A stable, repeatable, and consistent press is critical to ensuring color management. There are too many times in an offset print environment that mechanical issues with the press give rise to inaccurate and unrepeatable color management. A recent visit to a printer highlighted this perfectly; the printer had to discard all their color management work from the previous week because of inconsistently printed targets.

So what are the key features to look at when assessing mechanical performance? Registration and slurring needs to be checked with either a  color bar or test form, as is the fan-out on the sheet as it travels through the press. These are all noticeable when wrong; however, there are some less obvious issues that give rise to serious color management challenges, such as ghosting, uneven circumferential ink feed, streaks, mottle, and banding. These will result in artifacts in color management profiles, and they are often only spotted by using appropriate test forms prior to the final color management press run.

Over the last couple of decades, printers have focused more and more on value-added services, marketing services expertise, Web-based skillsets, integrated print services, and other non-print revenue sources. Despite these trends, print remains primarily a manufacturing business. In fact, an overwhelming majority of the cost and revenues of a typical printer relate directly to manufacturing the printed product in spite of evolving toward more of a hybrid manufacturing service business model. At the core, printers must continue to embrace a manufacturing mentality, even as they become providers of various non-manufacturing valued-added ancillary services.

In this report we focus on this fact by exploring key trends and metrics inside the printing plant, including factory throughput and other aspects of print manufacturing. The report is divided into four major topic areas:

Specs: 15 pp., PDF, copyright 2014.

The United States Postal Service has a number of promotions and incentives available to printers, particularly those that integrate direct mail with mobile technology.  Here are some examples where you can save money.

Color Transpromo Promotion

The Color Transpromo Promotion provides upfront postage discounts to mailers who use dynamic color print for marketing and consumer messages on their bills and statements.  Discount 2% of eligible postage. Promotion runs from July 1-December 31, 2016.  Register now!

Emerging And Advanced Technology Promotion

The Emerging and Advanced Technology Promotion encourages mailers to integrate direct mail with technology, providing an interactive experience for customers.  Mailers who create mail pieces that use at least one form of approved emerging or advanced technologies will receive a postal discount.  Discount 2% of eligible postage.  Promotion runs until August 31, 2016.  Register now!

Mobile Shopping Promotion

The Mobile Shopping Promotion encourages mailers to integrate mobile technology with direct mail to make it easier for customers to shop online.  Eligible mail pieces that direct customers to a social medial "Buy Button" may receive a discount.  Discount 2% of eligible postage. Promotion runs from July 1-December 31, 2016.  Register now!

To register, CLICK HERE

Fresh on the heels of Drupa, the world's largest printing equipment exhibition, this session will explore the latest technology trends and developments impacting our industry.

This 90 minute program will cover:

• What technologies dominated Drupa this year, from ink jet to Benny Landa's nanography
• What vendors are poised to make bold moves
• What investments in technology might provide the greatest ROI for your company.