 
CHALLENGE
The Autism Speaks organization supports more than 80 local walk events across North America with a portfolio of 18 printed components, delivered locally for various milestone dates. Corporate staff, volunteer leaders, and sponsors expect consistently high-quality production, accurate variable-data customization, rapid turnaround, and reliable distribution. In the past, several dozen field staff worked to track orders, proofs, and deliveries via e-mail; oversight of these activities by the Walk/Field Services Marketing Manager consumed more than half her time.
WT MEDIA’S APPROACH
WT Media designed a turnkey solution for the Autism Speaks walk program incorporating:
- Conversion to digital print production with variable data capability to assure quality and future flexibility
- Implementation of a 24/7 Web-based interface for field staff to order and customize materials directly and immediately proof each component and its variable content
- Corporate review and approval of field orders available online 24/7
- A centralized repository for managing mission-critical documents
- Detailed project plan for fully executing the transition to the new solution within the required two-month timeframe
RESULTS
Turnaround: For a typical materials order, the time elapsed from the initial field request to approval for production has been reduced from a previous minimum of two days (and maximum of seven days) to same-day submission.
Efficiency/accuracy: Field staff have embraced the new program. Following a basic Webinar training session, staff are able to place orders directly with minimal support from the corporate office. Real-time online proofing has reduced errors and re-work significantly.
Affordability: Overall program costs have been maintained at the previous year’s level.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Autism Speaks (AS) is the largest autism research and advocacy organization in the world. This nonprofit group’s local walk events are a major source of fundraising, earning nearly $25 million for AS in 2009, and raising public awareness of both autism spectrum disorders and the organization’s mission.
SERVICES IMPLEMENTED
Digital Asset Management
Document Management
Variable Data Printing
Online Web Services Ordering
Inventory Management
Fulfillment and Shipping
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