A Passion for Print
Printing is not just a business for many print professionals. It is a passion. People have made printing an integral part of their lives, and we want to highlight some of these individuals as part of our 125th Anniversary here at Printing Industries of America. Watch as Brad performs quality control ink testing. Few people are more passionate than Brad Evans, Senior Research Technician/Lab Coordinator at Printing Industries of America, who has spent three decades performing various testing to make better, higher-quality materials for print production. One of the ways his department serves the printing industry and our members is by analyzing issues such as ink tack for quality control. He is truly devoted to his trade and to assisting printing companies. Here, he shares with us some highlights of his career: Tell us about our testing facilities here at Printing Industries of America. We are able to do all of the Napiri and Tappi test methods to test ink and paper qualities here at Printing Industries of America. One of the services you provide is to perform ink and paper tests to help printing companies with various issues. How many companies do you regularly assist and how have they benefitted? We have two to three dozen companies that regularly use our testing services. Most companies call on us for quality control testing for raw materials such as ink and paper. Other companies order testing for conflict resolution. In one case, a company had a conflict with basis weight (or the weight of paper). If there is a variance in the basis weight, it causes a difference in mailing costs. We are currently testing their unprinted paper to resolve this issue. How long have you been performing this kind of research? For 30 years I have been performing research here; first as GATF, then as Printing Industries of America. What were some of your most interesting case studies over the years? I had a case performing research on packaging for a soap company. The company had been printing with reflex blue ink. After a couple weeks on the shelves, the reflex blue ink on the wrappers would turn pink. As a result, this company now packages their product in polyboard wrap. We discovered that the lye in the soap was reacting with the reflex blue ink. The resulting change to pink occurred because reflux blue is sensitive to the alkalinity of the lye. It seems like you have helped quite a few companies over the years. What is your favorite part about your job here at Printing Industries of America? There is always something new to discover. Every day is different. After 30 years you never know what is going to come through the door. It feels great to reach solutions for companies’ problems and help them operate better—or, better yet, uncover and resolve issues before any problems occur! Printing Industries of America’s Center for Technology and Research provides the printing industry with a single resource for technical information, testing, and technical education. We are here to help you with services such as computer-integrated manufacturing, on-site consultation and problem solving, and more. If you would like to know more about our testing facilities or have a question for Brad Evans, contact him directly at bevans@printing.org. Interested in attending our...
read morePrintChat Hosting Changes Hands This Week!
Energetic conversations, brief comments, some confusion, and plenty of ideas are exchanged in networking groups and office cooler conversations daily. Virtual gatherings with Twitter chats create the same experience, and, in some ways, are even better. You stay in your office, read the comments, and meet people with passion for the industry who reside all over the country. Meet “PrintChat,” an industry Twitter Chat. This week marked a milestone—the original host, Quad/Graphics, passed the hosting baton to PrintMediaCentr (www.printmediacentr.com). For over a year, Quad/Graphics has hosted PrintChat on Wednesdays and has done a terrific job introducing many of us to the value and fun of a TwitterChat. Topics change, participation fluctuates, people who have never met make acquaintances and chat. The experience can be odd the first few times. I just watched and became amazed that out of 140 character comments, an actual conversation emerges where opinions are expressed and ideas exchanged. Better yet, contacts for further connections are initiated. Eventually, I entered the conversations with a few thoughts now and then. Some people become regulars on the chats. Some people are observers, but from it all, ideas are exchanged. Can actual substance and a coherent conversation occur? Oddly, yes. Do non-business comments enter into the session? Yes, just like real life. Does it get confusing at times? Yes, just like a group discussing anywhere—one person is answering a question while a new topic starts up with the group. But with a little patience—and a sense of humor—out of the banter opinions are expressed and ideas emerge. Deborah Corn is the person behind the PrintMediaCentr Logo. Deborah debuted as host this week after serving as a guest host several times. There were several questions related to sales calls, researching customers, getting in the door, cold calls, and other sales-oriented discussions. I jumped in where I could and picked up tips and asides from the others in the group. So, if you want to experience a real-time conversation, join the PrintChat on Wednesday at 4PM Eastern time (new time). Look for the hashtag #PrintChat on Twitter. You may choose to listen, introduce yourself, and join the passionate, fun crowd. A big thanks to Quad/Graphics for their year+ of hosting. Best wishes to PrintMediaCentr as they pick up the baton and run with PrintChat. Maybe the next time we meet, it will be through PrintChat. ...
read moreAutomation is the way to “Profitization”
Join us for the Automation Solutions Network meeting hosted by the Japs-Olson Company on September 18-19, 2012, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. You will have the opportunity to hear from Japs-Olson representatives, along with other industry leaders, about how to increase your profitability through automation. Specializing in direct mail and commercial printing, Japs-Olson Company is continually recognized as a leader in the printing industry. Tour this state-of-the-art plant and learn about the history that has helped shape this 512,000 square foot facility. Hear senior management expound upon the benefits of using automation as one strategy to maintain a leading competitive position. Learn how to continuously improve workflow while reducing touch points and improving your business model. Open Discussion SessionsNetwork with print leaders and peers as they discuss best practices to apply to your business. We invited the major suppliers to speak about Japs-Olson’s workflow solutions and integration techniques. Uncover the automation challenges and solutions to integrating inkjet and offset printing processes. The Automation Solutions Network has established itself as the premiere event to exchange ideas and solutions for automated workflows. It focuses on the development and practical implementation of workflow automation and cross-vendor integration implementations. The group welcomes a wide range of users employing automated technology as well as suppliers of those systems. The steering committee of the Automation Solutions Network is made up entirely of printers who have either implemented systems or are in the process of doing so. If you have question about improving your workflow or for more information about the meeting, visit the Japs-Olson meeting page or contact Automation at 800-910-4283 or automation@printing.org. You don’t want to miss this chance to tour the integrated Japs-Olson facility and learn how to increase profitability through workflow automation. We want to know: When you are looking at new software and equipment, what is the number one factor that goes in to your decision-making process? ROI calculations and strategy Stand alone performance of the software or equipment Integrating the software or equipment into your existing processes Tell us, and Printing Industries of America can provide the solutions needed to achieve automation. See our links for more information: The Automation Solutions Network Japs-Olson Company meeting page Automated Solutions Network LinkedIn Page Become a Member of the Automated Solutions...
read morePrint Is Alive on Pinterest!
Print is all around us: it’s in the books and magazines we read, on the packages on our shelves, on the fabric of our clothing. Some of the most visually stunning printing have even won Premier Print Awards. Print is alive, and it is to this idea that we dedicate our new social site. If you have not joined Printing Industries of America on Pinterest yet, we would love to share with you our “Gallery of Print.” We are showcasing everything that is important to us—and important to you. What Is Pinterest? Some of you may be asking, “What is Pinterest?” It is, basically, a “virtual board” that lets you organize and share interesting photos that you find online. Voted one of TIME Magazine’s “50 Best Websites of 2011,” the new social media craze allows you to socialize with other pinners because you can browse their boards and “re-pin,”” like,” or “comment” on their photos. Just visit Pinterest.com to start an account, start building your boards, and following others. Is It Time for You to Get Involved? We asked our resident expert, Julie Shaffer, Vice President, Digital Technologies at Printing Industries of America and head of the Digital Printing Council, which will also host the 2012 Integrated Print Forum this October, for some tips on how to utilize Pinterest to fit into your marketing mix by highlighting your printing products and services: “You might think that Pinterest has more value for individuals than businesses. After all, while stats show that Pinterest is growing rapidly. With over 21 million unique visits, it is heavily skewed toward females (over 80% of users) interested in crafts, hobbies, interior design, and fashion. Why, then, would a printing company want to have a presence there? Because, unlike most other widely-used social media platforms, Pinterest provides a way to present a highly organized grouping of visual elements—so a company can show off specific products around a vertical market (like the ones already there, including retail and hobbies), a product type (calendars, stickers, books), or a holiday, event, or specific topic. Pinterest has become a top driver to many well-known websites, including those for Martha Stewart, Cooking Light, and Country Living. Note that all of those aforementioned brands have a magazine, too, so odds are it’s a potential print driver for them as well! Interactive marketing solution provider Strongmail considers Pinterest an effective channel that can be integrated into existing direct mail marketing initiatives. (The company recently announced the integration of Pinterest sharing with its word-of-mouth customer acquisition product Strongmail Influencer.) Pinterest offers a business library on the site that provides case studies, statistics, vertical markets, tutorials, and many other valuable materials to help businesses leverage the platform. Take a look and get started pinning!” Take Julie’s advice and look into Pinterest for your business, or, feel free to just have fun with a personal page! Take some more design inspiration from some of the top-followed brand boards such as Whole Foods and Better Homes and Gardens. Either way, we invite you to follow Printing Industries of America on Pinterest to share with the world all of the beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship that make up print. Follow us, and we will follow you back. Post your site here for others and start growing your business with...
read moreFor Direct Mail and USPS Regulations, Direct Mail Pal 2012 Delivers!
Once again, Printing Industries of America is featuring another great title from Printing Industries Press as our Book of the Month for April/May 2012. Direct Mail Pal 2012: A Direct Mail Production Handbook covers all of the changes in postal rules, rates, options, and practices in order to help you navigate through a changing environment and effectively plan and operate while maximizing your profitability. If you are a direct mail production professional or printer expanding into direct mail, novice or experienced, this handbook is for you. Direct mail personalization, according to recent data, rose 46 percent from 2010 to 2011. With the proper knowledge and planning this book provides, you can take advantage of this growing trend. This publication is highly recommended by our staff here at Printing Industries of America for its current information and comprehensive scope. Amy Woodall, director of Technical Information, Printing Industries Press, shared some insights about Direct Mail Pal 2012. Ms. Woodall served as editor and project manager on this publication and worked closely with the book’s authors, T. J. Tedesco and Charley Howard. Here, she shares her insights with us about the Book of the Month: Why did you choose Direct Mail Pal 2012 as the Book of the Month for April/May 2012? This is one of our newest titles from Printing Industries Press and a long-time best seller. The first edition was released ten years ago and has been on the top ten list of our publications since its release. An updated version was long overdue. This book was chosen as the book of the month because I wanted to be sure people knew about the wealth of information about direct mail available in this update. The authors mentioned in your interview with them that this book helps printers with new rates and regulations set by the USPS. In what ways does the book address these new concerns? The actual rate charts are included and broken down by per piece rates, per pound rates, automation, compatibility, and more. The USPS’s new rules and specs can be difficult to navigate, and the book is an easy reference tool. It also goes into a lot of detail about why changes went into effect and what you as a mailing professional can do to take advantage of them—and what to expect in the future. What are some other important topics explored in the book? A lot of attention is given to design and data concerns and other issues you should think about before preparing a mailing. There is also a new barcode called the Intelligent Mail barcode that encodes automation, tracking, and other mailstream information about the piece, such as routing codes, serial numbers, and more within the barcode itself. The book also provides invaluable insight about how to take advantage of discounts available for mailers through work sharing, postal-friendly layouts, and other methods. What can you tell us about the overall layout of this book regarding how it addresses the issues and provides solutions? It is divided into four sections plus appendix materials so that you can easily locate exactly what you are interested in: preproduction, production, postproduction, or planning. You can simply go directly to that section for the information you need. The chapters are concise and focused on specific topics so you...
read moreWatch for Cash Mobs in a City Near You!
Cash mobs are the latest trend in “mobbing” on social media. A cash mob is a positive experience according to people who have been “mobbed.” In a cash mob the purpose is to support local small businesses by showing up and spending at least $20; meet three new people; and have fun. So far cities around the world have been involved. Andrew Samtoy, an attorney, kicked off cash mobs after being exposed to the summer riots in Britain last year where mobs were vandalizing stores and communicating the plan through social media. He wanted to try something positive that would introduce people to a small businesses with limited marketing reach. There is a blog http://prnt.in/Zdg about the cash mobs as well as many news reports. See http://prnt.in/ZdM So far, the owners, who are notified and must agree, are pleased with the results. Cleveland Ohio even started an International Cash Mob Day http://prnt.in/ZdQ. One owner reported sales of $9K in three hours. Many mobbers spend well over the $20. This is an example of social media for good. This positive movement of cash mobbing sounds good on the surface with all the ground rules in place. I like the idea of the goal to “Meet People, Spend and Have Fun.” Time will tell if cash mobs are a fad, a trend, or a “flash in the pan.” ...
read more3D Printing Making Headlines
Recent articles in USA Today and Forbes have highlighted the growing 3D printing market. 3D printing, which has roots in industrial prototyping, is the “printing” of objects by devices that function somewhat similar to inkjet printers or plotters. Devices that create 3D models from Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) programs have existed since at least the 1990’s. Basically, 3D printers use plastic or other materials to create models layer by layer. If you’ve never seen one of these devices in action, do yourself a favor and search YouTube for videos of 3D printers. Traditionally, the major markets for these printed models (or prototypes) have been engineering, automotive, and architectural businesses. Recently, though, this process has been used in applications ranging from toy models to jewelry and even prosthetics. The research firm Wohlers Associates estimates sales for all 3D printing products and services worldwide at $1.66 billion in 2012 and approaching $3.1 billion by 2016. Stratasys, a Minneapolis company that developed some of the first 3D printers, partnered a couple of years ago with Hewlet Packard to create the HP Designjet 3D printer series. The cost of the device is reported to be in a range equivalent to about $17,500. Stratasys also offers 3D machines under their Dimension and uPrint lines. One more major vendor, the Z Corporation, which has a product line that includes a number of 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D software, was recently acquired by 3D Systems. Could your company expand to offer 3D printing services? It seems that many of the skill sets of digital press operators would translate well to 3D printing. There are, of course, companies that specialize in this, and checking them out might be worthwhile. A San Francisco-based company named Moddler prints 3D models, and, as you might guess from their Bay-area locale, Moddler’s primary market is the animation and special effects industry. Shapeways offers online creation and ordering of personalized products that are produced with a 3D printer. Their site has community/social media feel and their business model really is 3D web-to-print. My Robot Nation is a startup founded by veterans of the gaming industry. The site allows users to create and personalize full-color 3D models of...
read moreDo You Have Social Media Kred?
So you have a Linkedin account, a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. Maybe you check in to your gym or the place you have lunch on Foursquare, post videos on YouTube and try your best to figure out how to fit Google Plus into the mix. In short, you’re doing what people like me have been urging you to do — you’re engaged in social media conversation. Congratulations. Now, what do you know about your social standing? Do you have Kred? Do you have Klout? Just as a bank uses your credit score to measure your financial soundness, and Google Analytics measures your website’s reach, services Klout.com and Kred.com measure your social media influence. If you haven’t used either of these services, it’s worth the time to head over to each site and check it out. But be warned, once you sign up and see your scores odds are human nature will kick in and you will become obsessed with improving them. Klout measures, as the language-distorting name implies, your social “clout.” When you sign up, you authorized the service to connect to at least one of your social accounts (Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus) and linking to more will yield a more accurate measure of your influence across the entire social web. Klout can also connect to Linkedin, YouTube, Foursquare, Instagram, WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, Last.fm and Flicker with half a dozen more on the way. Klout uses these connections to come up with your Klout Score, reported as a number on a scale of one to 100. The average score is in the 20s and as one’s score moves up the scale, it’s much more difficult to increase one’s Klout Score. Klout defines influenced as “the ability to drive action” and looks at interaction through social networks over a rolling 90-day period. Engagement is key, and Klout will rank a person with fewer connections but more engagement (via Retweets, Mentions, new Follows, Likes, Wall Posts) higher than one with many connections but little interaction. Klout also lets you compare your score, side by side, with anyone else using the service. Depending upon whom you choose, this can be an uplifting or depressing activity. How does Klout make money? By hitting up vendors, of course. Brands pay Klout to offer Klout Perks to Klout users in an effort to get these “influencers” to talk nicely about specific products. As a Klout user, I’m told there are no strings attached to this Klout swag and just like the material world, the people with the most Klout, get the biggest Perks — we’re told this can be a great gift like airline tickets or computer gear. Personally, all I’ve gotten so far are some free business cards from Moo, a book and early access to Bottlenose. If I want to start talking about beauty products, I can get some swag in that category too. Both Klout and Kred designate a person’s influence within certain categories. Mine include printing (surprise) advertising, technology and smartphones. I’ve no idea why I’m considered a smartphone influencer—must be all that talk about QR codes and apps. Kred measures individual’s influence in two parts: Influence on a scale of one to 1000 and Outreach Level, on a scale of one to 12. With Kred, you get points...
read moreOSHA Revises Hazard Communication Standards
The following information is contributed by Rick Hartwig and the Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs Department of Printing Industries of America. Get ready for changes to your Hazard Communication program! After years of effort, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The revision was made to provide for consistency and to allow employees to better understand hazards, which will result in improved compliance, easier program management, and fewer injuries and illnesses. The changes outlined under the new standard will be phased in over time and will be fully in effect by June 1, 2016. This rule includes three major changes to the current standards: Hazard classification. The definitions of “hazard” have been changed to provide specific criteria for classifications of health and physical hazards, as well as the classification of mixtures. The chemical manufacturer and importer are still responsible for hazard classification. Labels for chemical containers. Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided. Safety data sheets. These documents will eventually replace the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and will now have a uniform and specified 16-section format. The compliance requirements for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will essentially be the same as was required in the current standard. As a result of the changes to labeling and SDS’s, OSHA will require modified employee training to be provided. The revised rule requires that all applicable workers be trained on the new label elements and SDS format by December 1, 2013 in order to be prepared once the new information is released into the market. Also, in the event any new physical or health hazards are identified, additional employee training on the new information must be completed by June 1, 2016. This modified training is in addition to the current standard’s training requirements. The printing industry will primarily be affected by the labeling and Safety Data Sheet changes to the Hazard Communication Standard, as well as the training requirements that accompany these changes. OSHA will require employers who use an in-plant labeling system to update their labeling program, so companies should begin evaluating the labeling system used for in-plant containers during the transition period. Although the changes do not directly affect the written program requirements of Hazard Communication Standard, OSHA will require employers to update, as necessary, any portion of their programs that would reflect changes such as terminology, definitions, training, or any change in policies as a result of the new revision. To prepare companies for the implementation of the new Hazard Communication standard OSHA has provided an online resource(http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html) that contains the text of the final rule, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and additional information about the new rule. Further information and guidance will be made available after a review is performed by the Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs team at Printing Industries of America. For questions or more information regarding Environmental, Health, and Safety, contact Rick Hartwig, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Affairs, Printing Industries of America, at rhartwig@printing.org. Also, join Printing Industries of America Networking Group on LinkedIn to start...
read more“ROI Is king” for Printers When it Comes to Gaining and Retaining Customers
As you read through Printing Industries of America’s 2012 Forecast Part 1: Trends and Tactics, it becomes evident that there are many new challenges facing printers, but also, many new tactics to overcoming them. One of these challenges is the effects of the rise of Internet and e-media. The real culprit, however, is that today’s consumers are more demanding than ever. In an age where the most sought after goods and services are just a click away, business must redirect their focus to being more than just printers. Today, printers need to take effective steps to improve their customers’ ROI and transition to being total service providers. According to Printing Industries of America’s 2012 Forecast Part 1: Trends and Tactics, contributor Jack Miller, Principle Consultant for Market-Intel, LLC, printers are now in business to serve the customer. They must evolve beyond the idea that they are a company that “puts ink on paper” and focus on “helping their customers improve their ROI on their marketing communications.” For a successful customer-centered business, follow these top practices: Evolve into a “marketing services provider” or “solutions partner” Longer sales cycle, more loyalty Opportunity for cross selling Content delivery vs. multiple channels Focus on consumer retention more than acquisition Growth with existing customers: offer a broader range of services Balance—not putting too many eggs in one basket Integrate social media and search engine marketing into the mix Print as ink on paper, Miller predicts, will continue to play an important part in the media mix. The name of the game is adaptation. Printers must evolve and embrace new technologies and these value-added services to overcome a changing environment. Printing industries of America offers many publications to serve printers. For a comprehensive look into the future of print, check out our Forecast Part 1:Trends and Tactics from The Magazine. It looks at many facets of the printing industry– from politics to prepress and from economics to print markets– and how they will be affected in the future. Follow Printing Industries of America on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, now, Google+ for updates. PIA Blog Opt-Out: ...
read more