In the spirit of continuous improvement and in response to feedback we have received since PrintGizmo was first implemented, we wanted to share that we have been working on a variety of enhancements to ensure print purchasing is efficient and cost effective for departments. The following are reminders of existing benefits as well as some new enhancements:
Benefits of University-wide Contracted Suppliers
- Not only did the print and graphic design suppliers competitively bid to be added to the PrintGizmo punchout in the PantherExpress System as University-wide Contracted Suppliers, but we selected the suppliers with the combined lowest price and best quality.
- University-wide contracted suppliers offer the best overall value to the University. This means that, in addition to discounted prices for the University's most frequently purchased items, they offer a variety of benefits to the University. Also, it is University policy that University-wide Contracted Suppliers should always be utilized for the purchase of any items for which the University has an agreement.
Competitive Bidding for Cost and Time Savings
- The competitive bidding feature in PrintGizmo is intended to ensure advantageous pricing for print and graphic design services. The competitive bidding process is customized in PrintGizmo to allow departments to quickly obtain a spot quote for print and graphic design services. Departments can benefit from time and cost savings by competitively bidding these projects through PrintGizmo with multiple suppliers at once. The potential savings is dependent on factors such as idle capacity among the Contracted Suppliers at the time of service so can range, while the average savings Pitt departments received through competitively bidding a project in PrintGizmo was 29%.
- To assist departments in leveraging the competitive bidding process to benefit from potential time and cost savings for print and graphic design projects through PrintGizmo, we are hosting two information sessions. These sessions will provide an overview of the competitive bidding process and walk you through how to utilize PrintGizmo to obtain a spot quote which typically results in savings. Visit the University event calendar to register for the Zoom session on March 26, 2025, at 12pm and April 16, 2025, at 12pm.
Additional Benefits Through PrintGizmo
- University-wide Contracted Suppliers available through the PrintGizmo punchout receive training on the latest Pitt branding and applicable templates are available in PrintGizmo for printed business collateral to ensure consistency in brand standards across the University.
- Prices for business collateral were negotiated with existing University-wide Contracted Suppliers available through the punchout which resulted in improved pricing effective January 1, 2025.
- Most of the University-wide Contracted Suppliers available through PrintGizmo are also small, local businesses.
Digital Alternatives to Print
- Do you have business cards with an old title, old address, or a different name at your desk? Eliminate clutter and create more seamless connections by switching to free digital business cards. The Blink app is now available as an option for digital business cards. Visit the Office of Sustainability’s website for more information.
For more information about PrintGizmo and the University-wide Contracted Suppliers for print and graphic design, visit the Purchase, Pay & Travel website.
For questions related to using the PrintGizmo punchout or the PantherExpress System, please contact Purchase, Pay & Travel Customer Service