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ePublishing vs. Self-publishing. These two topics can seem frightening to people in the graphic communications industry. Some people look at ePublishing as, well, an enemy, while others feel that self-publishing is dead. The truth is, offering either one of these services are just another great potential revenue stream for printers and publishers with the right business plan and technical know-how.

ePublishing
Mobile devices and tablets are a hot item today! Half of all cell phones in the U.S. are smartphones, and a quarter of those smartphone owners also use a tablet device—by 2014 experts predict 20% of all U.S. consumers will own a tablet! While people want their content in print, they also look to consume their content from these popular devices. The questions isn’t, “What has gone digital,” but rather, “What has not gone digital?”  Not only have newspapers and magazines provided consumers with digital offerings, but books have...

This article, contributed by John Compton, Master Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, looks at the relationship between technology and the practice of continuous improvement. He demonstrates why, although technology drives your business, maintaining quality is essential to gaining a competitive edge. John is an independent consultant for Printing Industries of America, conference consultant for its Continuous Improvement Conference, industry veteran with executive-level experience, and professor emeritus of Rochester Institute of Technology.

I learned early in my career a simple but important truth about the practice of quality: technology is the master and quality is the servant. By that I mean the goods and services we are able to provide to the marketplace are profoundly impacted by technology and its influence on our materials and equipment. It could be said that technology is what permits us to have a business. Our...

It’s here—that scenario you thought your business would not encounter. What do you do now? It is better to prepare for the worst than be left standing in the dust of the still-eminent Great Recession that is affecting so many in the printing industry. Our own Dr. Ronnie H. Davis, Vice President & Chief Economist, Printing Industries of America, provides today’s printers with useful resources and an action plan to assess and prepare for tough economic stretches.

Action Plan for Turbulent Times

Step I: Take stock of what is actually happening

Evaluate your business and the current print markets. Members can download 2012–2013: A Planning Guide to get an accurate report on economic trends.

Step II: Review likely economic scenarios...

Since 1978, the InterTech™ Technology Awards have proven that printing technology is alive and well and making an enormous impact on the industry to reduce costs, improve performance, and pursue new markets. Over the years, 273 technologies have been selected by the judges to receive this prestigious award.

This year is no exception. We want to take this time to recognize the 12 innovative recipients of the 2012 InterTech Technology Award for their contributions to the performance of the graphic communication industry. They are truly “Stars” in the field of innovation.

Take a Tour Through Innovation Excellence:

To see each of the 12 new technologies that are predicted to change the graphic communication industry, watch this short video.

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