Technology is an ever-changing system of hardware and software. The days of hot metal type, waxing machines, and X-Actos have been replaced with ftp site, dot-com addresses, and PDF files. Shepherd's current technology included gigabyte switches, ftp sites, Xserve servers, and G5 computers that allow us to effectively communicate within the office, across town, across the county, and halfway around the world.
Our current internal routing system is a group of linked databases that track project time, status, and specifications; text and art manuscript; cost estimating; and capacity. This system provides consistency in our estimating process and allows us to track time once a project enters production, avoids overbooking employees, enables Shepherd to more easily maintain client schedules, ensures the accuracy of the invoicing process, and helps us keep clients up to date throughout the entire course of producing a book.
Clients' and vendors' input play a crucial role in the potential upgrade and implementation of software and hardware. When new upgrades and or models are introduced, Shepherd investigates usability, efficiency, stability, and effectiveness prior to integration. We rely heavily on internal testing as well as client and vendor feedback to determine the right time and method for implementing upgrades.
By staying on the cutting edge of technology, Shepherd has become more efficient, increased client satisfaction, and expanded our global horizons.
