Hybrid offset and digital printing workflow key to efficiency

Retaining separate workflows for digital and offset printing could be “throwing away more money than the paper being printed on”, according to a new study by Canon.

In research commissioned by Canon and conducted by InfoTrends, they found that on average, for every $1 spent on printing, more than $6 is spent on related processes before and after printing. By automating printing processes, particularly job ticketing, pre-press and job routing, a significant reduction in costs can be made.

After surveying 300 printing companies, the research found that 40 per cent indicated seeing an increase in the number of shorter printer runs. To meet this growing demand many offset printers are adding digital presses to their infrastructure to meet the requirements for shorter print runs, and a need for hybrid workflow management has emerged.

“For most print owners growth is about playing every advantage they can, to extract every efficiency and cost saving they can,” said Craig Manson, (pictured) senior general manager marketing at Canon Australia. “Hybrid workflows make that possible by combining the best of offset and the best of digital into a single production plan.”

Hybrid offset/digital printing workflow solutions represent the next generation of workflow, which further promotes efficiency, flexibility, connectivity and standards compliance, according to the paper. It also provides a perspective on hybrid workflow concepts, benefits, implementations and future directions.

The findings are part of the whitepaper, “Hybrid Offset/Digital Printing Workflow: A Key to Super-Efficiency”, and was developed to support the recently launched Canon Workflow Program, an industry alliance including Heidelberg, Agfa Graphics and SCREEN to promote integrated and profitable print workflow solutions.

To download the white paper visit: www.canon.com.au/pps/1660.aspx