Abstract

Today's printing industry is in a state of transition. It has become an industry that no longer solely relies on print for sustainability. Thus, printers as well as print services providers are incorporating different strategies into their business models to provide the types of services that customers now require in order to achieve their own business goals. In an effort to better understand the impact of these emerging trends, a research study was undertaken through the Printing Industry Center (CIAS) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The primary research objectives for this project were: To clearly understand the changing business dynamics in the printing industry. To build on a previous RIT Printing Industry Center (CIAS) research study, which identified the nature and variety of services offered by digital and traditional printers (Pellow & Sorce, 2003). To identify current and future trends in finishing, fulfillment, and distribution services. To determine: a. the degree to which fulfillment is offered as a value-added service b. the types of fulfillment services that are typically offered, and c. whether companies that offer this service are realizing a profit. To add to the current base of research on the topic. The research sample consisted of databases from the Finishing Resources Inc. and the Binding Industries of America (BIA). Finishing Resources Inc. has 980 members, 74.5% commercial printers and 25.5% trade finishers. BIA has 115 members, of which 50% are trade finishers and 50% are equipment suppliers. The survey, which was administered via the Internet, consisted of five sections: 1) demographic profile, 2) industry business trends in finishing and distribution, 3) value-added services, 4) fulfillment services, and 5) comments

Publication Date

2004

Document Type

Full-Length Book

Comments

Sponsor: RIT, Alfred P Sloan Foundation, Adobe, Creo, R R Donnelley, Heidelberg, HP, IBM, MeadWestvaco, Nexpress, NPES, Standard Register, Vigc, Weyerhaeuser, Xerox. Document #PICRM-2004-03 Research Area: Processes, Productivity and Profitability

Department, Program, or Center

Printing Industry Center (CIAS)

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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