Sitting between the manufacturers of wide-format printing hardware, and the resellers that end-users subsequently purchase from, is specialist distributor ArtSystems. Working as a logistics partner, stock warehouse and support provider for many of the industry’s largest and most-respected hardware and software brands, ArtSystems acts as a service provider on behalf of the manufacturers that resellers and print service providers subsequently buy from.
In short, for those in the know, ArtSystems is a business that sits largely unseen in the background yet is intrinsically involved in a huge number of wide-format systems installations within the UK sign and display print market. Given the importance of the role the company plays, we thought it wise to find out more.
Since first opening its doors over 35 years ago, ArtSystems has been committed to helping its customers achieve their core goals and grow their businesses, providing them with imaging hardware, materials, and consumables from the market’s leading manufacturers.
Working with customers across the design, graphics, education and sign making reseller markets, the Nottingham-based wide-format print specialist employs a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff, eager to support customers and advise them on the solutions they need to succeed.
“Delivering effective, reliable service drives our entire business,” explains John Draycott, Marketing Manager at ArtSystems. “Every team gives the same high priority to providing you with the answers that help your business every time. ArtSystems gives you access to the best resources to enable you to add more value at every stage of your business.”
One of the main cornerstones of ArtSystems’ success has been the relationships it has in place with both its channel and manufacturer partners. Working alongside this network of partners, ArtSystems has established a wide-reaching customer base that stretches right across the UK.
“Our channel management strategy is simple; it must reward all its reseller partners, or it simply will not work,” John says. “When it comes to manufacturers, our partners lead their markets with innovative products and solutions. They have a clear mindset and know that new business opportunities are the lifeblood of any dynamic company.
“Our immense experience in the field has enabled us to build a dedicated wide-format technical support team, which is larger than many of the manufacturers’ own teams.”
ArtSystems employs a team of 16 field-service engineers, all of whom are manufacturer trained and certified to deliver specialist and approved services across a wide range of leading wide-format print technologies. This team is backed up by two internal engineers and the Applications Team.
“This means manufacturers can work with us safe in the knowledge their products will be properly supported in the field,” John continues.
“For all parties, it’s the added security of credible hands-on expertise that is available whenever required.”
This commitment to quality has helped set ArtSystems apart from the competition, but as a forward-thinking company, the business has evolved over the years to ensure it stands out in a busy market.
This approach has included establishing an effective environmental strategy that benefits both ArtSystems as a business and its huge array of customers. Part of this strategy was to successfully accredit its Integrated Management System to the ISO9001:2015 (Quality) and IS014001:2015 (Environment) standards.
Additionally, as an ethically conscious business, the company sells media from sustainable sources, and actively supports waste management programmes such as the BPIF Display and POS 2 Recycling initiative. As John explains: “Standards that make a positive impact with every customer and partner we deal with is vital to help maintain our business eco system.”
This drive to evolve and keep ahead of the pace in the fast-moving nature of the modern market can be seen in other areas of the business. ArtSystems invests heavily in training to ensure its staff are up to date with the latest technologies and are kept in the know regarding any new technologies that come to market.
Dedication and commitment to staff spreads right across the company, covering all workers in the technical imaging sales, sign and display sales, supplies sales and technical support teams, with customers safe in the knowledge that they will always be dealing with experts.
All of ArtSystems’ teams are focused on supporting business growth, through pre-sales support, technical sales support, staff development, training, marketing support and sales programmes. It is this focus on staff that ensures the company stands out from the crowd and has become an established force within the industry.
As a further show of support to customers, ArtSystems has clear systems and procedures in place to ensure clients are getting the most out of their experience of working with the business.
ArtSystems’ finance and credit team listens to and works with customers to provide sensible and affordable finance options on new purchases – a factor that has become an incredibly important consideration in the wake of the economic damage inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, ArtSystems offers expert warehouse and specialist logistics services to ensure it gets the right product to the right place every time.
“This is usually a simple process, but with complex and sometimes large bulky products this is more of a challenge,” John concludes. “We excel in getting the most difficult deliveries and installations successfully completed.”
Clearly not a company to rest on its laurels, ArtSystems is constantly looking for ways to improve its offering to customers, be it service-related or added value factors such as its commitment to the environment.
With this forward-thinking approach, it is quite clear that there is plenty more to come from ArtSystems!
