The Digital Difference
As we prepare for IPEX, I´d like to voice one question on many peoples´ minds: Why Birmingham? Just kidding.
Some pundits said digital print dominated PRINT, others noted the proliferation of software and workflow solutions at what was once an exclusively heavy iron show. It will be interesting to see how IPEX shapes up in that regard.
It´s been said digital print's growth is being fueled by monochrome migration, offset replacement and new applications. Do you know of any new application success stories--things being done digitally that didn´t previously exist?
Katherine O'Brien
Editor
American Printer
Comments
From everything I've seen, you're right about where the growth of digital print is coming from. But the more important issue is that it's about time. The industry has been watching and waiting for widespread adoption of digital color print for more than a dozen years.
From the first public showing at IPEX in 1993, digital color print has been a powerful technology looking for a home. For many years, the vendors promoted its potential, but the market struggled to understand the applications.
Regarding your question about new applications, I think some of the most interesting are in the areas of direct marketing and product personalization. We've run quite a few stories in the past couple of years showcasing some of these applications, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next year holds.
Posted by: Keith Hevenor | March 29, 2006 10:57 PM
I agree with Keith that technology is available for at least ten years. The Graphical Industry has been struggling in developing new communication products and services.
Do they know what business they are in? Print Industry or Communication Industry?
However time is changing. On Marz 14th we had the 8th POD Award (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg). And the jury had to 'enhance' the criteria, with the previous criteria everyone had won! This means the industry is making progressions right know. Their was even a new Innovation Award!
More and more organisation use a combination of VDP, CRM data and User Supplied data via the Internet. Making unique and emotional pieces of communication.
Winner production was Postbank with their personal 'My'bankcard. Just upload a photo and you get your personal Visa... It is a huge success in the netherlands, combined with advertisement on TV, billboards etc.
Please take a look at Graficus and find an overview of the applications. Sorry it is in dutch.. But ask the editor Ed Boogaard for a translation .
Or take Robeco with their bi-quarterly My Personal Financial Advise report for high profile customers
Innovation Winner was Di-Jet with Di-Bag. Upload your photo of your baby and get your personal textile bag with this photo. Which mother refuses?
And don't forget the samples of Vista Print, automated the stationary papers, Lulu who has implemented Books On Demand.
Posted by: johan kosters | March 30, 2006 12:27 AM