Testimonials
HIGHWAYS™ Magazine - Minimark Industrial Labelmaker Report as shown in NOVEMBER 2009 copy
Portable sign printer saves councils cash
Highways Magazine has previously looked at how Hants County Council updated its temporary roadsigns with the use of a novel printing solution. Other councils have since adopted the technology and are already reaping the rewards
The financial outgoings that councils across the UK have to incur are wide and limitless; and thus, potential savings are welcomed and encouraged. One such area of expense is that generated by the placement of temporary roadwork signs.
During lengthy projects, costs are further heightened, with a continual need for the signs to be amended in accordance with the ongoing work. In the past, creation of these new signs has often proved time-consuming and inefficient; but one company has now eliminated these problems via its novel printing solution.
The MiniMark printer offers a cost-effective sign and label making system that is compact, fast and versatile. A desktop printer that can be directly connected to a PC, it has the ability to print up to 750 signs per day - which is of tremendous value to Aberdeenshire and Gloucestershire Highways (a partnership between Gloucestershire County Council and Atkins), who recently decided to take advantage of this technology to boost productivity.
Before obtaining these printers, the development of new signs would require outsourcing of the project to a specialist company, which carried with it problematic time and financial implications. However, councils are now able to make replacement signs in-house, on demand, with minimum fuss and labour, and perhaps most crucially, without the high levels of expenditure previously encountered. The quality and durability of the sign has also improved significantly on the previous materials used, which is of particular assistance where harsh or extreme weather conditions are prevalent.
Aberdeenshire, for instance, frequently encounters heavy snow storms, often resulting in the closure of many of its roads and bridges. Thus, there is a palpable need to keep the local public informed of such occurrences quickly and clearly.
Stuart McFarlane, the principal network engineer of Formartine, the company enlisted by Aberdeenshire County Council to undertake its operations in this field, said: "Aberdeenshire Council recently invested in FOUR Minimark printers, allowing us to make considerable savings in sign cost manufacture and allowing us to react quickly and flexibly to changes as they are required. With an increasing requirement to inform our customers of our activities - often resulting from conditions imposed by weather situations - this development in signing allows us to meet this need.
"We've generated an ethos of keeping people as informed as possible, and the MiniMark printers enable us to do exactly that. Timesaving, though, is perhaps the most advantageous element of all. We can make the signs here ourselves, rather than having to rely on other companies' timescales. In addition, the immense cost savings have been beneficial too".
Additionally, the signs have proven to be successful in soothing other problems: "We recently had to extend a road closure for longer than anticipated, which a local business was understandably disappointed and frustrated about, as it placed a negative impact on his trade", Mr McFarlane continues. "However, thanks to the new sign creation technology, we were able to implement a 'business as usual' sign, which kept him happy as we addressed the problem right away. "From a blank yellow strip, we produced the finished article and had it in place in just one hour. It's so valuable to be able to react and tackle grievances such as these straight away"
Gloucestershire Highways is also taking advantage of the MiniMark printers. Roy Embling, one of its senior construction supervisors, said: "We recently purchased a Minimark printer to assist us with the production of scheme information signs. The printer has enabled us to produce professional looking signs, whilst reducing the time it takes to produce them. The use of the adhesive strips also allows the sign plates to be re-used in the future.
"We are currently using the signs to give the public advance notice of road works and road closures; we can print them off on our computers, enlarge them as needed, and then laminate them in plastic covers", he continues.
"It saves time, as it's far quicker than before - we can now print off ten signs in ten minutes. Previously, this would've taken four hours to do. Also, whenever changes are required to the works programme, we can update the sign by sticking on a new date; it's just that quick. In addition, it completely eliminates the previous laminating procedure, which is also an added bonus."
These solutions are currently being supplied via TOUCH PRINT, the leading supplier of labelling equipment to local councils and their contractors. Adding extra value to these high quality offerings, TOUCH PRINT’S expertise has also proven to be a hugely impactful factor.
Mr McFarlane said: "Upon purchase, we had some minor challenges as it related to learning just what the printer was capable of, but when we went back to Touch Print, they were more than helpful in explaining the processes and setting us in the right direction"
Mr Embling too was appreciative of Touch Print's service, commending the fact that the printers turned up the very next day after the order was placed, ensuring that Gloucestershire Highways could begin to enjoy the benefits within hours of ordering.
We recently had a SMART Board installed by Touch Print and I would like to commend the honest and informative advice we received which helped us to choose the product which was most suitable for our needs.
The service was exceptional, very friendly and impressively it did not end once the sale had been made. I felt completely at ease, even though I am not a technical expert I felt able to ask any questions I needed to and I received clear explanations and instructions in 'plain English'.
The installation was efficient, neat and tidy. In addition we took advantage of the training which was available through Touch Print and received a taylor made package which inspired and motivated staff. In short this has been a very positive experience with excellent service every step of the way.
Many thanks to all concerned and especially Steve who went the extra mile for us and now feels like an old friend!.
Yours sincerely,
Lesley Savage
HEAD TEACHER
SMARTBOARDS
I would like to express my appreciation for the quality and professionalism of the demonstration provided by your employee, Mr.Steve Begnett.
The evaluation for the training session proved to be very positive and all staff who attended ,commented on the high standard of presentation and expert knowledge by your employee.
We look forward to our next training sessions provided by your company.
Yours sincerely
Mrs.Glynis Wolar
Undergraduate Manager
Dear Steve,
I am writing to thank you for the superb service you have provided for us. The SMARTboard and Sympodium are fantastic and we always get such good support from Touch Print.
The back up we receive is excellent and I would highly recommend this efficient service to others.
Thanks again for all your help.
Kind Regards
Yours sincerely
Mrs Y K Remnant
Postgraduate Manager
Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust
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From: Linda Marris
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Recommendation
It has been an absolute pleasure doing business with Touch Print. Nothing is too much trouble and their service is very prompt and efficient.
Only last year we had an instance where we could not cope with the sheer volume of signage ordered as we readied ourselves for an inspection. Touch Print came to the rescue, not only did they loan us another machine but their Sales Representative rolled his sleeves up and helped us out too, first class!
Yours sincerely
Linda Marris
Reprographic Services Co-ordinator
Leicester College
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From: Janet Urban
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Recommendation
An efficient, professional and reliable service.
Touch Print have always provided good quality information and advice for us to make best value decisions when purchasing ICT equipment.
The installation service is of high quality and carried out in a professional manner. 100% reliable.
Yours sincerely
Janet Urban
Head Teacher
Westrop Primary School
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From: Chris Thorne
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Feedback on SMARTboards
We at the UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE (UKHO), have been using the smart boards supplied by Touch Print for the past two years and feel that it would be useful to report how we feel about the products.
Our initial investigations, prior to the purchase of the boards lead us to believe that they would be a useful addition to our training environment. This was fully supported by the initial demonstration made by Steve Begnett to our senior management. The demonstration was very professional and comprehensive and resulted in the purchase of the boards.
The boards are used regularly and have performed well, and have proven to be a real asset to our Technical Training Team.
Finally, we have been very pleased with the backup supplied by Steve Begnett, which has included sending update discs for the smart software and a follow up training course for our new training staff.
Thanks
Chris Thorne
Technical Training Officer
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO)
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From: Nichola King
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Powermark sign and label maker
Doncaster College purchased the Powermark sign and label maker a number of years ago. I would like to take this opportunity to say how useful it has been for producing those all important safety signs. Being able to produce our own signs has proved to be both cost effective and more efficient than other methods. The backup and support received from Touch Print has been faultless, with Mr Begnett being on hand whenever you may need help. The order/delivery service is second to none with most orders being filled and delivered within 24 hours, great for those ’rush’ jobs in particular.
Many thanks
Nichola King
Health & Safety Manager
Doncaster College
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From: Steve Beckley
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Power Mark
I have been using Touch Print’s PowerMark sign maker for the past 5 years and it has been invaluable to our business, making specific signs for our plant and offices as well as customer sites.
The after sales service is first class, servicing, supplying consumables etc. Technical backup (especially in early days when getting used to machine) always available whether it is at the end of the phone or a visit to site.
The level of service for this product persuaded me to buy our Smart board from Touch Print. Technical backup and software upgrades always available.
Regards
S.B.Beckley
BP Bitumen
HSSE Manager UK
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From: Linda Harrison
To: Sales@touchprint.co.uk
Subject: Recommendation
Dear Sir
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent service we have received from Touch Print.
A good after-sales service is a priority with our school and the level of service we receive from you is exemplary. We really appreciate the personal approach the company has taken with us and it is reassuring to know that we can rely on your prompt action and advice. Your help and instruction on using the whiteboards has been invaluable. The speedy delivery of our orders has also been very impressive!
We are delighted with the three whiteboards and projectors we have purchased from you and with their installation. Supporting local business is important to Tutshill School and we know that providing service to local schools is important to Touch Print. I look forward to purchasing more whiteboards and projectors from you in the not to distant future.
Yours sincerely
Linda Harrison
ICT Co-ordinator
Tutshill C of E Primary School
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