A new research monograph from the Printing Industry Center at RIT analyzes the potential inefficiencies of the print production using system dynamics. System dynamics is a scientific approach to understanding the behaviour of complex systems over time.

The study reports on the use of System dynamics to simulate five scenarios that are common in the industry, and makes recommendations on how printers can improve productivity through the implementation of a synergistic strategy.

Key findings include:

• Through the presentation of the workflow as the main print processes (prepress, press, and postpress), the model shows sufficient amplitude and flexibility to adapt to any print company, no matter its size, specialization, or technology.
• Full benefits were only achieved by the correct and timely execution of different policies. A synergistic strategy is recommended for use, as this takes into account the various forces affecting productivity and seeks to align them all for the best possible results.