As for all Symplify channels, content, target groups and timing are managed in Symplify but when sending print, the final printing and sending is managed by a print provider. You can choose your own print provider or use a Symplify partner.
If you consider going with a custom provider there are some prerequisites to cover:
The files
- Messages will be transferred to an FTP hosted by the provider.
- Each message will be created as a PDF file (Adobe PDF version 1.4).
- A message will be delivered in a CMYK format.
- ICC profile could be set if preferred.
- A message can also have a corresponding file with meta data if preferred.
The file names are predefined but can contain dynamic data such as:
- Campaign name
- Paper format
- Message id
- Zipcode/region
like this: campaignName_paperFormat_messageId_zipcode.pdf.
This could render:
PDF: SpecialOfferJune_A4_123456_zip_11121.pdf
Meta data: SpecialOfferJune_A4_123456_zip_11121.txt
The file transfer
The FTP server of the print provider must meet the following requirements:
- Symplify will open one connection per letter when transferring files.
- Symplify will deliver one ready to print PDF per contact..
If additional meta data is required this will be provided with one extra file (with the same name as the PDF, see above). - The FTP server must be able handle multiple simultaneous connections to ensure a good
throughput. - The FTP must be able to handle volumes of at least 100.000 PDF files as a sendout
could have this amount of files (or according to your requirements). - High uptime (minimum 99,9%) since downtime may cause the loss of print files.
It's important ensuring that the FTP is equipped to handle this traffic.
To maintain a good structure on the FTP account it is possible to transfer different types of
sendouts to different folders on the receiving FTP.
Once the print provider is decided, your Customer Success manager will assist you through the setup.