Pros
MarcomCentral did exactly what we expected. It helped us automate our design and printing process by creating templates that took the place of our one-off designs. We were at a point where every business card, in a corporation that had 5,000 employees, was created by one of our designers.
We had great support with our implementation team and customer service. They are constantly improving their product, which was great.
Cons
The templates are not "magic" nor could you expect them to be. The front-end was very easy for users, but the back-end needed to be set up by more tech-savvy marketer/designers.
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend: 7/10
Overall, our five-year relationship with MarcomCentral has been positive. While we've hit our roadblocks, the team always arises to the challenge. The software helped us create an environment where local markets can autonomously create marketing/event materials, while achieving brand consistency by locking down the branded design elements and incorporating an approval workflow. The platform, however, is not particularly strong with copy fitting, and the rich text editor does not entirely fill the design gap, so most of our more complex brochures have to be custom designed. Over the last 5 years the software has significantly progressed to incorporate our enhancement suggestions and keep up with industry trends, though at times we've experience long turnaround times for work and requests. Though, the new support ticketing system gives greater transparency into the process.
Pros
MarcomCentral allows us to maintain brand integrity while giving autonomy of marketing material creation to local marketing admins.
Cons
Currently we are experiencing a lot of difficulty migrating from the old to new portal. It does not feel like a thorough QA testing phase was completed with a variety of product types because our products keep turning up new issues. Several integral functionalities were not considered for the new portal, so in some instances, we are taking two steps back in efficiency as a result.
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend: 8/10
the benefits is having a location for all things brand from Sentry. We want to keep it simple for users to know where to go, and have quick and easy access to what they need to enhance their workplace duties. The software provides the resource for supporting and strengthening our brand.
Pros
The capability in a vacuum is awesome. It can do many things, and considers many scenarios that required as part of maintaining a businesses brand. I noticed at the last conference and even in conversations, the desire to listen and consider the challenges customers are facing with regards to system needs.
The recent hire of UX support is a tremendous step in a great direction to understand use and process and enhance from a user perspective.
I mostly enjoy the consideration of the system not just being POD, and instead, being a brand system, with needs for downloads, print, assets, guidelines, templates, videos, etc. This is where MarcomCentral can shine.
Cons
The capability in a vacuum is awesome. The product is better promoted than it performs. As the admin, planner, builder, and user, I see all sides. I can see what it can be but struggle with a system with an attitude. Some days, it is so great, and then something stops working or changes and all things go to hell. I need something I can be an ambassador for and believe in. The unpredictability of new releases, adding functionality, changing settings or altering things intended to improve can have unexpected and timely consequences. I can tell the fundamental system was conceived and built by techs, with limited UX exploration or user consideration.
Thank you Andrew, your comments have been sent to the appropriate teams as we are always looking to improve our platform. We have a new UX and Mobile release coming, which should alleviate a lot of these issues!
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend: 6/10
1. User-friendly portal internal clients are be able to easily adopt and use 2. Template capabilities 3. Designated caregiver access to create and order materials 4. Ability to build in levels of approvals and assign designated approvers of budgets and creative, copy, imagery, etc. 5. Ability to track utilization and costs by department
Pros
Marcom Central has created shorter lead times and more satisfied clients. Our non-marketing employees are able to create digital collateral on the spot without having to wait for design time, proofing time and the time it takes to get things scheduled. The system is user-friendly and intuitive. The system means we require fewer employee hours, benefits, etc. due to the automation of routine tasks. It has improved operational efficiency. Most importantly, multiple members of the strategic marketing & communications team have greater job satisfaction because they can spend their time doing more meaningful work rather than making routine design updates/changes.
Cons
Customizing the software to fit our workflow was one of our more difficult tasks, however, I look forward to the constant improvements the team at Marcom continues to create to make the user experience better.
Kelsey,
Thank you so much for your review! We are always working to better our product to fit your needs. We appreciate your feedback!
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend: 8/10
It's a localized place where users can find collateral and promotional items.
Pros
I like that we can easily add products and how simple it is for our static products. It easy to add users, products and cost centers. The approval process for products is easy and intuitive. It's a localized resource that our users can use.
Cons
The back end of the product is fairly slow. It takes a long time to add products because of how slow it is at times. The reporting for the portal could be better. I know the Business Intelligence feature was created to solve for reporting.
Also sometimes we experience difficulty with customizable products. I feel like there's more options to build this out more based on the users needs.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your review. We've forwarded along your concerns to the appropriate teams, and we'd like to send you your thank you -- please contact us at your earliest convenience!
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend: 7/10
Pricing varies by the number of users and assets. Further information is available on inquiry.
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