Enhancing Label Production with Smart Workflow Automation

Published September 1, 2017

Brand owners are increasingly focused on the role of product packaging in ensuring an engaging customer experience. At the same time, consumers expect responsiveness from their favorite brands, and when brands are not responsive to trends and concerns – often reflected in packaging – they will even abandon those brands. For label and packaging converters, who have already been facing demand for faster turn times, cost-effective production of shorter runs, a growing number of SKUs and a requirement for strict regulatory compliance, these dynamics add even more complexity to an already complex and demanding production process. Label and packaging converters can expect to see even more pressure on cycle times from their brand owner customers. That being said, they play a critical role in enabling brands to achieve the level of responsiveness their end customers expect. To effectively serve in that role, an increased focus must be placed on operational efficiency and smart workflow automation.

Appleton Coated Files State Petition for Receivership

Published August 19, 2017

Memjet Announces DuraLink Inkjet Technology Platform

Published August 13, 2017

2017 Mid-Year Report and 2018 Preview

Published August 13, 2017

It details the state of the industry at mid-2017 and looks ahead to what can be expected, economically and technologically, as we head toward 2018. The foundation of the report is the WhatTheyThink Printing Industry Survey of June 2017. This survey of more than 300 industry executives gauged their current business conditions, top business challenges, and planned investments for 2018. They also described how the volume for offset, color digital, black-and-white digital, and wide-format  printing, as well as non-print-based services has changed. The survey also covered several sales, employment, and outsourcing questions, as well as their planned attendance at upcoming industry events and shows.

Frank: Xeikon Roll-fed Digital Press 25th Anniversary

Published August 11, 2017

We are coming up on the 25th anniversary of the Xeikon roll-fed digital color printer. Frank shows some of the classic work done by this venerable machine, which is still helping printers worldwide to make money.

Zumbiel Packaging's Production Inkjet-Flexo Platform

Published July 25, 2017

Ed Zumbiel shares his thoughts on Zumbiel Packaging's exciting new digital-flexo hybrid packaging press for folding carton production. The press includes the first installation of Kodak PROSPER 6000S production inkjet press for folding cartons production.

Frank on Comic Books, Paper from Stone and Retail Waste

Published July 21, 2017

Frank opines about blank comic books going back to print, paper made from stone, and all the waste generated by online retail. These are not related, except in Frank’s warped mind.

Advancements in Workflow and Finishing for POP Displays

Published June 12, 2017

Richard Romano talks to George Folockman, Diretor of Business Development at Esko, about advancements in POP display workflow and finishing.

Pressroom Case Study: G7 Certification Process

Published June 7, 2017

Jeff Collins, National Color Solutions Manager at Konica Minolta, walks us through the G7 process. Idealliance and Konica Minolta recently teamed up with Spectrum Printing in Tucson, AZ to bring the G7 Master Facility Qualification to the printing company's offset and digital pressroom.

Frank: Judge a Book by its Covers

Published April 14, 2017

Frank uses a book authored by RIT student Akshat Pardiwala to demonstrate that the cover often makes the book. He shows two versions to make his case.

Core Publishing Solutions to Install a Hybrid Bindery Solution to Address a Wide Range of Short- and Long-Run Work

Published April 10, 2017

Steve Zweber, the Director of Manufacturing & Distribution Services at Thomson Reuters Core Publishing Solutions, talks about the company's diverse bindery operation and how its focus on continuous improvement has made much of its equipment short-run capable. That being said, the company is adding a new piece of equipment that can equally handle web offset and digital output. Hear the full story.

Web to Print: The Next Generation

Published April 1, 2017

he next generation of web-to-print is here. This white paper makes a strong case for taking web-to-print offerings to the next level as customer requirements have continued to evolve, especially as cloud-based solutions and mobile communications have become ubiquitous and bandwidth is more readily available.

Global Graphics: Working to Support Industry Efficiency

Published March 27, 2017

Martin Bailey, CTO of Global Graphics, shares information the initiatives the company has underway to better support manufacturers of inkjet presses during the development process, as well as the company's role in conducting interoperability events around the launch of PDF 2.0 to ease its entry into the market.

Guy Gecht on the State of the Inkjet Business

Published March 27, 2017

Guy Gecht, EFI's CEO, discusses the state of the inkjet business, from signs and displays to packaging, building materials and textiles. He outlines the opportunities for printing businesses these emerging applications present. He points out that inkjet printers are opening the door to a plethora of specialty applications that can fuel business growth.

Premium Customizable Fingerprint Files

Published March 16, 2017

Fingerprints are an indispensable way to help your customers understand the benefits of inkjet and the paper selected for a particular job.

Once Again, Flexo Levels Up: an Interview with Kodak’s Chris Payne

Published March 14, 2017

One constant amidst the turmoil and transformation of Kodak in recent years has been the company’s intense focus on R&D for its flexographic printing technologies. To hear Chris Payne tell it, concentrating on flexo has yielded some of Kodak’s biggest strategic dividends in the aftermath of its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013.

HP's Eric Wiesner Explains New Addition to Production Inkjet Portfolio

Published March 1, 2017

At Hunkeler Innovationdays, HP announced the HP Pagewide T235HD, positioned as a more entry level device as compared to the Pagewide T240HD. General Manager of the HP Pagewide Industrial Division explains the difference and the strategy behind the product.

Market Opportunities for Wideformat Digital Printing

Published March 1, 2017

Innovations in printing hardware and workflow software continue to expand market potential, making it easier than ever to meet brand owners’ needs. Shorter runs, more targeted versioning, and greater interactivity are becoming necessities in today’s market. Brand owners are demanding solutions that enable more accurate pricing, make it easier to customize, provide product information in a timely as a complement to offset or flexo printing to meet many of today’s market demands, including shorter product cycles, increased personalization, greater versatility, and smaller quantities.

How to Leverage RIP Technology in a Hybrid Offset/Digital Workflow

Published February 27, 2017

Lou Prestia, Senior Product Line Manager at EFI, talks about the role a digital RIP plays in streamlining workflow for a hybrid offset/digital production platform. He describes the ideal hybrid workflow, recommending that the file be prepared for offset, using the digital RIP to convert the offset file to digital as needed. Get the full story.

A Look Inside the Kodak Booth at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published February 22, 2017

Randy Vadagriff, VP of R&D for Enterprise Inkjet at Kodak, gives us an overview of the Kodak booth at Hunkeler Innovation Days. Featured are the Prosper S-Series Imprinting System, the Prosper 6000C Full Color Press, as well as Ultrastream technology unveiled at drupa.

Take a Tour of the Ricoh Booth at Hunkeler Innovation Days

Published February 21, 2017

Ricoh's Mike Herold, Eric Staples, Nick Fiore, and John Blyth take us on a tour of the Ricoh booth at Hunkeler Innovation Days. They discuss the VC60000, Pro C9110, and software solutions.

West Linn Paper Company Introduces Sonoma Jet High-speed Digital Inkjet Web Paper

Published February 15, 2017

Crit Driessen on Ink Chemistry Advances - Video

Published February 5, 2017

We asked Crit Driessen, Vice President Strategy and Alliances, Océ Printing Systems to talk about the main ink chemistry advances driving  production inkjet systems. In this video, he talks about two key areas: advances that expand the color gamut and those that enable printing on coated stocks. Great overview of how it all works.

Top 5 Things to Automate in a Packaging Workflow<

Published February 1, 2017

As demand for smaller, often versioned lots and faster time to market continues to grow, brand owners, agencies and packaging converters alike are looking for ways to take time and touches out of the packaging workflow. They are interested in increased automation and solutions that improve the quality of the packaging while keeping costs in line. This latest WhatTheyThink white paper, sponsored by Kodak, discusses the Top 5 ways that packaging workflow can be automated to make the process as streamlined and cost-effective as possible without any compromise in quality.

Production Inkjet Exceeds Expectations for Critical Content Solutions

Published February 1, 2017

Fred Van Alstyne, COO at Content Critical Solutions in New Jersey, serving the insurance, financial services and government markets, The company has been up and running with production inkjet since January 2014. "It was the best decision we ever made," he says.

Verso Introduces Ideal TrueJet Line of Uncoated Inkjet Papers

Published January 25, 2017

Mitsubishi inkjet papers qualify for Ricoh Pro VC60000

Published January 23, 2017

Traditional Transaction Printing - Uncoated Comparison 24# Bond - Océ Colorstream 3900 - Dye Ink

Published January 13, 2017

This Print Quality Analysis report covers key performance indicators for Traditional Transaction Printing on 24# Bond uncoated inkjet paper. Papers tested include: Finch Paper Digital Web XP, Georgia Pacific Spectrum Offset Smooth, Domtar Digital Opaque Plus.

Appleton Coated Expands Ethos® Enhanced Inkjet Paper Options for High-Speed Inkjet Presses

Published January 10, 2017

How PIA and Idealliance Collaborate for the Benefit of the Industry

Published January 10, 2017

Tim Baechle, Director of Global Print Media Markets and Technologies at Idealliance, joins Senior Editor Cary Sherburne to discuss how Printing Industries of America and Idealliance collaborate for the benefit of the industry. He also discusses the DNA and mission of Idealliance as it pursues its global objectives. He also outlines a new program call Brand Q on which the two organizations are collaborating.

Printing Industry Business Outlook and Forecast 2017

Published December 16, 2016

The report also offers the latest government data on printing industry shipments, establishments, profits, and employment, as well as the economy in general. Dr. Webb offers his take on what the impact of the incoming Administration will be on the economy in general, and Mr. Romano looks at what technology trends the industry should prepare itself for in 2017. The report also offers Dr. Webb’s US printing industry forecast to 2021.

Appleton Coated Expands Paper Options for High-Speed Inkjet Presses with Ethos® Enhanced Inkjet

Published October 26, 2016

thINK 2016 Enters 2nd Year with Largest Education and Networking Event Focused on Inkjet Technology

Published October 11, 2016

Over 450 people are attending the thINK inkjet conference this week in Boca Raton, Florida. Dave Johannes, Senior Vice President, Operations at IWCO Direct and Eric Hawkinson, Senior Director of Marketing at Canon Solutions America talk about how the conference is structured to focus on peer-based education.

Missed Connection at Graph Expo

Published September 30, 2016

At Graph Expo we had a scheduling error. The result was so bad and so hilarious that we had to share it. We'll probably regret publishing this video later.

Ghent Workgroup Chairman David Zwang Provides Update on PDF Specifications for Packaging

Published September 21, 2016

David Zwang, Chairman of the Ghent Workgroup, talks about the role of PDF in packaging as it moves digital. The organization has developed a specification on its way to becoming an ISO standard that includes not only the file components but a standardized way to communicate embellishments and other aspects of packaging production to enable increased automation.

Mimaki's Josh Hope Discusses Mimaki's Products at SGIA

Published September 19, 2016

Josh Hope, Senior Manager, Industrial Printing, for Mimaki USA talks "live" from the SIA show floor about the company's current equipment portfolio of flatbed UV and dye-sub textile printers.

A Case Study of Patent Abuse: Printing Industry Faces New Nemesis Impacting Growth and Employment

Published August 1, 2016

At a time when the printing industry is searching for new growth and development opportunities, it now faces new obstacles: patent trolls, the epitome of greed, thoughtlessness, and unethical behavior impacting the survival of companies and jobs. This whitepaper documents recent litigation campaigns targeting printing companies and strategies for dealing with patent trolls

Commodity Printers: "They're Ruining the Business for the People Who Love It"

Published May 26, 2016

If a verbal broadside is what it will take to get the attention of a complacent printing industry, then a verbal broadside is what Warren Werbitt is prepared to deliver. Here, he asks why the industry doesn't do more to keep itself from being devalued by people who ought to be saluting printers for bringing "life to the world." He also wants to see more young people taking part both at the company level and at industry conferences and trade shows.

“Perfection” in Packaging: Nice, but Now What?

Published May 17, 2016

David Schawk (SKG Global) argues that because consumers are exposed to so many other influences, the pursuit of perfection in the look of packaging is no longer enough. Brand owners and packaging producers must learn to think of packages as “digital portals to non-linear consumer experiences.” He gives an example.

drupa 2016: see offset quality coating technology for digital printing ... and more

Published May 4, 2016

Nick Bruno, President of Harris & Bruno, shares some last-minute advice about attending drupa 2016, the premier printing show in the world. Planning to go? Don't forget to spend time with digital finishing solutions where lots of advances will be shown.

The History of Print and Paper, According to Mohawk

Published April 28, 2016

Chris Harrold, Vice President and Creative Director at Mohawk, talks about Mohawk's support for digital-friendly fine papers over the last 17 years and its recently expanded non-paper portfolio for wide format inkjet. He also explains the role of Mohawk's Print Innovation Center and gives examples of beautiful print that reflect the re-emergence of the importance of print.

The Dscoop Difference: Sharing, Giving and Getting

Published April 26, 2016

Mike Duggal, CEO of Duggal Visual Solutions in New York, and Conference Chair for Dscoop 11, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about the Dscoop experience and what makes it different from other organizations. He shares a very personal experience as an example.

Adi Chinai On The Massive Paradigm Shift In Book Printing

Published April 21, 2016

Adi Chinai, Managing Director at King Printing, talks about the massive paradigm shift that has occurred in book printing. He states that in the last 10 years, there has been more change than in the previous 30 years with the advent of production inkjet and the software driving it, to a near-lights-out model

drupa 2016: There's something magical

Published April 18, 2016

Guy Gecht, EFI's CEO, talks about the importance of drupa 2016 for graphic arts professionals. He points out that for many trade shows, it is about what we have now, but drupa is about where the market is going. See all the vendors in one location, each with a different view of where the industry is going.

David Murphy on Jetcomm 2 - The HP PageWide Web Press User Community Conference

Published April 14, 2016

HP's David Murphy, Director of Marketing, PageWide Web Press talks to Cary Sherburne about Jetcomm 2 taking place this week in San Antonio, TX. Jetcomm is the user community of HP PageWide Web Presses. The community comes together once a year to share ideas, hear from experts on emerging trends, and network with their peers.

Dr. Joe’s Latest Favorite Things: Broken Windows, Stuffed Mattresses, Clocks, and Kings

Published April 14, 2016

This week's recommended reading and articles of interest to media and printing executives.

SGIA’s Marci Kinter on Sustainability

Published April 7, 2016

Richard Romano talks to SGIA’s Marci Kinter about the latest trends in sustainability, its growing importance, and how the print community can help brand owners meet their sustainability goals.

drupa 2016: The experience of a lifetime

Published April 6, 2016

Jim Hamilton, Group Director at InfoTrends, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about what to expect at drupa 2016 and the importance of North American printers making the trip. "It's the experience of a lifetime," he says.

The 2016 WhatTheyThink Video Blooper Reel

Published April 1, 2016

Most of the time our interviewers, interview subjects, and videographers get it right. There are occasions, however, when things don't go quite as planned. Here's a look at the past year along with some of our favorite funny animations!

Mark Geeves of Color Logic on Specialty Color Management

Published March 30, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Mark Geeves of Color Logic and Touch 7 about how “one mouse click can change your life.”

John Puterbaugh on "Orchestrated Media" and the Role of Print

Published March 29, 2016

"Orchestrating" media means bringing the right channels together in successful marketing campaigns. John Puterbaugh, Ph.D., managing partner and chief digital officer of the BlueSoho division of QuadGraphics, explains how print enriches the mix by generating interest and engagement.

Ken Garner and David Steinhardt on the Idealliance-Epicomm Merger

Published March 28, 2016

At PRIMEX East 2016, Ken Garner and David Steinhardt talked about how the printing trade association Epicomm, under Garner's direction, came to a mutually beneficial merger with IDEAlliance, of which Steinhardt is CEO.

Graphic Vision Owner Don Brown on 26 Years in the Printing Business and Transition into Wide-Format Printing

Published March 23, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Don Brown, owner of Graphic Vision, on the company’s transition from commercial printing into wide-format printing.

PVS In-Store Graphics’ Wes Shinn on Specialty Printing

Published March 21, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Wes Shinn, Co-owner of PVS In-Store Graphics, on the wide range of specialty printing projects his company tackles, as well as and how PVS works with customers to produce highly unusual and unique applications.

Ricoh’s John Fulena on Wide-Format

Published March 14, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Ricoh VP John Fulena about Ricoh’s wide-format equipment and current trends in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) printing market.

Production inkjet enables more colorful Academic Planners at School Datebooks

Published March 10, 2016

School Datebooks serves 12,000 schools in 14 countries. Jeff Bapst, VP of Production, is getting great results with production inkjet for its academic planners, introducing more color and reducing the amount of offset printing required.

My Prints' Steven Moreno on Dye-Sublimation and Apparel Printing

Published March 9, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Steven Moreno, CEO of My Prints, on the company’s emphasis on apparel and costume printing, and the advantages and challenges of digital dye-sublimation textile printing.

MGX Copy runs a "dim the lights" online operation with digital print

Published March 7, 2016

Lawrence Chou, CEO of MGX Copy, an online commercial printer with 100% digital printing, talks about his "dim the lights" operation, rather than lights-out, and their focus on the customer experience. The company recently added 4 Ricoh PRO C9110 digital presses to its production platform and has aggressive future expansion plans.

The Future of Finishing at drupa 2016

Published March 2, 2016

Andy Fetherman, Director of Digital Solutions for Muller Martini, reports that the company will be in Hall 2 at drupa 2016 as well as a significant presence in other exhibitors' stands. He encourages printers to take the time to investigate the future of finishing at the show.

One-stop shopping a winning approach at The Arnold Group

Published March 1, 2016

Max Arnold, CEO of Berlin-based Arnold Group, talks about the growing demand for one-stop shopping across the media/print supply chain, and the importance of MIS solutions to effectively run the business.

4Q-2015 GDP Revised Up from +0.7% to +1.0%, But Not as Good as It Seems

Published March 1, 2016

The second estimate of fourth quarter GDP was revised up from +0.7% to +1.0%, mainly from an increase in net inventories. This factor in the GDP calculation is volatile, so we track GDP with and without it to get a perspective of the underlying GDP rate from a long term perspective in a year-to-year comparison.

Content Management as a Service For Publishers

Published February 29, 2016

Dick Ryan, VP of Sales & Marketing at Publishers Press, a web printer with 19 web offset and 4 digital presses, talks about solutions that fit into their workflow and that of their customers, including content management that does not require a siloed workflow and the future of inkjet for magazines.

Virginia-based GAM migrated from 100% offset to 100% digital

Published February 25, 2016

Nathaniel Grant, President of Graphics and Marketing (GAM), a Virginia-based family-owned business. talks about migrating from 100% offset to 100% digital. Their latest digital press uses white ink, adding significant capability.

Lions Club International Benefits from Digital Printing and Ricoh Professional Services

Published February 22, 2016

Jim Sinclair, Print Production Manager at Lions Club International, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about the digital printing services he offers to the organization's 1.4 million members world wide. The shop is working with Ricoh Professional Services to expand print offerings to members and external organizations.

Fujifilm’s Terry Mitchell On the Latest in Production Inkjet

Published February 22, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Fujifilm’s Terry Mitchell about the company’s latest J Press Inkjet Presses and the current state of, and trends in, production inkjet.

The Importance of Business Workflow

Published February 17, 2016

A discussion of workflow optimization is typically very production-centric. In this video Jennifer Matt and Jane Mugford discuss business workflow and why business workflow should be settled first.

Konica Minolta and Z-Verse Partner to Make 3D Printing Easy

Published February 16, 2016

Gavin Jordan-Smith, Vice President at Konica Minolta, talks about its unique relationship with Z-Verse to deliver a service that turns 2D images into 3D objects -- a service that makes 3D printing easy. Simply upload a 2D image and it is automatically converted to a 3D file printed! How easy is that?

David Zwang on Production Inkjet Technology Updates

Published February 15, 2016

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne talks to WhatTheyThink Contributor David Zwang about what's new with production inkjet technology and what we will see at drupa 2016.

High Tech Commercial Printer Earth Color Continues Aggressive Technology Deployment Strategy

Published February 10, 2016

Cheryl Kahanec, EVP at Earth Color, a high-tech commercial printing company, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about some if its more recent technology investments, including distribute/print/mail to save time and money while aligning in-home dates. Cheryl will head to drupa to investigate future investments in production inkjet and more.

Single-Pass Printing with Len Lauer, CEO of Memjet

Published February 9, 2016

Richard Romano talks with Len Lauer, Chairman and CEO of Memjet, on the advantages of single-pass printing, as well as the variety of Memjet-based single-pass devices on the market.

What to Expect at drupa 2016. Pack your bags!

Published February 8, 2016

KBA CEO and President of drupa Claus Bolza-Schunemann, shares how drupa 2016 is repositioning itself to address emerging market realities. More than 1500 exhibitors will be showing solutions and technologies across six different segments under the tagline Touch the Future. Start planning now!

Fixed Color Palette Printing Is Here

Published February 3, 2016

Ron Voigt, President of X-Rite Pantone, explains the importance of Pantone's recently launched Extended Color Gamut Guide, making fixed color palette printing (CMYK/OVG) more easily achievable. Fixed color palette printing saves time and money for brands and printers.

Two Sides President Phil Riebel on Sustainability of Print

Published February 3, 2016

Phil Riebel, President of Two Sides, speaks out about the sustainability of print and paper and the myth that electronic communications are more sustainable than print. He recommends life cycle assessments to get the true story about going electronic versus paper-based communications.

Color management: Where Are We Now?

Published February 2, 2016

Erica Aitken, President of Santa Cruz CA based Rods & Cones, talks about issues in color management and the importance of establishing a color managed workflow.

Xeikon Cheetah Brings Speed To Digital Label Printing

Published February 1, 2016

Wim Maes, Xeikon's CEO, talks Cheetah technology and the Xeikon CX3 high-speed, high quality digital label printer with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne: Cheetah AI ICE-based toner enables printing on heat-sensitive substrates. Cheetah is 60% faster than previous Xeikon engines. The goal: Raising the digital/flexo crossover point.

Standard Finishing Pleased with thINK Conference Participation

Published January 28, 2016

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne speaks with Mark Hunt, Director of Strategic Alliances for Standard Finishing, about the value of partnering with thINK, the Canon production inkjet users group, and the importance of making early decisions about finishing solutions in the press purchasing process.

Production inkjet is Transforming Business for Access Direct

Published January 27, 2016

Lori Messina, EVP at Access Direct Systems, mils over a billion pieces of mail annually and is rapidly transitioning its business to production inkjet with 4 Canon ColorStream inkjet presses in one year, displacing 23 black & white toner presses. 70% to 80% customers are testing a move to inkjet.

EFI Deeply Invested in Packaging, According to Patrick Henry

Published January 26, 2016

WhatTheyThink's Patrick Henry and Cary Sherburne discuss EFI's strategies and accomplishments in the packaging industry, including labels, folding carton and corrugated with both printing and MIS/workflow solutions.

Think it's hard to get into 3D printing? Z-Verse says think again.

Published January 26, 2016

John Carrington, Co-Founder and CEO of Z-Verse, explains how printing companies can enter 3D printing with no investment or special expertise. Very interesting!

Appvion Announces New Triumph Treated Ultra P High-Speed Inkjet Paper

Published January 22, 2016

David Zwang Talks About EFI Workflow Accomplishments

Published January 21, 2016

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne talks with WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang about EFI's holistic approach to workflow certifications, including the ability to integrate external components and the increase in professional services consulting from EFI Connect 2016.

Digimarc's Pinky Gonzales On Using Invisible Barcodes To Make Print Interactive

Published January 19, 2016

In Part 2 of our discussion, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne speaks with Digimarc Director of Marketing Pinky Gonzales about how the invisible Digimarc barcode uses color science to make print interactive and enable new revenue streams and adds value for customers, especially in the retail environment.

ARB Digital's Alvaro Rodriguez On His Printing Journey

Published January 19, 2016

Sacramento's ARB DIgital has carved out a niche offering a wide range of wide-format and specialty printing services. Company founder Alvaro Rodriguez talks with Richard Romano about his journey into the wide-format printing world—and the strangest substrate on which he's ever printed.

Invisible Barcodes: Improving Retail Front-Of-Store Efficiency

Published January 18, 2016

Pinky Gonzales, Director of Marketing at Digimarc, talks about how augmented reality increases the scope and value of print. He also discusses how invisible barcodes can reclaim the real estate now taken up by UPC codes.

What's The Latest On The Konica Minolta KM-1?

Published January 14, 2016

Gavin Jordan-Smith, VP of Solutions & Production Planning at Konica Minolta, shares the latest info on the KM-1 production sheetfed inkjet press developed in partnership with Komori. Key features: extremely high quality and productivity, no pretreatment of stocks, and suitable for commercial print and packaging applications. Due for commercialization in early 2016.

Harris & Bruno Brings Offset-Quality Coatings To Digital Print

Published January 14, 2016

Nick Bruno, President of Harris & Bruno, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about the company's transformation from providing 90% of its products to the offset world, to a significant part of the business coming from digital, bringing offset-quality coatings to the world of digital print.

Lots Of Talk About Inkjet But There's Still Life In Toner, Says Xerox' Ragni Mehta

Published January 13, 2016

Ragni Mehta, VP and General Manager of the Xerox Cut-Sheet Business Team, shares her perspective on the future of toner-based digital print, especially for high value-add applications, including the value of adding a 5th color.

Fabian Prudhomme on the Latest Additions to Enfocus Switch

Published January 12, 2016

Enfocus Software VP Fabian Prudhomme talks with Richard Romano about new Switch Connectors specific to wide-format printing workflows, new partnerships, and new developments in automation software.

Transforming Today's Print Business for Tomorrow's Marketplace - The View From 2020

Published January 1, 2016

The market for print and for specific printed products has been changing dramatically. By 2020, the marketplace will have changed even more. As an industry, we cannot remain focused on "the way things have always been done." Printers need to rethink their businesses, and the products and services they produce. A lot of that involves rethinking the approach to buying equipment, as well as rethinking the entire company culture. This white paper looks at the changing role of print, the changing demand for print products, and how new tech- nologies are both challenging and enabling the print businesses of tomorrow.

Driving Change at drupa 2016

Published December 17, 2015

Highcon's President Vic Stalam talks about the importance of drupa as a platform to launch next-generation products to drive change in the 100-year-old print finishing industry. He also encourages marketers and brand owners to take advantage of educational sessions in the drupa Cube.

KBA's Claus Bolza-Schünemann Bullish about Industry's Prospects

Published December 15, 2015

KBA's President & CEO, Claus Bolza-Schünemann talks about the state of KBA's business including 30% year-over-year growth and the exciting digital press for the corrugated industry in partnership with HP.

Taking GRACoL to the Next Level

Published December 14, 2015

Steve Bonoff, EVP at IDEAlliance, talks about a current project in partnership with Ryerson University to take GRACoL to the next level, better supporting current devices and processes and to publish specifications for an expanded color space.

Cj Graphics: Sharing Innovative Ideas With Designers

Published December 9, 2015

Jay Mandarino, President of CJ Graphics in Canada, continues his innovative approach by installing the first Highcon Euclid in Canada. He discusses how he used the Euclid to build a stunning cover for Design Edge, a magazine that goes to 11,000 designers across Canada.

New ISO Standard Allows A Common Global Color Language

Published December 3, 2015

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne talks with Steve Smiley of Smileycolor and Elie Khoury of Alwan Color Expertise about the importance and value of complying with ISO 15339 (Graphic technology -- Printing from digital data across multiple technologies), a new standard that includes a set of print definitions that can be used anywhere in the world and for any printing technology.

EFI's Charlotte Tueckmantel on Marketing Technology and New Business Models

Published December 3, 2015

Print Software Section Editor Jennifer Matt talks to Charlotte Tueckmantel, GM/VP, Web to Print and Value Added Products at EFI about trends in marketing technology and new business models in cross-media marketing.

Packaging As Part Of The Owned Media Platform

Published December 2, 2015

Aiden Tracey, CEO of SGS, a packaging premedia house, talks about consumers using smartphones to interact with intelligent packaging to help brands "own that moment" at the shelf and in the home. Start building for a future you believe will be there, he says.

Guy Gecht on the Imaging of Things

Published December 1, 2015

EFI's CEO Guy Gecht has a story to tell around the Imaging of Things. He shares his thoughts about broadening the concept of print beyond documents, to breathe new life into the printing industry. He also speaks about how being a Silicon Valley CEO has influenced his approach to the business.

Ricoh Americas Announces Formation of Ricoh Consulting Group

Published December 1, 2015

Brian Balow, Vice President, Professional Services for Ricoh Professional Services, talks about the company's new practice-based Consulting Group, including five different practice areas: Strategic Business Systems, Workflow Automation, Document Composition & Multi-channel Distribution, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Services, and Color Management, including G7 certification services.

Making Print An Equal Internet Citizen

Published November 30, 2015

Hear from Eric Wiesner, VP and GM at HP, as he talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about the impact of digital display and mobile on print, and how we should be thinking about the role of print in this environment, with print becoming an equal Internet citizen. Check it out!

Highcon's Vic Stalam: Free Designers from the Constraints of the Past

Published November 25, 2015

Highcon's Vic Stalam shows unique digital finishing applications enabled by the Highcon Euclid, including a surprise proposal for Senior Editor Cary Sherburne. He also talks about the role of paper artist Peter Dahmen in helping unshackle designers from the constraints of the past.