David Zwang travels around the globe helping companies increase their productivity, margins and market reach. He specializes in production optimization, strategic business planning, market analysis, and related services to companies in the vertical media communications market. Clients have included printers, manufacturers, retailers, publishers, premedia and US Government agencies. He can be reached at [email protected].
Displaying 1-100 of 675 articles
Published September 5, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Koenig & Bauer, David Zwang talks with Eric Frank, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, for Koenig & Bauer. They discuss engaging, educating, and growing our industry to prepare for the future growth of print.
Published September 5, 2024
In this video, sponsored by the PRINTING United Alliance, David Zwang talks with Mark Subers, President Expositions and Events, PRINTING United. The show covers about 1 million sq./ft., so there's a lot to see and plan. There's never-seen-before equipment, lots of educational opportunities off and on the floor, and a host of new planned networking events. They talk about how to take it all in.
Published September 5, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Agfa, David Zwang talks with Agfa's Deb Hutcheson and Dieter Jancart in advance of PRINTING United. Agfa has been expanding their product portfolio to better support the growing and changing display, packaging, and industrial print markets. They will have their largest display of new equipment at the show.
Published September 3, 2024
David Zwang talks with Isabelle Stanley, a senior at Clemson University who is looking forward to pursuing a career in marketing and branding after graduation.
Published August 28, 2024
Hybrid Software today has grown organically and through the acquisition and integration of an extensive but synergetic group of companies. This has allowed them to build very complete and efficient solutions for both OEMs as well as PSP users. David Zwang explores how Hybrid software can control all aspects of print production.
Published August 27, 2024
David Zwang rounds up the six new B2 and B1 cutsheet presses that were on display at drupa.
Published August 26, 2024
The Grey Elephant has created a unique plate scanning and management solution that identifies commonalities, to provide less plate waste.
Published August 22, 2024
Drupa 2024 was a successful event according to exhibitors and attendees. It looks like this success will carry over to Printing United 2024 being held in Las Vegas, NV September 10-12, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While they are both big events, they are different.
Published August 21, 2024
Flexo continues to be the most cost-effective solution for mid- to long-run printed packaging output, driven by the increase in quality and the continued digitalization of the flexo press equipment. David Zwang looks at the latest technological developments in flexo.
Published August 21, 2024
PRINTING United in Las Vegas will be an exciting event, with lots of new equipment and solutions, education, and time and events for networking.
Published August 20, 2024
When we think about supporting the new demands in packaging converting, we usually focus on the printing, whether that is flexo, offset, digital or inkjet. While each of those technologies has evolved to address the new demands, the actual converting part has lagged behind. Until now. David Zwang explains.
Published August 20, 2024
How should you make the decision of what size press—be it offset, EP, or inkjet—to acquire? David Zwang weighs the different factors.
Published August 20, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Eric Hollingsworth, VP of Operations for RevSpring, a transactional print provider with three production facilities to mail a billion pieces a year. Eric is the newest member of the thINK Board.
Published August 19, 2024
There is a growing increase in orders for short-run, on-demand packaging to satisfy shifting consumer purchasing requirements and operate at the “speed of retail.” There are also new regulations that dictate the amount of “free space” in a box to reduce packaging waste. Using what has been learned from commercial web2print implementations, there is also a desire to use it for package converter onboarding. David Zwang looks at the current state of Web2Pack
Published August 19, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Sam Campitella, President of Vivid Impact, a marketing technology business with three production facilities, each of which specializes in different functions—custom developers and third-party logistics, commercial printing and binding, and creative design and video production. The company’s print capabilities center around prodution inkjet.
Published August 15, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Joshua Hirschorn, VP of Finance & Administration at More Vang, about the origin of the company's name and how it started as a commercial printer but expanded into creative agency work and software development.
Published August 14, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Dr. Charles Weiss, Professor of Graphic Communication at Clemson University. The Clemson program is one of the few four-year university graphic communications programs. Canon had invited Dr. Weiss and several of his students to attend thINK Ahead.
Published August 13, 2024
Historically, there has been much “quiet” intercompany collaboration in the manufacturing of press and finishing equipment. However, lately we have seen more outward collaboration between equipment manufacturers. Often, the collaboration ensures that they leverage each other’s strengths, while each of the companies retains their visibility and yet allows for a quicker development and go to market outcomes.
Published August 13, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with The Mailworks CEO Brianne Baggetta about how the company helps its customers with all facets of a marketing campaign—from design, to printing, to mailing, to analyzing the results.
Published August 12, 2024
David Zwang talks with Mark Michelson, Senior Editor of Printing Impressions, on the eve of his impending retirement, about finding the next generation of printing industry writers and analysts.
Published August 8, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Joe Olivo, President & Co-owner of Perfect Communications, a commercial printer that, over the past few years, has been focusing on direct mail for both the gaming and non-profit markets. Although the company still operates offset and toner-based digital presses, they have been avidly pursuing production inkjet.
Published August 8, 2024
David Zwang talks with David Olberding, CEO, Olberding Brand Family, a century-old company specializing in packaging graphics for consumer goods. Olberding Brand is expanding their focus to include production art and design. As project managers, they handle graphics projects and collaborate with brands and converters.
Published August 8, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Nobelus, David Zwang talks with Angie Mohni, VP of Marketing for Nobelus, about the latest industry trends she has been seeing, notably automation, sustainability, and insourcing.
Published August 5, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Keith Daboub, President & CEO of PrintMailPro, a Texas-based commercial printer with three facilities, each of which has its own product specialty. A predominantly digital inkjet business, it recently acquired another company to boost their strength in offset.
Published August 1, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Lisa Weese, Senior Director, Category Marketing & Product Planning, for Canon Solutions America, about Canon’s recent product announcements and releases.
Published July 29, 2024
David Zwang talks with Joan Perez Pericot, VP of Sustainability, HP, about the significance of sustainability in their operations. They discuss into HP's methods for assessing and enhancing their environmental impact, their participation in sustainability initiatives such as forest preservation and carbon footprint reduction, and their commitment to designing sustainable products.
Published July 29, 2024
David Zwang and Hidetoshi (Toshi) Kino, General Manager, Fujifilm, discuss the company's growth and expansion in North America. They highlight the addition of colors and solutions to their machines. They also touch on the challenges of hiring and the company's focus on software technology for automation and cost reduction.
Published July 29, 2024
In this video, sponsored by Canon, David Zwang talks with Natalie Neyenesch, VP of Operations for Neyenesch Printing, a 125-year-old, fourth-generation family business that specializes in direct mail and high-end boutique work. The company has a mix of offset and toner-based digital equipment and Neyenesch attended thINK to investigate potentially investing in inkjet.
Published July 23, 2024
David Zwang sits down with Dirk Deroo, CEO, Dataline, a company specializing in ERP software for the graphic and printing industry since 1997. They talk about the features of Multipress, Dataline's flagship product, and its web-to-print solutions.
Published July 22, 2024
David Zwang and Paul Morgavi, President, KYOCERA NIXKA, introduce the newly merged companies to revolutionize industrial printing with inkjet technology. They discuss the potential of inkjet solutions across various applications and explore the niche market of photo printing and expresses optimism for future growth.
Published July 16, 2024
HP launched a new PageWide packaging press in Würzberg, Germany, at Koenig & Bauer that has a print width that fits nicely between their existing T400 and T1100 series corrugated preprint presses. However, the new T700i is designed for more than just corrugated preprint.
Published July 16, 2024
Atomyx a cloud-based platform that can both streamline the print business and production processes, while also reducing the skills needed to do the plant-wide automation integration to support production from Mass Production to Mass Customization. David Zwang takes a close look at Atomyx.
Published July 16, 2024
Tom Piere, CEO of Four Pees, comes to the drupa daily studio to talk about the company's Atomyx platform. Atomyx is a three-product suite: Atomyx Manage, which connects APIs and systems in the print industry; Atomyx Prepare, focusing on artwork processing; and Atomyx Layout, which facilitates ganging nesting and smart estimation for print jobs.
Published July 16, 2024
David Zwang and Tim Bernaerdt, Director, Enfocus, discuss the transition to the cloud, its benefits, and the potential of moving PitStop and Switch to the cloud. They also talk about the growth of the app store and the mixed audience's need to embrace the cloud.
Published July 16, 2024
HP launched a new Pagewide packaging press that fits between their T400 and T1100 presses. It is an ideal size and is more than just for litho-lam! David Zwang talks with Barbara McManus, Head of HP Pagewide Industrial Group.
Published July 15, 2024
David Zwang and Noam Zilbershtain, VP and General Manager, HP Indigo Industrial Print, talk about the world of digital printing with HP Indigo. They highlight the significance of automation and intelligent automation lines, and the transition to digital. Zibershtain also discusses importance of solutions, applications, a connected environment and interactions with other companies prioritizing automation.
Published July 12, 2024
David Zwang talks with Kasper Tomshoj, CEO PrintVIS, about the PrintVIS MIS system that stands out through its partnership with Microsoft and integration of AI features. They also touch on the benefits of PrintVIS' collaboration with Kodak and the advantages of cloud-based updates and innovation.
Published July 11, 2024
David Zwang talks with Mary Schilling, certified Print Geek, about the evolution of inkjet technology and its impact on the commercial packaging industry at drupa 2024. They highlight the importance of print beyond paper and the role of innovative printing technologies. They also touch on the use of biomarkers and synthetic DNA in inks for security and tracking, emphasizing the significance of tracking and sustainability in various industries.
Published July 10, 2024
David Zwang talks with Shlomo Nimrodi, who, after five years as CEO of Highcon, transfers his CEO role to Yair Alcobi and takes on the position of Chairman of Highcon.
Published June 27, 2024
PRISMA Home is a unique platform that houses valuable applications and tools in the cloud to help manage and support compatible print production processes. David Zwang takes a close look at how the PRISMA family has evolved.
Published June 27, 2024
David Zwang talks with Karen Di Mora, Sr. Specialist Business Planning & Marketing, Canon USA, about PRISMA Home, a unique platform that houses valuable applications and tools in the cloud to help manage and support compatible print production processes.
Published June 27, 2024
David Zwang sits down with Shlomo Nimrodi, CEO, Highcon, to explore the company's journey and success in the packaging market. They discuss the rise of digital die-cutting, productivity enhancements and the surprising interest in their solutions from the corrugated market.
Published June 26, 2024
At drupa 2024, Xitron introduced K2, a new software system that integrates some of the Hybrid Software offerings to create a complete workflow. David Zwang takes a closer look.
Published June 26, 2024
David Zwang looks at the new developments in embellishment and sustainability that Kurz was showing at drupa 24.
Published June 25, 2024
While salespeople and web2print solutions still remain important forms of business development and onboarding work, as communication and business processes continue to become more connected, new types of partnerships and connected solutions will undoubtedly play a larger role in business development for PSPs.
Published June 20, 2024
David Zwang runs down the myriad hardware and software product announcements made by Fujifilm at drupa 24.
Published June 19, 2024
David Zwang takes a deep dive into Fujifilm’s Smart Flow workflow software, being demonstrated at drupa 24.
Published June 19, 2024
David Zwang looks at Atomyx, a platform built on the vision of Connected Automation to enable the profitable production of individualized print jobs at scale, which was being showcased at drupa 24.
Published June 18, 2024
David Zwang looks at how Hybrid Software has grown organically and through the acquisition and integration of an extensive but synergetic group of companies, allowing them to build very complete and efficient solutions for both OEMs as well as PSP users.
Published June 17, 2024
At drupa 24, Adobe was demonstrating how PDF can be used for textile production. David Zwang reports from drupa’s touchpoint textile display area.
Published June 17, 2024
Landa Digital Print’s tagline for drupa 2024 was “Run More,” and they supported that with the introduction of new “faster and smarter” presses. David Zwang looks at the S11 simplex and S11P duplex B1 presses.
Published June 17, 2024
David Zwang reports from drupa 24 on the HP/Cimpress partnership and how Cimpress s actively contributing to the development of the newly announced HP Indigo 120K Digital Press.
Published June 13, 2024
As All4Labels continues its plans to completely digitize its production floors, the company announced at drupa 24 that it was investing in several units of HP Indigo V12, HP Indigo 200K and the enhanced version of the HP PageWide Advantage 2200. David Zwang looks at the details of this investment.
Published June 12, 2024
At drupa 24, Fujifilm announced the new Dimatix SkyFire SF600 printhead. David Zwang taskes a close look at this announcement.
Published June 11, 2024
In this article, sponsored by Miraclon, David Zwang’s looks at recent developments in the technical “rebirth” of flexography that are allowing it to remain competitive as the go-to process for packaging production.
Published June 10, 2024
HP and Canva announced that they will join forces in a groundbreaking collaboration to provide unique design-to-print services and experiences for over 185 million monthly Canva users with HP Print Service Providers across the globe.
Published June 10, 2024
David Zwang and Jim Barnes, Chief IT Implementation Officer, Kodak, talk about the workings of the PRINERGY platform. They discuss the platform's support for offset and digital printing, and the advantages of cloud and virtualization. They also touch on the adoption of cloud-based solutions and their long-term goal of supporting customers' current environments while shaping the future.
Published June 7, 2024
David Zwang and Marcus Weiss, General Manager, EMEA - HP Industrial Printing, HP, talk about HP's innovative printing and automation solutions showcased at drupa. They discuss the growing interest in general commercial print and HP's commitment to transforming the perception of print through value addition and customization. HP's holistic approach, which includes integrating existing workflows and openness to third-party integration, is also discussed.
Published June 7, 2024
Ingolf Fritzsche, Product Manager, Digital Solutions, and Ronald Reddmann, Product Manager, Softcover Solutions, Müller Martini, introduce their latest innovations in book production at the drupa video studio. They highlight a new book block solution that changes folding patterns in under 10 seconds, enhancing productivity and sustainability. The Connex workflow system and high-speed unique book production are key digital advancements.
Published June 7, 2024
Christian Zeller, Head of Marketing, BOBST, delve into the industry's shift towards digitalization and connectivity. They introduce BOBST Connect, a data-driven solution for the packaging value chain. The discussion emphasizes an application-centric approach, end products and customer-centricity. They also highlight the global availability of competence centers and ways to connect with sales teams.
Published June 6, 2024
Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of BOBST, shares his company's vision for revolutionizing the packaging industry. He outlines the strategic pillars of digitization, connectivity, automation and sustainability. Jean-Pascal discusses the digitization and automation of machines, starting from PDF files and the shift towards selling machines with performance-driven service contracts. He also talks about partnerships for sustainability and new technologies, and the company's plans for future software-driven solutions.
Published June 4, 2024
Die cutting has been around for a long time, however the growth packaging and of shorter run packaging as well as display production has increased the need for die cutting dramatically. There are lots of new types of die cutting solutions in the market and more coming. In the end it is all about application.
Published June 3, 2024
Sean Smyth, Senior Print Consultant, Smithers, dives into the multifaceted world of the print industry at drupa. He discusses the show's duration, standout exhibits, software and automation and speculates on drupa's future. Also discussed: print technology and innovation, the role of software and robots in print processes, application-based printing, and the importance of packaging and flexible printing.
Published June 3, 2024
Simon Lewis, SVP Marketing Strategy and Business Development, Highcon stopped by the drupa daily studio to talk about the transition to Highcon 2.0 and the company's focus on packaging. He talks about collaborations with vendors, optimal run lengths, and the upcoming corrugated product, Vulcan.
Published May 31, 2024
Yale Goldis Commercial Products and Solutions Director, HP PageWide Industrial, delves into HP's extensive product range, printing volume and upcoming milestone of printing 1 trillion pages. He emphasizes the customer value through upgradeability and the success of the Advantage press.
Published May 31, 2024
Tuan Tran, President of Print and Imaging for HP, talks about HP's 40-year history in the printing industry. He explores the company's diverse machine portfolio, opportunities across different segments and the convenience offered to customers. He also discusses office workflows, the transition from analog to digital, and the potential of printing technologies.
Published May 30, 2024
WhatTheyThink/drupa daily is profiling selected attendees to this year's drupa 24. David Zwang profiles Dr. Rasa Urbas, Head of the Chair of Information and Graphic Arts Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana.
Published May 30, 2024
David Zwang and Gershon Alon, Head of Solutions, HP Indigo, meet up at drupa to talk about the evolution and vision of PrintOS, the operating system for print operations. They discuss customer interaction, order flow, customization projects, and collaboration with Esko.
Published May 29, 2024
At drupa 2024, FUJIFILM introduced the FUJIFILM Dimatix SkyFire® SF600 printhead. David Zwang provides an overview.
Published May 29, 2024
David Zwang talks with Daniel Martinez, Global Head and General Manager, HP Large Format at drupa about markets HP is focusing on with potential for growth: décor, retail and backlit textiles.
Published May 29, 2024
David Zwang and Michael Boyle, Senior Vice President of HP Large Format, delve into the evolution and scope of HP Large Format. They discuss the changing landscape of large format sign and display technologies, the continuous improvement of media innovation, and the power of HP's latex technology. They also highlight the industrial applications of HP's technology, its flexibility, and HP's dedication to artwork and creativity.
Published May 13, 2024
David Zwang talks to Lance Martin, VP Product Marketing, Komori America, about new offset, inkjet, finishing, and connected automation solutions they will be showcasing in their and their partner booths.
Published May 13, 2024
David Zwang talks with Frank Mallozzi, President IPP, Konica Minolta US, about how the company is poised for continued growth.
Published May 9, 2024
David Zwang talks with Toby Weiss, CEO of Fiery. Fiery sits in front of the lion's share of production print devices across many applications. At drupa, they will be presenting lots of exciting new technologies to help their OEMs and their end users address market shifts and become more productive.
Published April 29, 2024
In anticipation of the upcoming drupa show, there is usually a “pre-drupa” media event. This has been the place for a sampling of the exhibitors to lay out what they see as their future direction and even pre-announce some of their latest technologies.
Published April 25, 2024
Kyocera, very much like Fujifilm, Epson, and others, have been developing and supplying system components to print solution providers for years. Those developments have been at the cornerstone of many products in the market today. Kyocera (NIXKA) has been working on an inkjet photo printer for a while and this full color 1200 dpi grayscale system press is ready for its introduction during drupa 2024.
Published April 11, 2024
Koenig & Bauer is a familiar name to printers and converters, but their involvement in drupa extends beyond just manufacturing equipment. In this video, sponsored by Koenig & Bauer, David Zwang talks with Sr. VP Marketing Eric Frank.
Published April 4, 2024
Since 1867, Agfa has been at the forefront of many technological developments in imaging. As one of the founding graphic imaging powerhouse companies, it struggled through the transition from an analog to a digital economy. However, they have redefined their core business products and structures to not just survive but to grow in this rapidly changing world.
Published April 2, 2024
Enhance a Colour is like a big toy store for anyone who produces or purchases sign and display. However, they are very particular about purchasing equipment, entering markets, and selling solutions, but they emphasize that it’s all about the consultive relationship. David Zwang talks to the owner of this unique business.
Published March 27, 2024
Here we are, 12 years after the initial introduction of the Landa Digital Print technology, and roughly four years after initial commencement of commercial sales. Today, there are over 50 machines installed, with many more orders and some new product introductions in the pipeline. Landa Digital Print’s tagline for drupa 2024 is “Run More,” and they are supporting that with new faster and smarter press introductions.
Published March 25, 2024
HP Indigo has not slowed down in their mission to drive the digital transition of print and packaging production. For drupa 2024, they have lots of new product announcements, all of them targeted at “Breaking the Analog to Digital Boundaries.”
Published March 25, 2024
In anticipation of drupa, HP Indigo has announced new and upgraded products that focus on productivity, uptime, reliability, and cost of operation. David Zwang talks to Keren Yakolev, Head of Product and Strategy for HP Indigo.
Published March 19, 2024
Koenig & Bauer has been a leader in the development of print and packaging equipment and solutions since 1817. In this video, sponsored by Koenig & Bauer, David Zwang talks with Sandra Wagner, VP Digitalization, about how they have always focused on optimizing their products, and are developing solutions that can optimize their customer base as well.
Published March 19, 2024
Müller Martini has been slowly building their portfolio through development and acquisition. In this video, sponsored by Müller Martini, David Zwang talks with President CEO Andy Fetherman about how they have created a comprehensive process infrastructure that brings all of that equipment together to support the industry's need for automation.
Published March 19, 2024
Controlled digital proofing systems that ensure proper setup and maintenance with each of the stakeholders have a corresponding system seems to be the answer. While there were a number of systems introduced that endeavored to achieve that goal, most never seemed to be able to maintain that needed level of control across the stakeholder teams—until now.
Published February 20, 2024
When many in print and converting production and technologies around the globe get together, one of the discussions usually goes something like this: “How many drupa events have you been to?” or, “what was your first drupa?” There must be a good reason for that! David Zwang talks with Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies, Messe Düsseldorf, to discuss the upcoming drupa 2024 itself and the various regional events leading up to it.
Published February 20, 2024
Kyocera is focusing their inkjet solutions on the in-plant printing department market, one of their key toner customer bases. In this video, sponsored by Kyocera, David Zwang talks with Dustin Graupman, Senior Director, Ink Jet Division, and Greg Lindsey, Business Development Manager, Inkjet Division, about the progress they are making.
Published February 14, 2024
David Zwang talks with Bernd Zipper, Founder of Zipcon, about bringing print service providers together to connect and brainstorm on how to develop new solutions, solve problems, and increase volumes and margins.
Published February 13, 2024
The topic of funerals doesn't usually bring thoughts of print production opportunities, but the new Funeral Link software can actually help funeral homes as well as print service providers!
Published February 13, 2024
Imagine a cloud-based platform that could both streamline the print business and production processes, while also reducing the skills needed to implement a plant-wide automation integration. While still in the early stages of development, that is the goal of the Atomyx platform.
Published February 13, 2024
Most print orders arrive from the cloud, or could even be created in the cloud. They could even go back to the cloud for a proof. Wouldn't it make sense to handle the production there and reduce the up and down data transferring? David Zwang talks with Four Pees CEO Tom Peire about Atomyx, a new cloud-based platform that could both streamline the print business and production processes.
Published February 8, 2024
Many of the current “off the shelf” workflow software and professional service offerings are being developed to support newer and disparate technologies and markets. Ultimately, solutions need to fit the specific needs of a PSP and their customer and partner relationships, and that’s where rules based workflows shine.
Published February 5, 2024
As the cloud rapidly emerges as a key influencing technology, the integration of business and production management solutions into cloud-based platforms has become inevitable, and things are changing fast!
Published February 1, 2024
Marketing AI is the process of using AI capabilities like data collection, data-driven analysis, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning (ML) to deliver customer insights and automate critical marketing decisions. In the past, this technology has been relegated to those who can afford to build it. Now Boostt.ai (formerly known as Geofactor.com), has developed a platform for bringing Marketing AI to the masses.
Published January 23, 2024
David Zwang talks with Chris Payne, CEO of Miraclon, about the global packaging industry. While the post-pandemic effects were felt in 2022 and 2023, 2024 should bring growth, stability, and a look at the new normal.
Published January 17, 2024
David Zwang leads a roundtable discussion with IT Strategies' Marco Boer and Smithers' Sean Smyth on the challenges the industry faced in 2023 and the opportunities 2024 will bring.
Published January 16, 2024
Agfa had invested a lot in acquiring Inca and launching the new Speedset 1060. David Zwang leads a group discussion with IT Strategies' Marco Boer and Smithers' Sean Smyth about the launch and Agfa's strategy.
Published January 11, 2024
As part of Agfa's rebuilding, they have put digital print as one of their top areas of focus and growth, and VP Arnaud Callega is leading the effort.
Published January 11, 2024
David Zwang talks with Mike Rottenborn, CEO of The Hybrid Group, about Hybrid’s complete set of solutions for producers of label and packaging products.
Published January 9, 2024
Agfa’s first foray into production inkjet was with the introduction of Dotrix in 2004, a product that was ahead of its time and ultimately abandoned. Their new production inkjet folding carton press seems to check all the boxes for today’s and tomorrow’s growing and evolving market.
© 2024 WhatTheyThink. All Rights Reserved.