Graph Expo announces top survival technologies for printers

Oct 28, 2008 10:58 AM

For the third year in a row, the Graph Expo “Must See ’Ems” committee has named management information systems (MIS) as the most critical technology for printers to employ for success in this changing print market. MIS topped a list of the six technologies deemed most important for printer survival in 2009 and beyond.

The list details the most compelling emerging and evolving technologies to be found at the show, considered the largest graphic communications exhibition and conference of 2008 in the Western Hemisphere. Graph Expo is running October 26 - 29 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

"Given the current financial crisis we're experiencing around the world, graphic communications professionals need to be able to invest wisely in technologies that offer them the most operational advantage for their investment dollars," says Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC).

This year, the Selection Committee placed equal emphasis on technology know-how and the ability to take advantage of technology. The committee noted, for example, that a fully implemented MIS requires an operation where the personnel are properly trained, the data is collected in a timely fashion, a full range of software modules are installed and used, and the resulting information is used in managing a print business for profitability.

The other top technologies for 2008/2009 include:

· Information technology as a core competence.

· Color management throughout the production process.

· Workflow, analog and digital applications.

· Digital production printing, with an emphasis on toner now and a future trend toward inkjet.

· Web-to-print.

Four additional technologies made the list as second-tier survival technologies, dubbed the “Worth-a-Looks.” These were advances in offset lithography technology, including automation of individual functions; the ability to use technology as a differentiator; computer-assisted materials management, including purchasing, materials testing, inventory control and waste/spoilage control (i.e., materials and labor); and integrated cross-media workflow or cross-media production capability.

Finally, the committee identified certain pavilions on the GRAPH EXPO show floor as offering a unique opportunity to see equipment and software in action while hearing educational presentations. These are:

* JDF Works Print Shop Live!
* Mailing & Fulfillment Center
* Wide Format Pavilion
* Future Print -New Frontiers in RFID and Printed Electronics.

See http://www.graphexpo.com

Popular Stories

Hybrid Proofing

Dealing with irate customers

Does painless RGB to CMYK conversion exist?

The best PDFs

Intro to lamination systems/materials

Powered by Disqus

Print & Media Buyer

Winter 2008 Print & Media Buyer
Cover Story:P&MB's Field Guide
Expert Advice: Buyers speak up
Outlook: Winter Facts and Figures...

ONLINE SPOTLIGHT

Environmental Excellence Green Beat A collection of American Printer's green beat coverage, including AP's Environmental Excellence Awards Online Spotlight Archive

advertisement

Resource Center

Select Newsletter InRegister E-Clips Chief Marketer Buyer's Guide JOBZone Equipment Auctions Purchase Paper Used Equipment Special Reports Environmental Excellence Awards 2007 Web Offset Survey The Workflow Connection Web Offset Survey Addressing the Issues Small Printers Report The Great Graph Expo Mash Up Web Offset & Inkjet Web Offset Outlook 2006 Innovation, performance, tradition: Pitman celebrates 100 years Digital Platemaking Without the Chemistry Bigger is Better Web Offset Report 2005 Kohl & Madden, a Sun Chemical Co. Presstek KBA Karat: Exceeding the profitability challenge Web Offset Survey 2004 PROCESS AUTOMATION Part 1: JDF and process automation PROCESS AUTOMATION Part 2: JDF & the supply chain PROCESS AUTOMATION Part 3: A progress report

events rss JobZone