Technology
Allegra's Technology Group provides guidance on equipment and
software for your changing business needs. Whether it's comunications,
prepress, photocopier, press or bindery equipment, we're here to help
make buying decisions, negotiate pricing, and support the products you
use. You can reach our team of technicians any weekday from 8:30am to
6:30pm EST on our toll-free Help Desk line.
National Contracts for Equipment & Supplies
Our executive staff work to establish national contract pricing with
Canon, Heidelberg, Xerox and other equipment vendors. These national
contracts provide substantial savings to our centers, and the deals
we provide aren't only with the big guys - smaller companies with solid
products like RipIt, Digital Media, Markzware and DiamondSoft get our
attention, too.
Training Programs
A number of training programs are available to cover critical areas of
the business including customer service, prepress, sales and sales
management, hiring, equipment operation and maintenance.
Internet Presence and Web Resources
The Allegra Network has established its place on the Internet at
www.allegranetwork.com. The site contains information about who we are,
what we do, and where to find us. We actively market our main page
using a company devoted to figuring out what the search engines are
looking for, and delivering.
For network members only, we maintain a site containing information
about specific support programs, a database of downloadable technical
documents and marketing materials, an up-to-date listing of the deals
we have going with suppliers and an index to all our network members.
You'll get more ideas about building your business than you can shake
a stick at.
Operational Systems
A full array of operational systems have been developed to improve
communications and efficiency within the center. These include
production scheduling, production standards, quality control standards
and employee incentive programs.
Operational Support
All areas of the US and Canada have a Regional Operations Manager.
The Operations Manager works with the center owner to help develop
the business. They consult with the center owner on marketing and
business management issues, and are also available to evaluate individual
businesses.
Marketing Support
Our Marketing Group operates internally as Allegra's marketing, advertising,
public relations and sales department. It works closely with network members
and the National Advisory Council to develop and implement local & national
support programs. These programs help the franchise system increase its
presence and dominance in the marketplace.
Professional Selling System
The PSS training series teaches center managers how to hire, train and manage
outside salespeople. It provides tools to assist in surveying customer needs,
setting up print management programs and selling to specific industries.
Regional Meetings
On a regional level, meetings are held throughout the United States and
Canada. These meetings cover a variety of marketing and operational
topics and give center owners an opportunity to share ideas and learn
from one another.
Local Marketing Programs
With input from the National Advisory Council and the Marketing
Committee, our Sales & Marketing staff have developed programs to promote
specific services and capabilities on a local level. These programs are
distributed directly to the center owners through monthly updates.
Operating Ratio Study
Every year, the Allegra Network conducts an Operating Ratio Study to
measure the key financial ratios of each print center. We use the results
of this study as benchmarks to help improve the profitability of
our center owners' businesses.
NMF Matching Funds
In order to encourage marketing activities on a local level, half of the
contributions to the National Marketing Fund are returned to the
center owners (or local co-op) to help fund local marketing programs.
Yellow Pages Program
Through our national Yellow Pages agency, center owners can share their
cost of Yellow Pages advertising. Those who participate in this
program receive 5% in matching funds towards the cost of their Yellow
Pages ad.
Co-op Advertising
In markets with multiple centers, center owners often elect to pool their
resources and form advertising co-ops. The co-ops promote all centers and
their services. They offer center owners the opportunity to work together on
group purchases, joint advertising and community service projects.
Performance Groups
When we get six to eight center owners to meet on a regular basis,
we call it a "Performance Group." Owners get the opportunity to review
the performance of their businesses and establish plans to improve their
efficiency. Performance Group meetings are facilitated by the Regional
Operations Manager.
Center Evaluations
On request, we can review an individual centers' operations to identify
areas where they can improve the efficiency of their business. Owners
receive custom reports on how their performance compares with
systemwide results - and the actions that need to be taken to improve
the bottom line.
International Convention
At our bi-annual convention and industry exposition, center owners
have an opportunity to learn about the latest developments within the
printing industry and within our network. At the exposition, we limit
our invitation to companies with proven products and services. During
the convention we recognize individual print centers for their
accomplishments in printing, prepress, sales and operational excellence.
Acquisition Program
Since 1995 the Acquisition Program has helped our centers to grow their
businesses by buying out local competitors. The home office development
department helps our members to identify suitable independent printing
businesses, and assists them throughout the entire purchasing process.
Start-up Assistance
For new businesses, the Allegra Network provides start-up assistance
including site selection, training, equipment selection and marketing.
Two weeks of training in our classroom are followed by one week of
on-the-job training at the owner's center.
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