The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life, including the transactional print and mail processing world. With businesses being shut down by state and local governments, the documents generated by these organizations became even more essential, leading to transactional processing companies being deemed an “Essential Business.”
However, as the pandemic continued to spread, a positive COVID test by employees could shut down facilities, leading to the importance of having a networked and functional multi-site transactional processing partner. This allowed companies to ensure that their documents could still be processed and delivered even if one facility had to shut down temporarily.
Additionally, business mail rooms were shut down, making handling returned mail a critical function that is often ignored. With people working from home, the amount of mail being returned increased dramatically, leading to challenges in managing the return process.
Produce and send documents without interruption
Standardization of stock materials was also critical during the pandemic. With supplies being depleted and manufacturers being shut down, it became essential to have standardized materials that could be sourced from multiple suppliers. This helped to ensure that companies could continue to produce and send documents without interruption.
What happened to the transactional print and mail businesses as restrictions were lifted? Lower volumes and allocations became the norm as companies struggled to adapt to the new normal. Many companies were forced to reduce their print and mail volumes due to budget constraints, leading to a decrease in revenue for transactional processing companies.
Navigate the supply chain constraints
But how did transactional mailing companies navigate the supply chain constraints that evolved in all areas, including stock materials, parts, and computer systems? Many companies were forced to find alternative suppliers or use alternative materials to ensure they could continue producing and sending documents. This required creativity and resourcefulness on the part of these companies, but it also highlighted the importance of having a robust supply chain.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the transactional print and mail processing industry has emerged more robust and more resilient. As businesses have adapted to the new normal, they have recognized the importance of having a reliable and efficient transactional processing partner.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the pandemic has forever changed how businesses approach transactional print and mail processing. Companies must continue to innovate and adapt to new challenges, such as the shift toward digital communication and the ongoing supply chain disruptions. But with the right partner and mindset, businesses can thrive in adversity.
