Publishing Case Study

Maritime Publisher Overview:

A leading maritime publisher based in UK, was established in December 2001. Maritime Publisher publishes a growing portfolio of technical maritime journals and organises related events. The company’s production, sales and administration departments are based in its Enfield office, and editorial in its Torquay office.

Problem:

Due to growing demand of publication subscription and titles, it faced a problem to reduce studio cost and operational overhead. The effect was telling and Maritime Publisher into its 6th year as a publisher would have to incur additional financial burden to produce the work that was constantly growing to match its customer/subscriber base.

Type of Customers/Subscribers:

The customer/subscriber base caters to everyone related to Maritime – which are, engineers, architects, ship personnel, shipping companies and jobs related to shipping/maritime industry.

Solution:

The solution to this was to build a dedicated, expert, hassle-free studio overseas where labour and overhead costs were less. This solution provided Maritime Publisher to seek better avenues to build business locally and internationally along with increased subscription base.

Implementation of Solution:

Powerweave was sought by Maritime Publisher to provide this solution. Initially before the work was to begin, trials to match the process were undertaken. This would help ensure mapping of client-based process and any adjustments that needed to be done to make this work without any issues.

This was a simple 3-step process –
(1) Articles: Send articles (text and image files) to Powerweave along with the flat plan of the magazine.
(2) Layout: Powerweave works to the guidelines set for each magazine and executes the layouts.
(3) Finished Files: Powerweave then sends back the files to Maritime Publisher for review.

Though this process may look simplified, however, the intricate details that were followed helped gain understanding of the client’s work and strict guidelines.
(1) Articles: These were written by in-house and external freelancing writers, journalists and editors in UK and sent to Powerweave via FTP by Maritime Publisher. The FTP was the safe way to ensure file transfers. Email communication ensured that each party was informed of any uploads and downloads.
(2) Layout: Powerweave followed the instructions to the last minute detail to ensure that the service was impeccable.
(3) Finished Files: Powerweave then would transfer the files back to Maritime Publisher and receive editorial, image corrections/amends by same day evening.

The most important factor was time. Since India is 5.30 hours ahead of UK, it has a tactical advantage of delivering before the client is in office in the morning. This advantage was utilized completely by splitting teams for night and day shift. This was done to ensure that the delivery time 9am (UK time) was adhered to. The night shift team would work on the layouts and execute them to the best of their ability. The day shift team would then oversee and QA it thoroughly to ensure that flawless work was delivered to the client.

The cycle for this complete process would begin again in the late afternoon after the files were provided in the morning. Thus establishing a smooth process that was as flexible to cater to any future changes without compromising the quality of work.

The daily communication and operations were managed between single point of contact at Powerweave and Maritime Publisher. This allows clear communication and less disparity in understanding instructions, further honing an error-free work.

Process Diagram:

Results:

The direct result of this was reduced costs, accurate work and a harmonious work process without anything to worry about. This allowed to client to focus more on its other marketing and management efforts.