Our approach is new and unique

PDQ – or ‘predictive dynamic quoting’ – is a new breed of estimating system that not only calculates the cost of a job pretty much instantly, but also gives advice on how to price it, based upon such variables as lead time, payment terms, customer type and available capacity. Now, for the first time, it is available for print procurement professionals to use online.

John Roche, Haybrooke's managing director:, “we have worked intensively with our printing partners to build what we believe is the ultimate in estimating systems. PDQ is a natural extension to an MIS with a front end that mirrors the processes in the system itself, but delivers the prices virtually instantly to the user. Our software then adjusts the price based upon several predefined commercial rules and effectively guides the user on the correct commercial price for the job.”

The online development of PDQ adds to a list of already impressive features built into the system. As an expert estimating system PDQ uses a sophisticated mathematical algorithm to check every possible production method to determine the most cost-effective method of producing a job. It simultaneously calculates a carbon footprint for each part of the production processes using an energy / CO2 equivalence formula, displaying the total carbon footprint for each specification calculated. This allows the user to not only compare the fiscal cost of each job, but also the environmental cost.

“We realise that most buyers of print don’t consider the environmental issues as relevant in the current economic climate – particularly if it means paying more” says Roche, “but if, and when, buyers become more conscious of the environmental impact of the jobs they procure, our product can provide this information. It also means that, as far as a printer is concerned, they can offer the best production price and, as an alternative, the most environmentally friendly solution – and that’s never been available before.”

Building connectivity to other MIS vendors has become top of Haybrooke’s priority list. The recent addition of a JDF-friendly XML file output is the first step towards integration of its product into other receptive MIS solutions. Philip Roe, Haybrooke’s Client Services Director, admits that this will not be without its stumbling blocks: “MIS has traditionally been very protective of its position within the market and probably perceives us as competition. We do not see it that way. We want MIS vendors to work with us to help their clients find more efficient ways of delivering prices to their customers. If integration of our product into their own is part of the solution then it will become inevitable that MIS suppliers will need to work with us and we would welcome this.”

Being a relatively late arrival in the development cycle of their product does nothing to take away from the power and flexibility of PDQ online. The system connects directly to the clients’ database providing real-time estimates that are derived using the same logic as the desktop application itself. The XML functionality means that a quote created online can also be dumped, in principle, directly into an incumbent MIS – meaning no human intervention, from request for quote, to job booked in.

For a busy print buyer, this might be just what the doctor ordered.

Head office:
Haybrooke Associates Limited
15b Stoughton Road
Oadby
Leicester
United Kingdom
LE2 4DS

Telephone:
+44(0)116 2711000

Email:
postmaster@haybrooke.com

Website:
www.haybrooke.com

Main contact:
John Roche CEO
email or telephone 0116 2711000.