Printer's Plan Implementation Series - Session 1: System Overview - Part 2: High Level Navigation and Workflow Follow

Overview

This article provides a guided tour of high-level navigation throughout Printer’s Plan, focusing on how the interface remains consistent across modules while offering context-specific tools. Understanding this structure helps you move confidently between jobs, services, customers, accounting, and production workflows.

System Navigation Basics

  • Top Tabs provide quick access to major modules
  • Tabs can be shown or hidden using Workstation Options
  • Each module shares a consistent layout:
    • Ribbon buttons across the top
    • Navigation panel (List Manager) on the left
    • Main work area in the center
  • Printer's Plan Main Menu (available in all sections):
    • System color themes by module
    • Data source folders (especially in cloud environments)
    • Security settings (temporary password suppression during sessions)

Home Tab Highlights

  • Central access point for system-wide settings
  • View system details:
    • Printer’s Plan version and file paths
    • Database and configuration locations
    • Backup and compacting tools
  • Update company information that prints on invoices and quotes

Jobs Module

  • Create Orders, Quotes, and Templates
  • Save commonly used filters as Favorites
  • Use job statuses to track workflow progress:
    • Ready to Review
    • In Progress
    • Proofing
    • Ready to Ship / Post
  • Web orders automatically highlight when received
  • Templates and history have specialized status filtering

Services Structure

  • Organized in three levels:
    • Department
    • Category
    • Service
  • Categories are assigned types (Digital, Offset, Large Format, etc.)
  • List Manager expands all departments for fast navigation
  • Selecting categories or services activates additional tools like Print, Export, and Open

Customers & Contacts

  • New customers default to Prospects
  • Filters help isolate:
    • Active customers
    • Top-spending customers
    • Time-based activity (this month, year, etc.)
  • Includes:
    • Contacts
    • Shipping addresses
    • Vendors
  • Customer details open in a dedicated Customer Window

Accounts Receivable (AR)

  • Manage unpaid invoices and apply payments
  • Process credit card payments using Print Reach Pay
  • Email or print invoices (individually or in bulk)
  • Track:
    • Paid invoices
    • Expected payments
    • Credits and credit limits
    • Late fees and write-offs
    • Customer statements

Scheduler & Time Tracker

  • Scheduler displays all active production work
    • Sort by department
    • View due dates and assigned operators
  • Job Tracker shows job flow across departments
  • Time Tracker allows operators to:
    • View scheduled tasks
    • Log time spent on jobs
  • Useful for comparing estimated versus actual production time

What’s Next?

Part 3: Settings and System Setup of this session covers best practices for system settings and overall configuration, helping you fine-tune Printer’s Plan for your shop’s workflow.

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