

 

His legacy lives on in the team that carries that spirit forward—continuing to innovate, explore new technologies, and push the edge of what’s possible. Every day, Thysse looks for new ways to create value, elevate brands, and deliver outcomes that move our clients—and our craft—forward.

Insights, Ideas, and Real-World Results

Blogs that inform and inspire.

From practical print tips to in-depth client stories, we share knowledge that helps you plan smarter and see what’s possible.

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]]> Breaking the Logistics Barrier to Retail Expansion https://thysse.com/blog/breaking-the-logistics-barrier-to-retail-expansion/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=4015 “Offline communication”—whether you call it signage, retail graphics, large format print or ISM, over the past 10 years I’ve worked on it with global brands—and ones that are just getting started.
 
There are several major brick and mortar growth stages, each with their own challenges. It all really begins when napkin sketches and spreadsheets become a flagship store. For leaders with growth in mind, flagship stores are prototypes—tests that validate the next step. (Phase 1, no special name.)
 
With proof your model works, the next handful of locations sprout up. They’re tests too. From refining insights to growing teams and adding the tools and processes needed to keep a few locations humming, there’s a lot of foundation setting going on. It’s herding cats, but once you’ve got them marching in single file, it’s time for the real test: scaling your operations and brand into retail domination and the cover of Fast Company.
 
Okay—scaling! You’ve reached Phase 2, which is my favorite. I even have a name for it: “Branch & Soar!”

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Doors, Doors, Doors—From 5 to 50+

Tour a Modern Print Facility with Dean Bott

“Offline communication”—whether you call it signage, retail graphics, large format print or ISM, over the past 10 years I’ve worked on it with global brands—and ones that are just getting started.

 

There are several major brick and mortar growth stages, each with their own challenges. It all really begins when napkin sketches and spreadsheets become a flagship store. For leaders with growth in mind, flagship stores are prototypes—tests that validate the next step. (Phase 1, no special name.)

 

With proof your model works, the next handful of locations sprout up. They’re tests too. From refining insights to growing teams and adding the tools and processes needed to keep a few locations humming, there’s a lot of foundation setting going on. It’s herding cats, but once you’ve got them marching in single file, it’s time for the real test: scaling your operations and brand into retail domination and the cover of Fast Company.

 

Okay—scaling! You’ve reached Phase 2, which is my favorite. I even have a name for it: “Branch & Soar!”

Close up of woman paying with credit card in store
Shopping, bag and portrait of woman in city excited for discount sale, promotion or luxury boutique. Laughing, girl and customer with retail deal and purchase clothes or fashion at store in New York

Phase 2: Branch & Soar - “This is working!”

This is an exciting chapter for a retailer—whether you’re selling a dining experience, float isolation, escape room adventures, picture frames or clothes—the way you’re doing it is working. 

 

Often—maybe always, a key diver is differentiation. How you’re doing it is different in ways your customers prefer. It’s earning you referrals, your brand is spreading and your team is energized.

 

This begs the question, “What ARE you doing differently?” For retailers, this is certainly a mix of many things, but fundamentally, you’ve created a superior client experience. And that stems from tangible effort and investments you’re putting into that experience. 

 

At smaller scales, it’s relatively easy to manage all these experience differentiators. Your stores are unique—from how they’re decorated/merchandised to how your team interacts with guests, how they follow up…lots of factors. You’ve discovered how much the little things matter. 

 

I’ve seen (and supported) experience tactics that are undeniably “extra”—like store associates sending handwritten thank you cards to clients. Offering premium, reusable (and branded) shopping bags for free—bags their guests enjoy being seen carrying, and probably would have paid for. …Elaborate handcrafted merchandising and inventory resets that cycle much faster than their competition. Community engagement efforts, social missions, omnichannel advertising campaigns—the marketing backend that’s needed to drive awareness and first time visits extends into great in-store experiences and beyond to unlock a different type of growth. 

 

These marketing and store operations efforts break through rational thinking to resonate with guests in a different way. Expectations are exceeded, emotional connections are formed—loyalty is earned and advocacy is won. The growth curve starts climbing, fast.

 

The tactics that drove that early success took work. There’s always at least one magical unicorn superstar that’s at the center of all this. That person and the team around them manage, coordinate, ship, replenish, replace, innovate, curate, inspect and deliver. But, as business heats up and 5 locations become 8, then 12, it starts to get increasingly difficult to keep it all flowing. It becomes additional full-time jobs, and magical unicorns are kind of like lightning—it’s rare to get two on one team. I’ve seen this in literally every transition from small to medium size retailer I’ve worked with. The systems and approaches that worked before start to break down and become less efficient.

 

It’s a bit counterintuitive, but costs don’t just inherently decrease with scale. What it takes to manage the experience in 5 stores can actually get harder, in non-linear ways, when you get to 10. Realizing the efficiencies of scale requires changes in how you’re managing all those experience differentiators that are working. That’s the barrier. That’s the challenge and it can grind away momentum. In a recent partnership, heroic efforts by five client-side employees (all unicorns) were keeping their superior experience engine running. Their struggles behind the scenes made it clear that they needed a better approach. And to their credit, they acted on it. …It’s how Thysse and I got involved. 

 

Let me first say, implementing “better approaches” isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. At face value, it often seems like it should be fairly straightforward, but as we dig into the details and begin mapping out the steps, the scope of the project reveals itself. It’s a barrier that trips up some growing retailers. One good look at it and there can be a rational response that tries to bypass, bruit force or just skip clearing it. But, as I like to advise, it will never be easier to make changes in the future.

 

It’s an interface challenge. It’s essentially figuring out how to connect all the pieces that make up that winning guest experience so that everything from artwork, approvals, orders, shipments, inventory levels, reporting, notifications and payments can flow between the retailer and, in this case, us in much more efficient, reliable and automated ways. Dense chunk of text there, but that’s as concise as I can make it. 

Screenshot of a Thysse brand portal product page for Core Market, showing a “Cold & Flu Essentials” aisle violator 2-pack. The red, double-sided signs read “Cold & Flu Essentials Here” with downward arrows and a circular photo of bundled-up children. Product details include dimensions (5

There are plenty of platforms that can do some of this within a narrow set of assets and with limitations that may seem manageable. But, there simply isn’t an off-the-shelf tool that can accommodate a diverse set of assets, logistics requirements—and your process/workflow needs—and do it well.

 

In the case of the client above, the process took about a year to complete. There were plenty of short-term improvements along the way—so it’s not like it’s just a struggle for a year and then utopia. It’s gradual. But, at the end of the project, three of the five full-time employees were able to shift their efforts back to support the growth mission in more valuable ways. The timing was perfect. This retailer will almost double, adding 20 new locations in the next 12 months.

 

The highly customized system we developed now manages virtually every asset each location needs. From new store buildout kits (delivered by freight), to totes, signs, graphics and business cards—new or replacements, it’s all a couple of clicks away.

 

We refer to these custom asset management solutions as “brand portals”, and that’s really what they are. From fully centralized to completely decentralized models with custom permissions and reporting, inventory management and print-on-demand—they’re powerful growth catalysts in many ways.

 

It’s incredibly gratifying to stand these solutions up and get client reactions. It’s kind of like moving your accounting team from graph paper to Excel. They’re literally delighted and can’t imagine how they ever did it any other way. 

 

It’s not just a more scalable and reliable approach—it cuts costs and improves brand management. On costs, direct-to-store fulfillment eliminates extra legs of shipping and handling. It cut the manpower needed to manage this aspect of store operations. For this client, it enabled them to drive asset costs down 15%. And, that’s on top of the logistics and management cost savings—plus, it’s faster.  Items now reach stores in days instead of weeks.

 

Brand standards management and the value of it isn’t always appreciated up front—but its value tends to get tangible after a few months. Whether you’re using a decentralized model that enables your stores to order what they need, or you’d rather control all asset shipments—or a hybrid—brand asset creation and approvals can remain centralized. If you’re not a Pantone Patroller on your squad, those that are will appreciate this.

Cheering audience at some concert, backlit, red background

Phase 3: Retail Domination, But Nicely - “The Fulfillment Era”

I’ll just briefly touch on Phase 3. I wasn’t going to—but here we are.

 

To be fair, there are lots of growing pains that need to be managed well to scale. And while accounting, human resources, business management and leadership structure aren’t things Thysse can help (much) with, once you’re good at adding and supporting new and existing locations, the game shifts. You’ve got an album of hits, and your fans just want you to keep singing them. It’s about consistency. 

 

You don’t reach Phase 3 without clearing the logistics barriers in Phase 2, so at this point, you’ve got the process figured out, you just need all systems to work reliably. The word “durable” jumps out at me when I’m working on Phase 3 projects. On my provider side, I’m looking for ways I can ensure retail operations keep humming. The world is entropic. Things happen. Maybe there’s a trade war—or several. Maybe there’s a shipping strike. Maybe a ship gets stuck in the Panama Canal, or maybe your design files get approved a week later than we planned. Durable systems take the hit and deliver on time and at standard. 

 

The game becomes rinse, recycle and repeat. …A playbook that leverages the scalable systems you’ve put in place, where adding locations doesn’t fundamentally change what it takes to manage/support them. You’ve built a scalable system and it’ll spin as fast as you’d like it to.

 

That’s the fun part for us. Thysse’s culture is all about relationships and partners. Your success is ours, and it’s thrilling to be a part of these journeys.

 

And they are journeys. Mid-stream, it can feel like a daunting trek and like you’re making all the mistakes. But you’re not. This is how it feels for every passionate, overworked unicorn. In fact, after reassuring a client this morning she responded: “Really?!  It’s not just us?! I always feel like we’re the worst client!”  …No, you aren’t. This is normal and it’s going to be great.

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]]> Seasonal Retail Resets That Make a Lasting Impact—All Year Long https://thysse.com/blog/seasonal-retail-resets/ Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2885 Master seasonal retail resets: learn how strategic signage swaps, layout updates, and fresh brand elements can revitalize your space, boost traffic, and drive timely sales.

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]]> Ready to give your retail space the refresh it deserves? Whether it’s spring blooms, summer sun, Halloween thrills, or holiday sparkle, every season or holiday brings a new opportunity to engage customers and showcase your merchandise at its best. Seasonal resets go beyond aesthetics—they’re about creating immersive experiences that resonate with customers, keep them coming back, and build excitement for what’s next.

From choosing themes that reflect your brand to creating layered displays and making transitions easy, we’ll explore how seasonal updates can transform your space and make every reset seamless and impactful.

Why Do Seasonal Store Resets?

From window displays to floor decals, they give you a canvas as big as your imagination. Here’s how they keep your store fresh, engaging, and easy to reset:

Keep Curb Appeal Fresh and Seasonal 

Each season brings a new opportunity to refresh your storefront with colors, themes, and designs that resonate with your customers. Think printed custom cuts on corrugated cardboard—like snowflakes in winter, beach balls in summer, or florals in spring.
Make seasonal updates easy and fun while transforming your store into an inviting, eye-catching display that stands out.

Establish Experiential and Visual Consistency

Your digital creative team moves fast, updating graphics with seasonal must-have items to stay ahead. But what happens when customers step into your store? Does the in-store experience match the magic they see online?
Bridging the gap between the speed of digital updates and the impact of in-store visuals ensures your customers feel connected to your brand at every touchpoint.

Create an Immersive In-Store Experience 

Floor to ceiling, wall to wall—transform your space into an entirely new world each season. From wall wraps and floor graphics to custom posters, these elements set the tone, creating a mood that’s sunny and bright or warm and welcoming.
It’s more than just décor; it’s about crafting a seamless journey that draws customers in, guides them through your merchandise, and makes every visit unforgettable.

Flexible and Cost-Effective for Every Holiday 

Wide-format graphics come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so you can mix and match for a complete look. Think big with a statement wall or go subtle with smaller graphics, like holiday accents in high-traffic areas. Best part? Many of these graphics are reusable, so with a quick switch, you’re ready for the next season without the cost of a full redo.

Encourage Social Media Moments, Year-Round 

Great visuals aren’t just eye candy—they’re social media magnets. Customers love sharing what catches their eye, so make the most of each season or holiday by setting up seasonal photo ops, bright displays, or playful floor graphics that invite customers to snap a photo. Each season’s design can offer fresh reasons for customers to share and engage.

Easy-Peasy Resets with Each Season 

The beauty of materials like magnetic receptive vinyl is their simplicity. As one season ends, you can easily roll up the old graphics and roll out something fresh, giving your space a whole new look in no time. Even better, store associates can quickly swap them out with minimal effort—no special skills or tools required.
For some customers, we’ve even developed custom storage solutions to support reuse, reduce waste, and save resources. These materials are designed for easy application and removal, so your store will always be ready to shine, season after season.

Don’t Forget the Hardware! 

Think about how each piece will be configured and stand—whether it’s using gondola clamps for shelving displays, neopegs for wall mounts, suction cups for windows, or cables and locking mechanisms for added security. Not sure where to start? No problem—our team has you covered! This isn’t our first rodeo… or, uh, seasonal retail reset.

Sign hanging in an isle that reads Tree Skirts & Stockings, with an illustrated stocking filled with presents and candy canes. Wreaths and tops of stockings appear in the background, as well as the store ceiling.
White sign with text that reads Everything 40% off. Restrictions apply. See associate for details. Conifer branches poking out of a clear, round glass vase. All on a maple table with clothes neatly stacked around. Clothes and lifestyle signage hanging behind in this retail environment.
Wrapped gift with red and white string, conifer branch, and gift tag. Framed ambient photo in the background. Lands' End, Greenway store display.

Seasonal Reset Checklist for Every Occasion

Want to maximize each refresh? Here are some pro tips:

Choose Your Theme Carefully

  • Consider your brand identity and customer personas.
  • What do they expect from you?
  • What would make them "ooh" and "ahh" this season?
  • How do you connect with your customers best—through your distinctive brand, your incredible deals, or your commitment to quality goods? And how does that translate into your spaces?
  • Make it seamless from digital to in-person.

Mix It Up

  • Think beyond the rectangle! Custom shapes and unique textures can bring your graphics to life. 
  • Blend large and small elements—window displays, wall decals, floor graphics, and even dimensional cutouts—to create a layered, immersive experience. 

Make It Reusable When Possible

  • Consider the hardware and frames.
  • Choose a backing material that makes swapping graphics easy and keeps the overall cost down.
  • Signature elements that are true to brand, and will need to hang out for a while? Choose sturdy materials, like styrene or aluminum, that will last.

Ship-Friendly Solutions and Effortless Installs

  • Let us kit-pack your next reset, combining signage with your décor elements for a fully comprehensive setup. And did we mention we’ll customize each kit to the store and ship it to the corresponding location?
  • Concerned about shipping expenses? We offer materials designed to fold and roll, minimizing costs and simplifying logistics.
  • Associates struggling with installations? With over 100 years of combined experience, our team is always finding new ways to simplify applications and instructions, making installations easier—without compromising aesthetics.

Seasonal and holiday resets are a powerful way to keep your store vibrant, engaging, and ready to showcase your merchandise. These updates create excitement for your customers and help ensure a seamless experience, whether they’re shopping in-store or online. A thoughtfully designed reset elevates your merchandise and enhances customer loyalty.

When it’s time to refresh your store, we make the process simple with dedicated support tailored to your needs. Here’s to seamless seasonal transitions and displays that shine!

See you next season, Team Thysse

P.S. Ready to get started on your next reset? Contact us.

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]]> Colorful Language: Perplexing Print Lingo Defined https://thysse.com/blog/colorful-language-perplexing-print-lingo-defined/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:08:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2249 Empower yourself with key print terms for smoother communication and better results. Master the lingo with Thysse's expert guidance.

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]]> Communicate with your printer like a pro for spot-on results and smoother workflows. 

Vamoose. Widdershins. Non-sequitur. Cattywampus. Will using big words make you a better person? No. But will it change the trajectory of your business and catapult your career to another level? Also, probably no. However, familiarizing yourself with some key print-related jargon will make you sound like a whiz in verbal exchanges with your printer. More importantly, understanding common lingo involved in the creation of your projects means you can better communicate your goals and expectations – ultimately resulting in a more buttoned-up final product, the best bang for your buck, and overall less-stressful communication along the way. 

Below we’ve compiled a short list of uber-useful print production terms and their definitions. However note that the following is just one of three lists we have yet to unveil – the others pertaining to Graphic Design and Brand Development. If awkward innuendos are your thing, be sure to check out the wild n’ wacky terms used in Specialty Graphics installations here.

CMYK

Remember the primary and secondary color wheels you learned about in your elementary school art class? Blue + yellow = green? This is roughly the same concept. CMYK is an acronym that refers to the 4 color ink plates used in the color printing process: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (usually black). Different combinations of the 4 are used to create the full range of colors, with the key plate being used to print the detail – a tidbit you might recall if you’ve been following along with our monthly Trivia questions. 

Offset Printing 

The most commonly used commercial print method, offset involves transferring an inked image from a metal printing ‘plate’ to a rubber cylinder, then rolling the image onto a sheet of paper. All of this of course happens inside a massive, state-of-the-art machine. Offset produces the highest-quality prints, with the most accurate color reproduction and clean, crisp images. However this method is more cost effective when used for larger press runs. 

Spot Color

Ever need a super specific color, like your exact brand shade? That’s where spot color comes in! Instead of mixing inks, we use a premixed, solid color ink for spot colors, making it perfect for nailing consistency. Think special finishes like metallics or fluorescents—it’s all about precision.

Digital Printing 

That small laser or inkjet printer you have hooked up to your laptop at home? That’s a digital printer. However the ones used for commercial printing purposes are larger, faster and more precise. Unlike offset that utilizes plates, digital printing transfers ink directly onto the paper. Digital is often seen as more cost effective, and a better option for shorter press runs. 


G7 Certification 

A three-tiered certification system that indicates a printer’s ability to accurately reproduce colors and maintain color consistency across their various substrates and print processes. That means the red on your logo will match the red on your website, your packaging, your store signage, and so on. Color consistency has a significant impact on consumers’ overall impression of a brand, learn more about the science of color management here. 

Digital Proof 

Not to be confused with a pdf proof (viewed on screen), a digital proof is a physical copy of a project printed on a digital printer (see above). Digital proofs are a cost effective way to check things like fonts, graphics, lines, copy, and page layout with excellent accuracy. However, since digital uses process colors, it is not always an accurate representation of the actual pantone colors that may be specified for your job. 

Resolution 

The detail or visual sharpness of an image. If an image appears very crisp and clear, it has high resolution. If it appears blurry, low resolution. The resolution of an image in the graphic design world is measured in pixels per square inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). 

Trim 

The trim size represents the actual dimensions of your project. In other words, the trim marks where the paper will be cut, or trimmed away, from the surrounding border. In order to avoid potential white slivers from being visible around your piece after it has been cut, your graphic designer will typically extend the background beyond the trim. 

Bleed 

Far less violent than it sounds, bleed is the extra ⅛” border of background color extended beyond the trim. The bleed prevents accidental white slivers from showing up around the edges after a piece has been cut and ensures a polished final product. 

Indicia 

In the realm of direct mail, an ‘in-dee-shuh’ is essentially a printed postage stamp. They save time and money associated with having to manually stamp each individual piece, however they must adhere to a strict set of USPS formatting guidelines. It is generally the responsibility of your graphic designer to ensure these requirements are met and incorporated into the design. 

Kitting 

Sorry, no kittens involved. However, kitting is extremely beneficial for cutting costs and streamlining your work flows. Kitting (or kit packing), is assembling multiple related items into a single package and shipping them to a list of recipients. Commonly kitted items include signage resets for retail stores, promotional products for trade shows, and folders stuffed with pre-sorted documents. 

Bindery 

The department within a commercial printer which handles any finishing processes involved in a project, including scoring, cutting, stitching, stickering, foiling, assembling, embossing, and of course, binding. Bindery ensures your project looks polished and professional, and applies the final touches that make your printed piece stand out from the rest. 

Spot UV 

A fancy finishing technique that makes certain areas on a printed piece appear high-shine and glossy. Spot UV treatments are particularly eye-popping on a matte background, adding depth and visual contrast. This is a great finishing option to make certain elements of your piece stand out, such as your company logo on a business card for example. 

Scoring 

Ever wonder how greeting cards get those clean, crisp folds in the center? In the print world, scoring means to press or emboss a crease-line onto a substrate to allow for easier folding. Fold lines are especially beneficial for thicker substrates like cardboard. Pieces that require scoring should be designed so that the crease line runs in the same direction as the grain of the paper. Substrates should also be carefully selected to avoid the possibility of cracking. 

While we hope you spend some time familiarizing yourself with the terms above, we also recognize that becoming a human commercial print dictionary doesn’t always fall high on the priority list (that’s our job!). The great news is that Thysse’s team of graphic designers and production specialists have conversations about this stuff on the daily, and they’re always happy to break down any unfamiliar terms throughout the process. Got a print project in mind? Head to our contact page and drop us a line or check out our Print Services page to explore more on your own. 

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]]> Online Brand Portals Unpacked https://thysse.com/blog/online-storefront-portals-unpacked/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:16:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2313 Learn how Thysse's online Storefront simplifies print asset management. Streamline ordering, cut costs, and boost efficiency with our custom solutions.

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]]> What is an online Brand Portal, and how can it transform the way you manage your printed marketing materials?

Your company’s printed assets, in the eye of the beholder, are a direct reflection of the quality of its services. That’s why marketing materials should be eye-catching, in-sync with your company’s brand, and, of course, informationally-accurate. Yet, if you have multiple office locations and lines of business – all with slightly different needs at different times – procuring your printed assets can spiral into a never-ending game of phone tag.

If the above sounds familiar, then you’ve got room for improvement in your ordering workflows. The solution? An online Brand Portal to alleviate some of the pain points in the process. What’s more, it could also free you up to better leverage the power of your printed assets – a winning combination.

But what is Brand Portal, and how is it right for your business?

In a metaphorical sense, Brand Portal is the ever-elusive ‘Easy’ button you’ve been searching for to manage your company’s printed assets. Technically speaking, it’s an inventory management and print on-demand tool that helps you deliver customized marketing materials across all channels of your business. From one centralized Brand Portal that allows you to track inventory and place orders anytime, from anywhere, and ship to your various office locations. That means you can order items like: 

  • Business stationary (business cards, envelopes, forms) at midnight from your bathtub 
  • Marketing materials (brochures, folders, postcards) from the couch (PJs optional)
  • Posters and banners (POP and trade show displays) from your airport gate – just don’t miss your flight!
  • Promotional items (apparel, pens and water bottles) while you peruse the zoo. Grrrr.

Managing your printed assets via Brand Portal comes with a few other perks too. For one, it allows you to significantly reduce (or cut out completely) back and forth communication with your printer. Brand Portal can also reduce your overall production and storage costs, decrease necessary lead times, and provide quicker turnaround. 

Eric Hallingstad
"Brand Portal gives the user immediate access to view and order their products, verify prices, and monitor their shipment—all online without needing to call or email anyone. Orders are completed faster, and without the hassle." 
-Eric Hallingstad, Director of Technical Services

Each Brand Portal is custom-built to include your company’s branding and customized user access settings. Aside from visual and security configurations, the actual items and fulfillment options available on your Brand Portal catalog can vary greatly. Knowing your options, and the unique benefits of each, will help steer you in the right direction during the initial set up. 

Deciduous Forest with Path

What kinds of orders can Brand Portal handle?

The items in your Brand Portal catalog typically fall into one of four categories – although all four can be (and often are) combined in a single portal. 

1. Fulfillment-Based Orders for Savings and Speed 

Fulfillment-based orders include pre-produced items sourced from stored inventory in Thysse’s warehouse. This category has a myriad of benefits for businesses including shorter turnarounds (because the items are produced ahead of time), and cost savings (because producing larger quantities in advance incurs bulk printing discounts). Additionally, utilizing your printer’s warehouse for storage frees up valuable office space, which typically comes with a premium price tag.  

For instance, say you’re a business that regularly gives out branded promo gear to ‘woo’ new hires or clients. If the trend continues in 2022, promo gear requires significant lead times thanks to nationwide shipping debacles and supply chain issues. With fulfillment-based Brand Portal orders, branded water bottles, pens, mugs and notebooks can be produced in bulk ahead of time, and stored on site to be at-the-ready when you need them. 

2. Print On-Demand Orders for Reduced Obsolete Inventory 

Unlike fulfillment-based orders where items are pre-produced, on-demand orders involve items that are produced after an order is placed. While these orders may have longer turnarounds and require more lead time, on-demand orders interest businesses who don’t want to risk the possibility of ending up with obsolete inventory. 

Companies who anticipate a rebrand in the near future, for example, or those who are just plain old uncertain of the quantities of an item they might need, may prefer the on-demand print option. Keep in mind that some printed items also don’t store well long-term – such as envelopes – which can lose their adhesive quality over long periods in storage.  

3. Kitted Orders for Unrivaled Efficiency 

This category involves multiple printed items that are assembled together, or ‘kitted’, and shipped as a bundle. Individual items included in the kits can be printed on-demand, fulfilled from stored inventory, or a combination of both depending on your needs. Kits are listed as a single item on your portal for efficiency.

An insurance company is a great example of a business that might benefit from having kitted order options on their Brand Portal. Each new client receives the same welcome folder that includes individual items like brochures, provider options, and a summary of benefits. Thysse can print on-demand (or fulfill from stored inventory) each of the individual printed pieces, order them neatly in pre-produced folders, and ship them out in a tidy bundle with little more than a click.

4. Direct Mail Orders for Click and Ship Ease 

Direct mail items on Brand Portal allow you print and ship customized mail pieces to a specified list of recipients. Choose from preloaded templates/artwork for your piece, attach a mail list, and view postage costs before adding your order to the cart. Thysse can even perform list maintenance before finalizing your order to ensure you only pay for the necessary quantities.  

Take a lawn care company, for example. The user can pull up their online portal, select a postcard template, choose from snow plow artwork or lawn mower artwork, attach the desired list of recipients, select the quantity, add to cart, and voila! Custom direct mailers on doorsteps – without so much as leaving the desk. 

If you’ve made it this far – congrats! However, if you like what you see but still have a few questions about how this whole Brand Portal concept fits in with your business’s needs, that’s where we come in. Thysse helps our clients work through Brand Portal setups and configurations every day, and we’re happy to answer any questions regarding different Brand Portal options, set up, or any others that come to mind. If you’re more the research-on-your-own type, swing on over to the additional resources here. If you’re really hoping to see our Technical Services Director nerd out for 30 minutes, you can always give us a shout to schedule a live Brand Portal demo.

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]]> Print Industry Veterans Unite Over 125 Years of Combined Expertise https://thysse.com/blog/print-industry-veterans-unite-over-125-years-of-combined-expertise/ Mon, 17 May 2021 15:21:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2355 Thysse’s acquisition of Badger Group united two trusted print leaders—combining decades of experience, expanded capabilities, and a shared commitment to client success.

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]]> Acquisition of Badger Group Delivers First-Class Upgrade to Thysse’s Mailing Capabilities

OREGON, WI/FORT ATKINSON, WI, May 17, 2021 — Best known for generating innovative brand solutions while serving the local community, Oregon, WI-based printer, Thysse, announces a series of additions to its team and services through the acquisition of Badger Group. A longtime asset to Fort Atkinson-area businesses, Badger Group is reputed for their direct mail, print services, and digital marketing expertise.

Combining forces and relocating to Oregon offers Badger Group clients increased capacity for current services, a larger team to focus on every project, and additional offerings in vehicle graphics, signage and large format, creative services, promotional items, inventory management and distribution. The transition is already underway and progressing smoothly, as both businesses run on the same Print Management Information System (MIS) and are structured similarly to assist clients.

 

“Badger Group has been family owned and operated since 1975, and we’re thrilled to combine both companies’ rich history and extremely knowledgeable teams. The move is a very positive one for us, as we can now offer our clients additional brand development options while continuing to deliver exceptional service. We’re thoughtfully planning our transition so there are very few changes to client and staff relationships and no delays to current or scheduled projects.”
- Sally O’Brien, Badger Group President/Owner

O’Brien, along with many of her dedicated sales, project management, and production staff will complete the move to Thysse. Thysse’s growth in recent years can be attributed to expansions in facilities and services. This latest union increases expertise and capacity in both mailing and offset printing services, and all transitions are expected to be completed by June 1, 2021.

“Badger Group has a long and respected history in Wisconsin and a fantastic set of experts who will strengthen our mailing, offset, and marketing capabilities. We’ve long admired their business model and presence in the print industry, and couldn’t be happier to have them join our team.”
- Jason Thysse, President

About Badger Group

Incorporated as Badger Press in the early 1950’s, Badger Group, a WBENC – certified Woman-Owned Small Business, is a full-service print and marketing services provider.  We manage targeted direct mail campaigns with integrated digital components, marketing automation and dashboard analytics.  Our storefront solutions help maintain brand identity, connect teams, streamline ordering and fulfillment, and monitor inventory.  We work closely with our clients to offer value and solutions for their business and organization.

About Thysse

Located in Oregon, WI, Thysse is an ever-evolving brand experience provider built by three generations of visual communication specialists. We like to say Thysse is “Where you go with your brand,” and provide innovative solutions to back that statement up. We are a design, printing, specialty graphics, and manufacturing company at our core, but we also offer imagination and the tools to customize your project to find the right solution every time.

Our team believes the story your brand tells is as important as the materials it is printed on, and we’re here to help you think through every step of your project, be it direct mail, catalog, fleet vehicles, apparel, signage, or environmental wayfinding.

For more information, contact Thysse at 608.249.6951

 

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]]> Six Inventory Management Strategies for Your Print Assets https://thysse.com/blog/six-inventory-management-strategies-for-your-print-assets/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 16:48:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=261 Discover six proven strategies to streamline your print asset inventory—from real-time tracking and digital catalogs to just-in-time ordering and predictive reorder points—empowering smarter planning, cost savings, and seamless brand management.

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Improving how you manage your print inventory generates advantages that save you space, time, and money—and can actually help your business operate more successfully. So how do you get to that point? These 6 game-changing inventory management strategies will show you the way.

Before we dive in, take a look at what effective inventory management of your print assets can do for you:

  • Prevent out-of-stock surprises
  • Minimize the need for costly back orders
  • Reduce the time and complexity of the ordering process from multiple locations
  • Have a convenient print-on-demand option for complex and ever-evolving kits
  • Take advantage of lower unit-cost purchasing
  • Optimize your long-term print spend economics

Who can resist that? No one with an eye on growth AND the bottom line. So let’s take a look at the inventory management strategies to make it happen.

1. Warehouse your print assets off site to free up business space and take advantage of economy-of-scale pricing

Businesses that are expanding run into space limitations. And when office space is at a premium, sacrificing business square footage for storage purposes is not a cost-effective move. 

In addition, you can easily lose track of print inventory if you have disorganized storage cages; office desks stacked with reams of collateral; and shelving systems that make it hard to know exactly what you have.

By storing print and related items at your printer’s facilities, you eliminate these poor storage practices. But the bottom line benefits don’t stop there. 

A lack of inventory space forces you to order smaller quantities. That means a higher unit cost and ultimately lower profit margins. 

Storing inventory off site gives you more room, and allows you to take advantage of economy-of-scale pricing for the high-volume assets your users depend on the most.

Pro tip: If you have storage needs beyond print assets, look for a print vendor who will warehouse and ship other items such as your branded gifts and office supplies, and even the equipment you use for trainings, trade shows, and conferences.

2. Leave the distribution and shipping (i.e., order fulfillment) to experts

Taxing your already-busy admin support, grabbing staff from other departments, hiring expensive temps—there’s a better way to assemble your multi-piece kits and handle your overall print fulfillment needs.

Find a print vendor with a streamlined fulfillment system. You’ll do more than spend smarter on labor costs. By having dedicated fulfillment specialists, you’ll greatly reduce shipping errors and possibly even enjoy discounted shipping rates from major carriers.

3. Plan smarter with 24/7 access to an automated inventory tracking system

Do you know the exact counts on all of your print assets? You should. 

Reliably tracking your inventory can prevent unexpected shortages and keep expensive expedited print jobs to a minimum. 

It can also reveal print asset usage patterns, so you can gauge your future needs more precisely, plan your budgets more accurately, and reduce inventory obsolescence. 

So how can you easily know crucial information like this? A web-based print portal can provide 24/7 access to seeing exactly what your assets are in real time. See more on the advantages of a portal for your inventory management below.

4. Allow users to order anywhere, anytime from a single-source web-based portal

document control and convenient ordering, with multiple benefits as a result.

Speed up the ordering process

With an online ordering system, users can log in, see thumbnails of available print assets, and easily locate what they’re looking for. And with the ability for you to establish pre-approval levels, those users can order instantly.

Gain faster print turnarounds

Having materials on hand means that when orders come through, your print vendor can pull those requests right off the shelf and ship your items within days—potentially even hours. (See more on shipping in #2.)

Boost brand consistency

A single-source portal keeps your brand strong and consistent across your print assets. How? When users—no matter their location—are ordering from one print source rather than multiple printers, you can eliminate issues such as color management mistakes that degrade the quality of your brand. 

Keep the correct collateral in circulation

Give managers the ability to filter content and control available versions. This allows you to ensure users are ordering and distributing the current (and correct) assets. 

Make print-on-demand requests easily

Sometimes docs are just too fluid to print in bulk. Give selective portal permissions for users to modify materials on the fly and then make on-demand orders in a snap. 

5. Use features of your single-source web portal to help ensure items remain in stock

Managing your inventory also means taking advantage of features like the following that keep you informed of your stock, even when it’s not top of mind for you:  

  • Receive scheduled reports automatically
  • Get alerts for low inventory
  • Set inventory marks that trigger reorders

6. Integrate smarter long-term spending into inventory management with standardized pricing

You need more than helpful technology. 

You need a print vendor who will dig into the economics of your print spend.

In fact, consider a print vendor who will work with you to develop a standardized pricing list that reflects your projected print needs. With this option, economy-of-scale pricing is just the beginning of the advantages.  

You can stop the time-consuming hunt for multiple quotes and actually price a project yourself. You can also forecast your spend confidently and deliver budget information to management almost immediately.

 

These six strategies represent more than just print inventory management. They’re an opportunity to transform your print spend, and ensure your print-related decisions ultimately help your business run better. 

If you want to learn more about how Thysse can help you improve your print inventory management, contact us.

Download our Free Guide

5 ways your printer can improve your company's business performance
Take Me To The Guide! Inventory Management Guide

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]]> Who Trusts Thysse With Their Brand? – The Digital Ring + Milio’s https://thysse.com/blog/who-trusts-thysse-with-their-brand-the-digital-ring-milios/ Thu, 26 Jul 2018 16:04:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=242 From backlit signage to bag stuffers, kit packing to window clings—Thysse managed 17 print assets for The Digital Ring’s Milio’s campaign with flawless color consistency, careful materials selection, and meticulous delivery across 35 stores.

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“Where you go with your brand” is not only Thysse’s tagline, but our mantra. We take it very seriously, and it’s ingrained in our culture. It can mean anything from the guidance we provide to the quality of the product that we produce.

The Digital Ring needed to find a print partner for a Milio’s Fresco Italian Trio campaign that could diligently manage and monitor all touch points of the process. From making recommendations for better performing and cost-effective substrates to color consistency and the packaging and delivery of the final product kits. Thysse proved that attention to detail was a part of our DNA and we delivered above expectations on all accounts.

From backlit signage to bag stuffers, window clings to sidewalk posters — our challenge was managing color across a variety of substrates and printing processes. We pride ourselves on our detail-driven production and can hold color matching between our large format and digital printing capabilities. Through cross-departmental teamwork and a quality assurance process, we successfully produced seventeen items for the Milio’s launch.

Thirty-five Milio’s stores across three states were counting on us to deliver these kits damage-free and not every location received the same items. Meticulous spreadsheets allowed our teams to pack the assortment of quantities, sizes and substrates carefully, padding and wrapping everything to protect during the shipping process.

“Working with Thysse is such a wonderful experience. We were really looking for a partner with our printing needs, not just a vendor. We found a great team who not only managed the complexity of shipping large orders with varying designs, quantities, and materials to all of our stores, but also printed the highest quality pieces with outstanding color consistency at a great price. We couldn’t be happier with Thysse!” 
- Nicole Ledoda, Account Executive, The Digital Ring

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]]> Finding Inspiration in a School Bus https://thysse.com/blog/finding-inspiration-in-a-school-bus/ Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:29:00 +0000 https://thysse.wpenginepowered.com/?p=225 A custom graphics project for Nelson’s Bus Service grew into a full brand refresh—spanning signage, folders, and UV-printed pieces built to last.

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Nelson’s Bus Service has come to rely on Thysse to provide the “cool wow factor” for their branded collateral. Thysse has developed everything from business cards and pocket folders to giant bus-sized banners. 

Most recently, Thysse completed a signage project for their facilities in Whitewater and McFarland, Wisconsin. Thysse began with a site study, identifying needed signage messaging and installation locations. We then amassed an overall signage inventory, designing a sign family that fit within the established Nelson’s Bus Service Visual Branding. We direct-printed the designs to aluminum panels with UV ink that would hold up to all weather conditions. Areas of raw aluminum was strategically left unprinted to catch the ambient light, creating a visually striking sign piece.

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