BBC

Client Requirement:

With around 50,000 staff across the UK, control of stationery production was proving a real headache for the BBC. With all staff able to place their own stationery orders with random suppliers, brand cohesion quickly became an issue.

Stationery orders were routinely placed via fax to a large number of suppliers; additionally, in its drive to be environmentally neutral, the organisation was aware that it had no control over print production methods used by disparate suppliers. Was paper sourced from managed forests? What type of inks were used?

The BBC decided that an online print management solution was the best way to solve its print management issues, and selected BCQ from a shortlist of seven suppliers to implement it.

The Solution:

BCQ constructed a print management website giving all offices the ability to order everything from letterheads to business cards online, working to strict corporate identity guidelines.

When the site was demonstrated to the BBC project manager, although training was offered for BBC staff; it was declined as the website interface was thought to be so straightforward and user-friendly.

In spring 2005, we launched the site to 2,700 staff with complete instructions emailed to all concerned, together with cost codes, order numbers and passwords.

The Benefits:

• With print-on-demand, the BBC do not need to hold large quantities of stock – BCQ print stationery as and when it's required, and despatch it to the relevant offices.
• Transition to the new system was extremely smooth, with any snagging handled by BCQ.
• BCQ act as the BBC's brand guardians when it comes to design guidelines for corporate stationery, monitoring production requests as they come in.
• The BBC have the assurance of working with an environmentally sound company, as we use paper from managed forests, use vegetable-based inks and favour water-based solvents.
• In addition – the organisation saves huge volumes of paper in ordering stationery as all transactions are conducted online.
• The BBC get substantial cost benefits through buying print from a single source.
• The online print management solution enables print-on-demand and means faster turnaround. With BCQ's combination of digital and litho print production technology offering complete flexibility, some requirements are turned around in 24 hours, providing massive benefits to the BBC when items are required urgently.