The Print University header

Print Workflow and Processes: Estimating, Quoting, & Ticketing

Print Workflow and Processes: Estimating, Quoting, & Ticketing

Estimating to Ticketing – Episode Summary

In this critical episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew explore the heart of profitability in print production—estimating, quoting, and ticketing. This episode is a must-watch for anyone setting up MIS software training for print production, printing industry training programs for new employees, or lean manufacturing training printing industry strategies.

Estimating is where shops determine if they’ll make money or lose it. It begins with defining the true cost of goods sold—including labor, equipment, and consumables—and then applying a markup. Whether you’re using spreadsheets, standalone estimating tools, or an integrated print MIS, accuracy and repeatability are key. The episode explains cost-plus vs. value-based pricing models and why most shops still rely on cost-plus.

From estimating, the workflow transitions into quoting and job ticketing. The quote formalizes pricing and options, while the production ticket (paper or electronic) initiates live work. McAbee and McGrew emphasize that a ticket must be a single source of truth, especially when change orders occur.

Automation is crucial: portals, APIs, and web-to-print systems reduce errors and accelerate onboarding. Systems that connect estimating to inventory, scheduling, and floor data enable real-time pricing and dynamic cost control. The hosts caution against relying on institutional knowledge or disconnected workflows—those gaps lead to costly mistakes and poor margins.

You Will Learn:

  • How to build accurate, scalable estimates using cost-plus and value-based models

  • Why quoting and ticketing workflows should be standardized and connected

  • Risks of paper tickets, disconnected systems, and institutional knowledge

  • The role of automation in pricing, onboarding, and production setup

  • Tools: spreadsheets, estimating software, MIS/ERP, web-to-print integrations

Who This Course Is For:

Estimators, CSR teams, print shop managers, MIS administrators, and prepress leaders implementing outsourced training for print production staff or upgrading to real-time MIS software training for print production

Time to Watch:

Approx. 26 minutes