When we go to a major print show the major attraction for all of us is to spend time looking at the latest presses, whether these are conventional or digital. We love to see all the latest innovations on these presses to see just how efficient they are. Most printers yearn after the latest presses thinking how much they will improve their businesses with the productivity they can offer. I have to say that I too love looking at presses and there will be many new innovations in this area at Print’09 to attract the attention of visitors. There will be presses, some being shown for the first time in the US, in sizes from B3 through to VLF in the offset area. In digital many people will focus on the high-speed continuous feed presses, although two of the major suppliers, HP and Kodak, will not be showing these at the show.

While the presses are always a major attraction, I feel printers need to look beyond this area. A new press will not in itself generate more business and it will not do anything to make it easier to work with clients. In today’s difficult times I believe that printers need to direct their attention to different areas of the McCormick Place halls. I am not saying don’t spend time looking at presses, but what I am saying is look at what your business needs to improve the way you as a printer does business. Ask your self not what you as a printer would like to buy, but what would your customers like you to buy to make it easier and better to work with you.

What is interesting at this forthcoming Print’09 is the large number of companies, both large and small, that are showing systems that do make it easier for printers’ clients to work with them. I am talking about Internet enabled solutions to enhance the buying process, to add new products into the printers’ offerings, and to speed up the overall process from enquiry to delivered product. These systems will often work back into the client business to start working before the enquiry process to assist in the planning and creation of the work that is ultimately to be printed, or simply communicated.