When you think about the future of printing, think AlphaGraphics. This 20,000-square-foot print shop outside Phoenix isn’t just large, it’s lean, organized, and dialed in. From screen printing to signage, embroidery to offset printing, AlphaGraphics is redefining what it means to be a modern print solution.
We take you inside the operation and share how Charles and his 43-person team are using technology, strategy, and DecoNetwork software to run a high-efficiency print shop without sacrificing quality, creativity, or comfort.
Smart Workflow Starts With Smart Software
Walk into AlphaGraphics and you’re greeted not with chaos, but with coordination. Flat screens across the shop display DecoNetwork’s Business Hub, order worksheets hang visibly on product racks, and barcode scanners track every production update in real time. Before DecoNetwork, they were relying on shared Google Sheets. Today, they’ve automated quotes, created custom workflows, and streamlined their multi-department approvals, from embroidery to signage.
Why it works: Charles knew that before launching customer-facing online stores, the internal operations had to run like clockwork. DecoNetwork gave him a central system for production, pricing, and proofing, and helped his team eliminate mistakes and manual rework.
Pro tip from Charles: “Software doesn’t automatically make you more efficient. You have to dial it in for your shop. But once you do, the payoff is huge.”
From Screen Printing To DTF: Every Method Has Its Place
With M&R presses for screen printing, Tajima heads for embroidery, Epson for DTF, and Hotronix heat presses, AlphaGraphics is loaded with the best of the best. But Charles doesn’t chase equipment for vanity, he invests where it drives efficiency.
Screen printing still dominates for high-volume runs. DTF printing fills the gap for fast-turn, full-color designs on a range of fabrics without the mess of pre-treating DTG garments. Even laser engraving and UV flatbed printing have earned their spot in the shop, thanks to the growing demand for short-run, personalized products.
What stands out:
- Direct-to-screen and screen reclaim automation for consistency.
- Pneumatic heat presses to reduce fatigue and increase speed.
- UV DTF transfers for customizing hard goods without high minimums.
Bottom line: AlphaGraphics doesn’t just print—they problem solve. Each job is matched with the best production method, not just the trendiest one.
Organized Chaos? Not Here. Shipping, Signage & Success
Behind every great print shop is a smarter-than-average shipping room, and this one’s powered by ShipLeap, a DecoNetwork-compatible tool. Orders are checked in against DecoNetwork’s receiving sheets, blank products are tracked by bin, and status updates are visible across the team. That means no more “Do we have it?” confusion.
On the signage side, AlphaGraphics has fully embraced wide-format UV printing, laser engraving, and large-format routing. They can print, cut, engrave, bend, and finish nearly any material in-house, including acrylic, metal, chloroplast, and more.
Why it matters: By owning the finishing process, they’re not at the mercy of outsourced vendors, and they deliver faster, better-controlled results.
And let’s not forget the creative department. Every order passes through pre-press for setup and proofing, ensuring it lands at the press ready to run. They even outsource digitizing for embroidery to save time and tweak files internally using Wilcom and DecoNetwork’s integrated tools.
Final Thoughts: What Makes AlphaGraphics Print Shop Different?
AlphaGraphics is a blueprint for what modern print shops can be: clean, scalable, and built for both B2B clients and walk-in locals. From their climate-controlled space to their commitment to efficiency, they’ve figured out how to grow without breaking what works.
Key takeaway: The right tools don’t replace people; they empower them. With DecoNetwork and smart equipment choices, Charles and his team have built a system where creativity and consistency go hand in hand.
PS: Want A Print Shop That Runs Like AlphaGraphics?
Start with the software that powers them—DecoNetwork. Organize your quotes, streamline production, and grow without the growing pains. Request your free demo today.
