How to Use the Production Dashboard: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will walk you through the entire process of managing orders using the Production Dashboard, from creating a quote to completing an order.

Step 1: Understanding Quotes vs. Invoices

• Quotes are unpaid estimates for a job. They do not appear on the Production Dashboard.
• Invoices are paid quotes. Only once a quote is paid does it become an invoice and appear on the Production Dashboard for processing.

Step 2: Accessing the Production Dashboard

• Once a quote is paid, it will show up in the Production Dashboard under the Design column.
• Jobs are sorted by due date, with the earliest due job at the top.

Step 3: Assigning a Job to Staff

1. Click on the quote in the Design column.
2. Click the Assign Staff button.
3. Select a staff member from the list.
4. If preferred, you can skip this step and go directly to generating mockups.

Step 4: Generating and Uploading Mockups

1. Move the job to the Generate Mockups stage.
2. Create a mockup using Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other design software.
3. Save the generated mockup to your computer.
4. Click Upload Mockup and select the file for each print location (e.g., front and back of a shirt).
5. Click Save to ensure changes are recorded.
6. Once all mockups are uploaded, the system automatically emails the customer for approval.

Step 5: Customer Mockup Approval

• Customers receive an email with a link to review their mockups.
• They can approve the mockup by typing their name and clicking Approve.
• Once approved, the invoice moves to the Purchase Order Queue.

Step 6: Ordering Garments from Suppliers

1. Open the invoice in the Purchase Order Queue.
2. Verify the sizes and colors required.
3. Manually place the order with your supplier (e.g., S&S Catalog or SanMar).
4. Once the order is placed, change the invoice status to Garments Ordered.

Step 7: Receiving and Verifying Garments

1. When the garments arrive, click on the invoice.
2. Click Garments Arrived and enter the quantity received for each size.
3. Click Save to update the system.
4. The job status will now change to Print Production.

Step 8: Printing and Production

• Jobs in the Production column are ready for printing.
• Once production is complete, update the status to Ready for Shipping or Pickup.

Step 9: Shipping or Customer Pickup

For Shipping Orders:

1. Click Create Labels (requires an EasyPost shipping account).
2. Input the package weight and dimensions.
3. Generate the shipping label and ship the package.

For Local Pickup Orders:

1. Change the status to Local Pickup.
2. The system automatically emails the customer that their order is ready.
3. Once the customer picks up the order, collect any remaining balance (if applicable).

Step 10: Completing the Order

1. If the customer has a remaining balance, click Checkout and enter their payment method.
2. Once fully paid, move the order to Complete Status.
3. The order will disappear from the Production Dashboard, marking it as finished.

That's it! Following these steps ensures a smooth workflow from quote to order completion. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional details! ?