Graphic Arts Magazine December 2017 / January 2018 | Page 8

Tony's corner Trends, trends, trends – and one that flew under the radar Tony Curcio “Decreased turnaround times means we can go from 400 to over 500 jobs a month without adding staff.” IS THERE REALLY ANY ROI IN A PRINT MIS? Our industry is alive with creativity, innovation and emerging technologies. This year was no exception. Marketing research companies across the planet have forecast growth in just about every sector. They’ve looked at the disruptive paths of big data, document management, 3D printing, printed electronics, amazing new finishing technologies, textile print- ing, direct-to-object printing, wide format breakthroughs in machines, inks and media, intelligent packaging and more. For many shops, the answer is “Yes” . But what about yours? At Avanti we’ve helped hundreds of printers significantly improve profitability with our award-winning JDF-certified Print MIS. Avanti Slingshot helps you deliver more jobs, in less time, with the confidence in knowing that every aspect of your shop is integrated into one powerful Print MIS platform. And while these are indeed areas to watch in 2018 and beyond, I’d like to focus on one area that seems to have flown under the radar. I’m talking about the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who’ve never forgotten that their suc- cess depends on their customers’ success. Ergo, their ongoing involvement in helping their clients to improve their businesses! The result has been an unprecedented level of expertise sharing, business consulting services, and new print communities. Sure, today’s presses are faster, easier to operate and include features that increase productivity, improve print quality and reduce dreaded downtime. But what continually impresses me, as someone who’s seen thousands of news stories flow through our website each year, is the degree of OEM involvement. For example, Heidelberg’s SystemService users have seen productivity increases of over 40% and waste reductions of up to 50%. Konica Minolta’s Procom Production Printing User Community shares ideas and communication services while actively engaging with Konica Minolta senior management about their business priorities. The Digital Solutions Coopera- tive (Dscoop), made up of HP technology users, also continues to be laser-focused on helping its users’ businesses. Its next conference is titled Unleashing Print in Dallas, Texas, March 25-28, 2018. All these represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to OEMs becoming real partners in their cli- ents’ success. Finally, my mother Claire will be 97 years old on December 27. Given her many health issues, I consider it a miracle she’s still with us. But as a close friend pointed out to me recently, “the real miracle is that she survived putting up with you for 69 of those years!” So, to all those in the industry whom I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with these past ten years, and who’ve had to endure my lousy jokes – consider yourselves lucky! Have a relaxing and rewarding holiday with those you love. Until next time, always remember that we’re here to help. ROI Is there an ROI for YOUR shop with a Print MIS? Visit avantisystems.com/ROI for answers Winner of two 2017 MUST SEE ‘EMS Avanti Slingshot Wireless Warehouse Management Avanti Slingshot Scheduling Reservation System Trade Printing Best deal on time on budget When you have deadlines to meet… Fast turnaround & competitive trade pricing NEW 8-Colour Mitsubishi 40” w/ Perfector 6-Colour Mitsubishi 40” w/AQ 5-Colour Mitsubishi 40” 4-Colour Heidelberg 25” w/AQ State of the art CTP & Film Output NEW Over 50,000 sq. ft. Facility 24/7 Production Full In-house Bindery and Finishing Fully Automated Process Books, Magazines, Catalogues, Posters, Brochures, Flyers, etc. Prompt estimates T: 416-299-8568 F: 416-299-3977 E: [email protected] 30 Production Dr., Scarborough, Ontario M1H 2X8 www.bestdealgraphicsprinting.com Tony Curcio Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine [email protected] 8 | December 2017 / January 2018 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE Toll Free: 1-866-719-3339 BROKER / ACCOUNT PROTECTED graphicartsmag.com