A comprehensive guide to Web2Print (W2P) has been released by the Printing Industries Association of Australia.
The 58-page report is the first in a series of specialist reports the Association is producing in response to feedback from its members.
Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey, said the report focuses on a specific operational area Association members identified they wanted more information on to help make informed decisions about investments and company strategies.
“We expanded on a 2012 W2P survey and integrated that into a report that not only tracks trends, but also provides guidance on W2P implementation supported by local industry experiences,” he said.
“Like many software based technologies W2P uptake, usage and potential has not been fully realised.
“There is also considerable confusion around its capabilities, cost, integration with existing MIS, training and support and, externally – whether print customers will use it.”
Mr Healey said that changing the fundamental structure of a business to take advantage of a new technology was simple to say but often hard to do and was often motivated by the need for cost reduction or greater efficiencies via some form of automation in the business.
“The technology, while important, is one part of this shift. The bigger picture requires a more fundamental shift in the way you do business.
“Consideration needs to be given to leadership and workplace culture, skills and training.
“Unless you are prepared to include consideration of these aspects in your project plan – then your venture into W2P could end up being be the stuff nightmares are made of – very costly nightmares,” he said.
Mr Healey said the report was designed to help Association members better understand W2P and how it can redefine and differentiate who they are and what they do.
“W2P may not be for everyone but it is the intention of this report to provide knowledge and understanding of W2P in a way that will enable companies to make better decisions based on local and international research, industry experience, guidance with project planning and by having a central resource of current W2P information,” he said.
Printing Industries National Director Communications, Technology and Creative Services, Joe Kowalewski said the report is the first Australian resource of its kind combining survey results, case studies, vendor information and international knowledge of all things W2P.
“Our five-part report provides an overview of W2P, examines emerging international trends and describes the four most common W2P implementation methods. It contains the 2014 survey results with comparisons to 2012; case studies detailing the good and bad experiences of eight Printing Industries members that have implemented W2P; Tips for the Future based on participants’ W2P experiences and a section on data security,” he said.
“There is a guide on how to prepare a W2P implementation plan, an international directory of W2P suppliers and supplier profiles.
“This report will be a dynamic document regularly updated as new information becomes available to ensure it is as comprehensive as possible to help keep our members ahead of the game.”
Mr Kowalewski said the report would also be supported by a website providing Association members with convenient access to the latest information and contacts.
“We will progressively add new information, supplier resources, case studies and other helpful information providing a first point of call for members interested in W2P,” he said.
Printing Industries Association of Australia.
www.printnet.com.au
