Michael started as a programmer at ESP 13 years ago and, as well as being the programming manager, is in charge of conversions into ESP. Not only does he have to know ESP’s system inside and out, but he has to understand the previous fulfillment house’s system as well.

"It’s actually interesting because you get to wear a lot of hats," Michael admits. "You have to be a diplomat to get as much cooperation from the fulfillment company that’s out-converting the title. You have to be a detective and ask the right questions of the circulation director to make sure all the data are captured and any unique features are addressed. And you have to be an accountant because, in the end, the books have to balance!"

Michael maintains extensive documentation of other fulfillment houses to expedite out-conversions and assure a smooth transition. "As long as we have full test conversion files with documentation before the actual conversion, the conversion itself should only take two days to two weeks, tops. Any company that takes longer than that either has not prepared properly for the conversion or they’re not concerned with a company’s downtime bet-ween switching systems."

To date, Michael has personally conducted hundreds of conversions into the ESP system. "It’s really not that scary of a process," Michael concedes. "ESP has a very sophisticated system and any anomalies that a publication has can easily be handled and accounted for. Customers are amazed at the flexibility and resources they have available once they come onboard."

If you’re considering a transition or a fulfillment company to plan and coordinate a startup publication, ESP can provide expert programming to both handle and anticipate your needs.