Launching a new product is always exciting for any business, and it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Recently, we had a custom point of purchase (POP) display project that was no different. Our client had a tight deadline to deliver over five hundred custom POP displays to 80 different locations across 14 states to mesh with their highly anticipated product launches. We were, of course, happy to take on the challenge!
The Problem: A Race Against Time
As the go-to point of purchase display manufacturer for Fortune 500-1,000 brands and retailers for nearly thirty years, we are accustomed to meeting tight deadlines. However, producing a final product is one thing, while developing and testing it from scratch then rushing to produce it en masse is something different altogether. The clock was ticking, and we needed a robust solution to fulfill our client’s requirements effectively.
The Solution: Precision and Coordination
1.Rapid Artwork Update: Caught during proofing, we identified color and copy issues within the artwork. Rather than send it back to the client for revision and risk losing more time, we coordinated with our client and our design team sprung into action to make the change. After carefully reviewing the artwork for other possible issues, we promptly updated the art files and sent them back for re-approval. What could have taken a week as done in hours.
2. Streamlined Production Process: To meet the ambitious production deadline, we started production with the POP displays that were not affected by the art changes. This saved the client rush fees and possible lost time. By optimizing our modular post-production finishing section to complete these first units while also setting tooling for the displays to follow, it didn’t disrupt our other projects going through the shop, or cause trouble when the other units caught up.
3. Shipping optimization: To make up for lost time, we ran the distro through our software to see which shipping points would take the longest, and started with those first. We found that while 80% of the locations would receive shipments in 3 days going ground speed (thanks to our centrally located facility in the MidWest) we could pick up production time by sending the farthest points first. We did this all on our end without prompting so our client didn’t have to lift a finger, worry about the specifics, or pay any more in shipping.
The Outcome: Mission Accomplished
Thanks to our team’s attention to detail, urgency, and problem solving we were able to meet the deadline, provide solutions, and create more ease for our client. All POP displays arrived in time for the product launch, impressing the internal stakeholders higher up in the organization.
Post Mortem: Navigating Challenges, Delivering Excellence
This project was valuable for our client to experience – meeting deadlines and budgets, providing solutions, and making the overall process easier and more reliable.
At TGS Elevate, we take pride in turning challenges into opportunities and delivering outstanding results for our clients. As we continue to grow, we know we don’t know everything, and that continuous training and revisions are part of the process. Driven by urgency and perseverance (two of our company core values), we are committed to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients for years to come.
Jeff Lo is owner of TGS Elevate, a visual marketing / merchandising company that provides printing, point of purchase displays, and store fixture manufacturing, and in-store build outs for companies that have 50-500 locations nationwide.
