Labels: Hybrid Printing Production Solutions can bridge QPC

Published April 11, 2017

In this article, David looks at the role of Hybrid Press Solutions to bridge the gap between conventional and digital label production, and even a takes a glance at what these types of solutions mean for other types of packaging.

Xerox introduces a new line of Versant Digital Presses and More...

Published April 4, 2017

The new Xerox® has been very busy lately. In addition to its largest ever product launch of 29 workplace printing devices last week, today the company introduced a new line of Versant® presses to replace the existing models, with many new features that exceed the competition’s current offerings and complement the growing line of Xerox production print engines.

Xeikon introduces their first UV Inkjet Label Production Printer

Published March 28, 2017

Xeikon was one of the earliest entrants into digital label printing with their electrophotographic dry toner based production systems. Since that time, others have entered the market with a variety of electrophotographic and inkjet technologies and products. Xeikon is now ready to take their expertise in label production systems to the next level with their first UV inkjet production printer offering.

Ghent Workgroup PDF Study aims to Identify Gaps in the Standard

Published March 21, 2017

David Zwang, WhatTheyThink's Technology Editor and Chairman of the Ghent Workgroup, explains why the organization is conducting a landmark PDF study. The last study was conducted in 2008 and is not representative of todays workflow demands. They want to understand how people are using PDF and identify gaps in the standard that the Ghent Workgroup can help address for better process integration in commercial print and packaging production. Visit http://www.gwg.org/gwg-2017-pdf-survey/

Digital Label Production Still Has A Long Way To Grow

Published March 7, 2017

The shift from analog to digital production in this area has already started, with the real growth ahead of us. This offers some perspective on the transition from conventional production to digital production in the label business. While there is significant forward movement in digital, and for the right reasons, it still represents only a small fraction of the total production mix.

PDF for Packaging Now Ready for Prime Time

Published March 6, 2017

David Zwang, Technology Editor at WhatTheyThink and Chairman of the Ghent Workgroup (GWG), explains an important seminar GWG is conducting to inform packaging converters about the latest updates to the PDF standard that makes PDF more valuable to the entire packaging supply chain. Scheduled for mid-May in Ohio, everyone is invited to this training session seminar but space is limited.

Packaging and Labels: Is Technology the Primary Driver for Change?

Published February 21, 2017

In his new role as Senior Editor of Packaging and Labels, David will be looking at the demands, technologies and the inflection points that are driving the use and growth of digital packaging and labels. The shift from analog to digital production in this area has already started, with the real growth ahead of us. In this article, David takes a look at the some of the drivers and constraints for migration from conventional to digital processes in packaging and label production. There are more moving parts than you might expect.

First Look at Canon’s Océ ProStream Platform

Published February 20, 2017

In this article, David Zwang looks at Canon’s new Océ ProStream series production inkjet offering introduced in advance of Hunkeler Innovationdays 2017. The ProStream is a continuous feed production inkjet system targeting the mid-to-high volume commercial printing market. The device leverages Océ technology from its previous continuous feed systems as well as the its sheetfed Océ VarioPrint i300 and introduces new polymer ink set.

Packaging and Labels: Is The Next Big Thing Already Here?

Published February 7, 2017

In his new role as Senior Editor of Labels and Packaging, David will be looking at the demands, technologies and inflection points that are driving the use and growth of digital packaging and labels. The shift from analog to digital production in this area has already started, with the real growth still ahead of us.

Inside EFI's Purchase of Xerox's Digital Front End Portfolio

Published February 2, 2017

Xerox and EFI have further extended their strategic partnership, with Xerox selling its Xerox FreeFlow® Print Server DFE business to EFI. This sale does not include or impact the Xerox workflow solutions that carry a FreeFlow sub-brand name.

Konica Minolta: Moving into Production and Industrial Print

Published September 8, 2016

In this article, David takes a look at Konica Minolta and the company’s new strategy relative to Production Inkjet, Industrial Print, and building a Software eco-system, with a different approach than its competitors.

Canon Brings Holistic Vision to Workflow Solutions

Published August 17, 2016

Dennis Amorosano, Vice President of BISG Marketing at Canon USA, speaks with WhatTheyThink Technology Editor about Canon's strategic and holistic approach to workflow, bringing together hardware, software and professional services to satisfy customer requirements. This includes bringing the full power of solutions available across the Canon organization to addressing customer needs as part of the company's One Canon approach.

Canon VP of Marketing Hiro Imamura explains One Canon

Published August 11, 2016

Hiro Imamura, VP of Marketing for Office Solutions at Canon, explains how Canon is unifying the customer experience with "a single neck to choke" regardless of where the pieces and parts come from -- Canon, partners and/or channels. He also talks about new products from Canon.

drupa 2016: A Watershed Event

Published July 6, 2016

In this article, David Zwang gives a recap of some of the interesting exhibits, products, and some important trends that came out of drupa 2016.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – Xerox

Published May 25, 2016

In this article, David looks at the current state of Xerox. The integration of Impika has produced some exciting collaboration, resulting in some new product introductions at drupa 2016, and perhaps a glimpse of the company’s future direction

KBA and Xerox Target Folding Carton Market with a 40 Inch B1 Sheetfed Production Inkjet Press

Published May 23, 2016

KBA and Xerox have created a partnership to create a unique B1 sheetfed Production Inkjet Folding Carton Press. This new relationship allows KBA to continue to build the production inkjet product line to support the transition of its clients to the opportunities that production inkjet affords them. For Xerox, it expands the reach of its inkjet offerings beyond its smaller format production presses.

Global Graphics Fundamentals Offering Set to Help Production Inkjet Press Manufacturers Increase Functionality and Speed Time to Market

Published May 19, 2016

As production inkjet continues to expand its horizons, it can be a challenge for inkjet press manufacturers to have all of the skills internally to take their products to the next level. Global Graphics’ announcement of their Fundamentals service for manufacturers of inkjet presses can help manufacturers overcome some of those hurdles.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – Fujifilm

Published May 12, 2016

In this article, David looks at the state of Fujifilm imaging, its successful reintroduction of the J Press 720S, the J Press 540W, and a new technology demonstration at drupa, as well as some of its other current technologies.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – Kodak Enterprise Inkjet Systems

Published April 26, 2016

In this article, David looks at current and future state of Kodak Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division (EISD), the Stream and ULTRASTREAM Technologies as well as PROSPER products and future technologies.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – HP Indigo

Published April 14, 2016

In this article, David looks at HP Indigo, the technology, and what we can expect from them at drupa 2016. Even though Indigo is not inkjet, there will be a number of new products at drupa and it is worth covering in these series.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – HP PageWide, Corrugated, and PageWide HD

Published April 12, 2016

In this article, David looks at HP, and its drupa 2016 introductions of the PageWide Corrugated and HD production inkjet presses.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story – Part 2: More on Nanography, Metallization

Published March 31, 2016

In Part Two of this two-part article, David continues his review of Landa, the Nanographic Printing technology, and additional new development and offerings in preparation for drupa 2016.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story - Landa

Published March 29, 2016

In this two-part article, David looks at Landa, the Nanographic Printing® technology, including additional new developments and offerings in preparation for drupa 2016.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story - Xeikon

Published March 22, 2016

In this article, David looks at Xeikon, its new Trillium Liquid Toner technology and press, as well as its latest offerings in preparation for drupa 2016.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story - Canon

Published March 2, 2016

In this article, David Zwang looks at Canon’s new and updated production inkjet offerings in preparation for drupa 2016, with an eye on educating the marketplace on what is out there and what we may expect to see.

Inkjet drupa 2016 – Continuing the Story

Published February 15, 2016

In this article, David begins the process of looking at the changes in production inkjet since drupa 2012, with an eye on educating the marketplace on what is out there and what we may expect to see.

CxF3 and Color Management – exciting things to come

Published June 23, 2015

In this article, David Zwang looks at the evolution of Color Management in light of the recent approval of CxF3 as a standard by the ISO, what exciting new things it can bring to the process of Color Management in design and production, and what the future holds.

Workflow— Reinventing PRINERGY 7 and Kodak

Published April 29, 2015

This article is a part of a series of articles by David L. Zwang that focuses on the processes and products that can lead to the transformation of your current workflows and business to prepare you for the new challenges ahead. In this article, Zwang looks at the release of PRINERGY 7, in the context of Kodak’s reinvention.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: It’s not a wave; it’s an explosion!

Published March 23, 2015

In this article, David reviews how four companies are using the technologies he has been reviewing to their advantage. Wilen Direct, K&H Integrated Print Solutions, Hansaprint and Documation have implemented current generation inkjet presses from Kodak, Canon Océ, HP and Ricoh, respectively

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Canon Océ VarioPrint i300 Sheetfed Inkjet Press and More

Published March 2, 2015

This articles looks at the new Océ VarioPrint i300 sheetfed Production Inkjet press. Additionally, we will take a quick look at the newly announced Océ ImageStream 2400 and the ColorStream 3000Z rollfed presses.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Xerox Rialto 900 Inkjet Press

Published February 24, 2015

The last time we took a good look at Impika inkjet offerings was prior to drupa 2012 and the Xerox acquisition. Since that last article, Xerox has integrated the Impika organization into the Xerox organization, its former offerings into the Xerox portfolio and now into the Xerox master brand. With the announcement of the Xerox Rialto 900 Inkjet Press, Xerox is releasing the first true collaborative effort following the acquisition.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: HP High Definition Nozzle Architecture

Published February 9, 2015

As expected, but still exciting to see, another Next Wave production inkjet print technology has been introduced. This one is from HP, and it continues to show that they haven’t been sitting idle in the time since we last took a good look at their production inkjet offerings.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Super Web Digital with Memjet Aspen

Published January 22, 2015

In a continuation of the Next Wave of new production inkjet presses and technology series, we cover Super Web Digital, a ‘Made in America’ press manufacturer, which has introduced two new web press platforms based on new Memjet inkjet imaging technology. What makes this interesting is that both Super Web and Memjet have introduced new technology in these products, bringing both of their offerings to a new level.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Packaging Workflow Standards and Futures Part 2

Published November 24, 2014

David Zwang looks at process transformation and automation, and the background and steps you need to understand to be successful. He also looks at some of the current product offerings and how they are being used by service providers, to give you ideas about how you can transform your business and strengthen your customer relationships.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Packaging Workflow Standards and Futures Part 1

Published October 27, 2014

There have been many new digital label and packaging presses released recently, and there are more to coming in the near future. However, these new digital presses will never reach optimal production levels or support and drive the new market requirements, without new standards and workflows.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Ricoh Pro VC60000

Published September 30, 2014

Many of the production inkjet vendors are beginning to introduce new offerings, David Zwang continues to look at many of these new products as they are introduced in the context of what was learned in the original series. In this article David looks at the Ricoh Pro VC60000.

Zwang: What Does "The New MBO" Mean?

Published September 11, 2014

David Zwang and Cary Sherburne discuss what "The New MBO" means and what he took from their attendance at a customer event in New Jersey.

Who will capture the Iron Throne: Are you paying attention? Part 2

Published July 28, 2014

In this continuation of the last article, while the kinder gentler Zwang continues his summer vacation, his alter ego… a shadowy figure dressed in a trilby and trench coat and telling stories, digs deeper into the drivers and tools that are influencing your clients’ business decisions and how this can and will affect your business decisions.

Who will capture the Iron Throne: Are you paying attention?

Published July 7, 2014

In this article, at the request of JW (aka the printing industry’s own Deep Throat), Zwang displays his alter ego… a shadowy figure dressed in a trilby and trench coat, and takes a departure from focusing on your businesses to look instead at the rapidly changing requirements and the resulting workflows of your clients and potential clients, and how that may undermine your very existence.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Kodak PROSPER 6000

Published June 10, 2014

Now that time has passed, and many of the production inkjet vendors are beginning to introduce new offerings, David will look at many of these new products in the context of what was learned in the original series as they are introduced.

Production Inkjet—The Next Wave: Océ ImageStream 3500 from Canon

Published June 9, 2014

Now that time has passed, and many of the production inkjet vendors are beginning to introduce new offerings, David will look at many of these new products in the context of what was learned in the original series as they are introduced.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Thinking out of the box Part 2

Published June 2, 2014

There is an assumption that as service provider there are very specific, almost predetermined ways that a workflow to support your business operations should be developed and deployed. However, sometimes, to use a somewhat overused term, you need to think out of the box. In Part 2 of this article we continue to look at some other ways to approach offerings, and workflows.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Thinking out of the box

Published May 5, 2014

There is an assumption that as service provider there are very specific, almost predetermined ways that a workflow to support your business operations should be developed and deployed. However, sometimes, to use a somewhat overused term, you need to think out of the box.

New Xerox Versant 2100 Raises the Bar for Mid-Entry Digital Presses

Published April 25, 2014

David Zwang takes a look at today's announcement by Xerox of their new Versant 2100 press and provides some insight into how the press was developed and what impact it will have on the mid-entry-level production market.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Do I need to do it all at once?

Published April 7, 2014

In preparation for this article, David spoke with a wide format print service provider with a portfolio of disparate equipment that implemented the first phase of a production workflow system to automate and optimize some of his processes. The results were quite impressive.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Can I really have it all?

Published February 26, 2014

David speaks with a print service provider with a variety of disparate equipment that implemented a business and production workflow system to handle it all, and his only complaint is that he wishes he had done it sooner.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Getting work into the plant Part Two - Have We Arrived or is it Just a Rest Stop?

Published January 27, 2014

In Part two of this two part article, David looks at some of the current solution offerings that are designed to bring your client’s jobs into your plant to see if and how they are meeting the challenges of today’s service provider.

David Zwang on Adobe PDF Print Engine 3

Published January 7, 2014

Cary Sherburne and David Zwang discuss Adobe PDF Print Engine 3 and the impact on prepress in the industry. They reference an article they co-authored recently on WhatTheyThink.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Getting work into the plant Part One: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Published December 9, 2013

In Part one of this two part article, David looks at Some history of, and some of the solution types for getting work into your plant.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Web to Print or getting work into the plant

Published November 15, 2013

David looks at how you get the work from your customer into your plant. What does web to print mean to you; and is it the answer to getting work into your plant, or are there multiple answers?

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Marketing Campaign Automation

Published October 18, 2013

David looks at Marketing Campaign process automation. This is a new and interesting area that can help support a Print Service Provider transformation into a Marketing Services Provider business model, and potentially integrate into an automated print production workflow.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Workflow Dominates Print13 Part Two

Published September 23, 2013

In part two of this article, David looks at new and updated MIS/ERP business management systems that were introduced at Print13 in Chicago.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Workflow Dominates Print13 (Part One)

Published September 20, 2013

In this article, David looks at many new production workflows solutions that were introduced at Print13 in Chicago. Due to the sheer volume of new announcements, this is Part One of two articles covering this new product review.

David Zwang on Workflow Announcements and Solutions at Print 13

Published September 10, 2013

David Zwang talks with Cary Sherburne about the many exciting announcements related to workflow at Print13 and some of the things that surprised him at the show.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Cloud Based Workflow Management Systems

Published August 16, 2013

In this article, David looks at cloud-based production management systems, a relatively new concept and product category, what they look like and how they compare to the more conventional workflow management offerings.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Solutions for disparate systems?

Published July 8, 2013

In this article, David looks at how the existing solution offerings can be used in disparate workflow systems both inside the plant and bridging client workflow systems

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Packaged Workflow Solutions

Published June 17, 2013

David looks at some of the packaged workflow systems that are now being offered, either with hardware products or as standalone solutions. He will look at them as primary support for a device as well as how they work in the context of a broader plant workflow.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Workflow Systems, déjà vu all over again

Published May 20, 2013

This series of articles by David L. Zwang focuses on the processes and products that can lead to the transformation of your current workflows and business, to prepare you for the new challenges ahead. In this article, David moves the discussion forward, now focusing on ‘workflow systems,’ what that encompasses, and some of the things you need to pay attention to as you review them. All of this done with an eye toward building a flexible platform upon which to grow.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Production Infrastructures –DFEs: The State of the Market

Published April 22, 2013

In this article, David continues the infrastructure discussion, now focusing on the current state of the DFE (Digital Front End, aka RIPs) in the market, covering Digital Print DFEs as well as CTP DFEs, and the beginning of the plant production workflow. All of this done with an eye toward building a flexible platform upon which to grow.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Production Infrastructures – The evolution of the DFE

Published April 2, 2013

David continues the discussion, now focusing on the production infrastructure by looking at the role of the DFE (Digital Front End, aka RIP), and how that has changed as a result of digital press technology and the changing demands of the marketplace. In keeping with the series theme, he looks at it with an eye toward building a flexible platform upon which to grow.

Dave Zwang on Viewing Digital Workflow Automation as Holistic Process

Published March 11, 2013

Dave Zwang talks about the industry moving towards digital and inkjet technologies and automating both the input side (prepress) and output side (finishing) of the printing process. The key moving forward, he says, is to view it as one holistic process.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: It starts with a good business infrastructure Part 2

Published March 5, 2013

In this article, David continues the discussion of the business infrastructure by looking at some of the packaged MIS and ERP systems, and how they are structured, with an eye toward building a flexible platform with which to grow.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: It starts with a good infrastructure Part 1

Published February 5, 2013

This new series by David L. Zwang focuses on the processes and products that can lead to the transformation of your current workflows and business, to prepare you for the new challenges ahead. This series runs once a month over the course of the year, with the first article appearing in January 2013. Zwang looks at process transformation and automation, and the steps you need to take to be successful. He will also look at some of the current product offerings and how they are being, or could be, used to help you transform your business and strengthen your customer relationships.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: Preparation is Paramount

Published January 8, 2013

In this article, David lays out the key steps necessary to prepare for a successful transformation. While it is important to look toward the final destination goal, without a map delineating the best path to achieve that goal, there are many more pitfalls along the way and unseen problems in the future.

Transforming and Automating Workflows: A Critical Success Factor

Published December 7, 2012

This new series by David L. Zwang focuses on the processes and products that can lead to the transformation of your current workflows and business to prepare you for the new challenges ahead. With this introductory article, David lays out the business drivers and some of the series topics. As the print industry and the marketplace as a whole continue their digital evolution, business process transformation becomes an increasingly critical success factor.

drupa 2012, the Inkjet drupa…again? The new face of print?

Published November 12, 2012

With this eighteenth and final article of the series, David looks backward and forward at Digital Print, its evolution and the many changes that will continue to come. These changes will continue to have a significant impact on the print industry and marketplace as it continues its digital evolution.

drupa 2012, the Inkjet drupa...again? A closer look at KBA

Published October 29, 2012

With this seventeenth article of the series, David begins to look at companies and their 'future' production inkjet offerings and applications. In this article, he looks at KBA, its products and new role in the sheetfed inkjet space.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? Cut Sheet: Breaking the rules or being creative?

Published October 1, 2012

With this sixteenth article of the series, David begins to look at companies and their 'future' production inkjet offerings and applications. In this article he looks at companies that were offset or electrophotography (EP), but are integrating inkjet into their product lines.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Komori

Published August 17, 2012

With this fifteenth article of the series, David begins to look at companies and their ‘future’ production inkjet offerings and applications. In this article he looks at Komori, its products and apparently new role in the sheetfed inkjet space.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Founder Electronics

Published July 27, 2012

In this fourteenth article of the series, David looks at Founder, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at IMPIKA

Published July 2, 2012

In this thirteenth article of the series, David looks at IMPIKA, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at MGI

Published June 4, 2012

In this twelfth article of the series, David looks at MGI, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? My exit interview

Published May 9, 2012

In this article of the series, David shares some observations on drupa, a look at some of the inkjet announcements, potential implications, and offerings.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? Initial notes from the field

Published May 4, 2012

In this article of the series, David takes an initial look at some of inkjet announcements, potential implications, and offerings???

David Zwang Day 1 Report of drupa 2012

Published May 4, 2012

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? Are you prepared to acquire production inkjet? Part 2

Published April 13, 2012

In this 11th and final article of the series, David looks at how to make sense of and apply the information he has presented to make informed purchasing decisions.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Delphax

Published April 6, 2012

In this tenth article of the series, David looks at Delphax, and its new production inkjet offerings and applications.

Are you prepared to acquire production inkjet? Part 1

Published March 26, 2012

In this ninth article of the series, David looks at how to make sense and apply the information we have presented to make relevant purchasing decisions.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Memjet and three unique OEMs

Published March 9, 2012

In this eighth article of the series, David looks at Memjet inkjet technology, and some OEM implementations and offerings to address specific production print applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Screen

Published February 24, 2012

This series by David L. Zwang focuses on current production inkjet products and their application in the market today. This series will run every 3 weeks leading up to drupa 2012. In this seventh article of the series, David looks at Screen, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Fujifilm

Published February 3, 2012

In this sixth article of the series, David looks at Fujifilm, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Ricoh

Published January 10, 2012

This series by David L. Zwang focuses on current production inkjet products and their application in the market today. In this fifth article of the series, David looks at Ricoh, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Océ

Published December 14, 2011

In this fifth article of the series, David looks at Océ, its production inkjet offering and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Xerox

Published November 28, 2011

In this fourth article of the series, David looks at Xerox, its production inkjet offering and application.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at Kodak

Published November 15, 2011

In this third article of the series, David looks at Kodak, its production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again? A closer look at HP

Published October 31, 2011

In this second article of the series, David looks at HP’s production inkjet offerings and applications.

Drupa 2012, the Inkjet Drupa…again?

Published October 14, 2011

This new series by David L. Zwang will focus on current production inkjet products and their application in the market today. This series will run every 3 weeks leading up to Drupa 2012. He will look at the current vendor product offerings, and how they are being used by some of their showcase customers. In this first article of the series, David discusses some background on drivers and obstacles to mainstream adoption to production inkjet.

Just in case you didn’t get it…

Published December 17, 2010

In the twelfth and last article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang finishes his discussion about cross-media communications and production basics, this time with a review of what you should be doing and why you should be doing it.

OK… I get it, but where do I start?

Published December 6, 2010

David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of how you should begin your new voyage into Cross-Media Production.

Analytics: What am I doing and can I prove it?

Published November 22, 2010

In the tenth article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of you need to do to get audience attention, and what tools and services you need to prove you are succeeding.

What are the required and available tools for Print + eMedia

Published November 8, 2010

In the ninth article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of what tools you need for your new workflows. It will cover the options you have for Design and Workflow tools to help you determine what will work most effectively for you.

Building the Infrastructure… Managing both the content and the process

Published October 25, 2010

In the eighth article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of what you need to build a good infrastructure for your new workflows. It will cover Content Management as well as other options you have to determine what will work most effectively for you.

I'm a printer…can I do this, or do I need a degree in programming?

Published October 11, 2010

In the seventh article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of what new skills are required and obstacles likely to be encountered for printers to bring cross-media services into their businesses. It focuses on how to grow the talent, or where to find the talent, that is required to be successful.

File Formats and Standards: Important keys to success

Published September 27, 2010

In the sixth article of this series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a discussion of file formats and standards, two crucial components in cross-media production workflows. It will focus on what the important ones are, and how to keep up with them.

Metadata: Can I get that in a Greek salad?

Published September 13, 2010

In his 5th article on cross-media communications, David Zwang discusses metadata and its role in cross-media production workflows. He looks at the basics of metadata and examines what you need need to know to work in an integrated environment.

So what do I need to know? Print + eMedia Part 4

Published August 30, 2010

In the fourth article of the series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications and production, this time with a high level look at what you need to know to begin implementing eMedia production workflows. This overview will act as an executive summary for future articles that will delve into the specific issues and requirements.

Were we sleeping or just too busy Googling our life away?…

Published August 16, 2010

In the third article of a series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications with some thoughts on how we got where we are and where we are going. This is important background that will help enable print providers and marketing services providers to stay ahead of the curve.

All these new channels: and no Lucy…you still can’t be in the show.

Published August 2, 2010

In the second article of a series, industry expert and WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang continues his discussion about cross-media communications with details about the new communications channels that print service providers/marketing services providers should be considering as they lay out their cross-media strategies.

So you want to be a Marketing Services Provider?

Published July 19, 2010

David Zwang has a new series for WhatTheyThink readers called “Print + eMedia: the path to success.” David will take readers through the variety of channels printers now have to reach potential customers. This first article goes through the basics of what it means to be a marketing services provider.