We had a very productive Printing Survivor II Sept. 20 in Toronto and I felt compelled to share some of highlights on the direction our industry is headed from Joseph P. Truncale, President and CEO of the NAPL (National Association for Printing Leadership). Our industry is not simply changing – it is being fundamentally redefined. The old ways are gone and will never return. Never. Getting better at what we’ve always done will not cut it. Waiting out the recession will not cut it. But there is a silver lining in these dark clouds.
As Joseph reminded us “this is creating historic opportunities for the prepared and profound threats for the unprepared.” Today, working ON your business is just as important as working IN your business. Bottom line: in the face of inflation, the internet, non-paper-based communications, high postage rates and a flat economy, printers willing to adapt by offering value-added services, embracing marketing strategies and using social media will not just survive, they will indeed thrive. Here’s a revealing statistic: since 2000, U.S. commercial print sales have declined about 25%.
The good news is that since 2010, the decline has slowed substantially. In fact, we’re actually experiencing a small upturn from 2011. So moving forward, we can expect sales to grow an average of 2% to 3% a year. It’s not much, but it’s certainly a start. So what can we do NOW? In Truncale’s words: “automate to squeeze labour costs out of processes; get faster by minimizing touch steps and waiting times in processes; develop seamless digital workflows that extend via the web into the client’s own shop; and develop advanced MIS so you know what’s happening in real time.” We’ll continue over the next few months to provide you with facts, insights and guidance in special features from the renowned industry veterans who spoke at our event.
In other news, Graph Expo is coming Oct. 7-10 in Chicago and the show has so much more comprehensive content and exciting new technology this time around. Be sure to read our preview pages in this issue and take the time to visit us there. The SGIA Expo is Oct. 18-20 in Las Vegas and over 400 exhibitors will display their specialty imaging technologies. Some of Canada’s top printers will speak at Print World Nov. 17-19 in Toronto. The show highlights the world of short-run printing.
Finally, as always, stay positive and stay focused.