What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2013 and why?

The opportunity for diversification. Digital printing technologies and economic conditions are fostering a softening of the traditional areas of operation in the graphic arts – but clearly, there are markets where digital print has started to make its presence known like never before, including labels and packaging and newspapers. More and more general commercial printers are expanding – via digital printing technologies – into the consumer photo-specialty market, or into large format printing, and other areas that a general commercial printer would never have approached before. Similarly, large format sign and display printers that may have begun as screen printers are adding a commercial capability and incorporating new added-value elements to their service offering.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2013 and why?

It’s hard to pinpoint one in particular, but rising costs, an increasingly competitive landscape and the need to meet often near-impossible customer deadlines are right up there. In addition, the proliferation of online media and shifting consumer habits cannot be ignored.

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2013?

From the supplier point of view, the focus should be on educating printers, brands and users as to the immense opportunities available that can contribute to driving profitable growth. Today’s digital printers and presses offer a multitude of applications using a growing number of substrates, and the onus should be on manufacturers to work closely with users and ensure those businesses market themselves correctly and position print as a complimentary and essential value adding component of the modern marketing/publishing mix. The foremost suppliers are already doing this and offer free training and on-line workshops to ensure print service providers get the most from their investment and ensure it generates the revenues expected of it.

HP’s own Latex University is based on such a model. This complimentary initiative enables owners of HP Latex Printers to access a comprehensive set of training materials to help sharpen competitiveness, market their green credentials and boost the versatility of their service capability. Users can develop their knowledge around new applications and substrates which might, for example, see them explore textile printing or vehicle wrapping. The result for the user is the ability to extend their skills set and maximise the money-making potential of their print solution.

What was your highlight of 2012?

I guess Drupa. The showcase of hardware and associated print solutions on display highlighted the industry’s tremendous level of inventiveness and diversity, and the immense business opportunities such innovative excellence offers print service providers. Significant for me was the interest in B2 format digital presses, especially those designed for flexible packaging and folding carton production. We also saw this interest matched at ‘Print United’, the first event for dscoop in EMEA.

What are your hopes for 2013?

That the print industry will continue to make positive steps as we emerge from the global recession.

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2012?

First, that technological innovation seems to hold no bounds and – be it a quest for higher quality, greater speed, or wider substrate diversity – we’re still seeing the envelope being pushed to unparalleled levels. Also, and as a result of this, the way in which customers are harnessing the features of versatile digital printing devices to augment the range and depth of services they offer and encourage profitable growth. Digital continues to claim more ground on traditional technologies and its versatility and on-demand attributes mirror the needs of end users such that it is no longer in the shadow of offset/litho print methods. As consumer habits change and a worldwide recession continues to bite, the benefits of a digit print model have never looked so appealing.

What does the industry need to do differently in 2013?

Fully understand the role and value that print represents within business and society. Embrace any necessary changes to our business models and technologies to meet the needs of end users and ensure prints continued relevance. And importantly, stand-up and be counted – positively engage customers and end users, to champion the printed medium!