On-Demand and Digital Printing Primer

Author: Howard M. Fenton

On-demand printing is short-notice, quick turnaround of short, economical print runs. When all criteria are met, the result is lower inventory costs, lower risk of obsolescence, lower production costs, and reduced distribution costs. Experts agree that printing faster (digital printing) and cheaper (on-demand printing), along with the ability to target single customers (personalization and customization), gives digital and on-demand printing a significant competitive advantage over traditional printing.

With applications ranging from regional catalogs to database marketing to personalized course packets, market experts predict the continued growth of on-demand and digital printing. This book provides an introduction to the digital and on-demand printing processes, intended for the general reader who would like to understand the current technology and trends.

About the Author: Howard M. Fenton is the senior consultant/technology with the National Association for Printing Leadership.

Table of Contents: Foreword · Preface · 1. Transitions, Mass Customization, and Automation · 2. New Opportunities · 3. The Printing Processes · 4. Automating the Process: CIP4, JDF · 5. What Is On-Demand Printing? · 6. Economics of On-Demand · 7. Competing with Copiers · 8. Digital Front Ends · 9. The Role of Paper · 10. Commercial Applications · 11. Book Publishing · 12. In-House Applications · 13. The On-Demand Market · 14. Sales and Marketing—The Real Challenge · 15. Accepting Digital Files · 16. Bindery Issues · 17. Database Marketing’s Role · 18. Products and Manufacturer Update · 19. E-Commerce and Other Forces of Change