Our Work

Creating digital solutions for students and staff that make things easier

Creating digital solutions for students and staff that make things easier

The Challenge

The University of Nottingham (UoN) was approaching the end of its contract for eight large-format printers located across campus libraries. These devices were heavily used by students and staff for coursework, posters and project submissions.

However, the existing setup created several operational challenges:

  • Library staff were responsible for managing printers, including paper, inks, maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Demand fluctuated significantly, with low daily usage but intense spikes during coursework deadlines
  • The university was facing an imminent contract decision, with a deadline at the end of July ahead of the new term in September
  • UoN needed a more efficient, scalable and user-friendly solution without increasing internal workload

The key question: renew the existing print contract or move to a smarter, managed solution?

The Solution

CDS worked with UoN to design and implement a Digital Storefront (DSF) solution, removing the need for on-site print infrastructure and simplifying the end-to-end process.

Key elements of the solution included:

  • Online ordering platform for both students and staff
  • Separate portals:
    • Student site – pay-for-use (with university support)
    • Staff site – fully funded by UoN
  • Outsourced production via large-format specialists John E. Wright
  • No capital investment or on-site hardware required
  • End-to-end service covering:
    • File pre-flight checks
    • Printing and finishing
    • Individual packaging
    • Delivery to three university locations

The Approach

With a fixed deadline ahead of the new academic year, CDS mobilised a dedicated project team to deliver the solution on time.

The implementation focused on:

  • Building and configuring the storefront platform
  • Integrating secure payment systems (Stripe) with full security testing
  • Managing third-party suppliers and logistics
  • Establishing reliable delivery workflows to campus locations
  • Creating training materials for users
  • Launching the platform to students and staff before term start

Close collaboration ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

The Result

The Digital Storefront delivered immediate and measurable benefits:

  • Reduced internal workload – library staff no longer manage print devices or consumables
  • Improved user experience – simple, accessible online ordering for all users
  • Scalable solution – able to handle both everyday demand and peak submission periods
  • No capital investment – fully outsourced production eliminated hardware costs
  • Consistent quality – professional output with built-in file checking

 

If you would like to discover how CDS Print Services could provide a Digital Storefront Solution to your academic or work environment please mail info@cds-print.co.uk or complete a contact form

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  • Education

    SECTOR

  • 4820 to date

    Number of Prints

  • 2850 students and 10 staff

    Number of Students Served

  • 8 printers in 6 libraries

    Number of static print units replaced

  • 1.25 days

    Average Delivery Time

  • 831 individual ad-hoc prints with 24-hour turnaround

    Peak Production Period

Moving to CDS Print Services’ Digital StoreFront has significantly improved the experience for both staff and students. Operational teams are no longer burdened with managing plotters during peak submission periods, while students benefit from a simple online service that delivers professionally printed work, ready for collection when they need it.

Michael Scully

IT Operations at University of Nottingham

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an online print ordering system benefit students?

Students benefit from:

  • Easy online ordering from anywhere
  • Transparent pricing and payment options
  • High-quality output for coursework and posters
  • Reliable turnaround and delivery to campus

This removes the need to rely on in-library printing services.

How does a managed print solution reduce university workload?

A managed print solution removes the need for internal teams to handle:

  • Printer maintenance and repairs
  • Paper and ink stock management
  • Troubleshooting user issues

This allows university staff to focus on core responsibilities instead of operational print tasks.

Is a Digital Storefront scalable for peak demand periods?

Yes. Digital Storefront solutions are designed to handle both low-volume everyday orders and high-demand peak periods, such as coursework deadlines, without impacting service levels.

Can this type of print solution be used by other universities?

Absolutely. Once implemented, the Digital Storefront model is highly replicable and can be rolled out across multiple educational institutions and organisations looking to modernise their print services.

What results can universities expect from digital print transformation?

Universities can expect:

  • Reduced operational overheads
  • Improved user experience
  • Greater scalability and flexibility
  • No need for capital investment in print hardware

These outcomes help future-proof print services

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