Cutting-edge technology coupled with a highly skilled workforce
CSI (Composition Systems Inc) is a full-service printing and graphics company based in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1976 as a traditional typesetting firm, CSI has grown into a fully digital print provider. They offer a wide range of services, from offset printing to superwide grand format printing, using state-of-the-art equipment.
CSI serves the mid-Atlantic region and works with clients across the U.S. and Canada. Their offerings span various industries, including retail, food service, events, sports, museums, and non-profits.
On an average day, the CSI team handles 5 to 15 installations or more, thanks to their partnership with Vantage, which seamlessly integrates their project management system with installation management.
Integration with Lift ERP
Media upload
Online proofing
Photos at sign-off
Rob Harris, a partner at CSI, recalls that Dan Tyler from Vantage approached him to discuss a potential collaboration. The timing was ideal, as Rob had recently met a colleague from Moss UK (formerly MacroArt) at FESPA, where they mentioned how they were using Lift ERP Software together with Vantage.
“We knew it would be a great addition for us too, as Vantage is specifically geared to the large format printing industry.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
Rob explains that they chose to work with Vantage as a ‘beta’ site to develop software that would seamlessly integrate with Lift. The goal was to track jobs together, from estimates to final production and installation.
“We had the right experience to have an input, and early shaping of the Vantage linked to Lift was critical for us.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
Before partnering with Vantage, the CSI team handled installation management manually.
Salespeople filled out forms, which were then sent to the installation scheduler. The scheduler checked the installers' online calendar and replied with a date and time. Next, the installation coordinator gathered all printed materials and created a ‘hard copy’ installation guide. Installers would check the calendar on the day of the job, pick up the guide, and then proceed with the installation.
“It was a complex set of manual tasks.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
With Vantage, this entire chain of events is automated thanks to real-time synchronization between the two systems.
“When a job is created in Lift, the relevant data is sent automatically to Vantage every couple of minutes so staff doesn’t have to duplicate tasks.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
The CSI’s installation scheduler can now view all installation details in Lift, assign tasks, and upload guides there. Meanwhile, the installation coordinator sees the same information in Vantage and can easily check when a job is ready.
Another benefit the CSI team enjoys from working with Vantage is online installation proofing. They can now get on-site sign-offs from customers directly in the Vantage app, which are automatically updated in the Lift system.
“Having customers sign a screen instead of using paper copies is much quicker, and the photos from a job are also automatically sent back to Lift. That way, we can close off and invoice jobs much quicker.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
Removing duplicate steps was crucial for the entire CSI team, as they aimed to automate as much as possible. They found that Vantage’s push notifications—updating the team on any job changes—save a lot of time compared to sending emails.
“Any large format print company that manages installations could benefit from Vantage, which also works as a standalone solution without the need for Lift.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
Since first working with Vantage, Rob Harris from CSI noted that the progress has been great.
“When you can get involved in software in the early stages of creation, the developers are very interested in what you say, take suggestions, and listen to what you need.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
He emphasizes that the most valuable aspect is how the Vantage team takes all their requests seriously, providing clear explanations from the developer’s perspective and giving insights into the cost/benefit of each change. This approach has helped the CSI team focus on the most impactful areas.
For example, Vantage initially was desktop-based, with the VantageGo app designed for installers. CSI requested a similar app for their installation coordinator and scheduler, allowing them to work remotely if needed. The Vantage team has now made that possible.
“The Vantage team is agile and responds to customer needs, so the risk a company undertakes by being a beta site for software is offset by the gains of being actively involved in its creation.”
Rob Harris
Partner/Owner
CSI sees their relationship with Vantage as a partnership, not just a software purchase, but an investment in the product’s growth and future.
