Black-and-white In A Color World

"Digital capabilities, black-and-white and color, afford huge opportunities for in-plant printers," says Kern. "Speeds are increasing, prices are decreasing and capabilities are growing, all of which provide exciting strategic opportunities for the in-plant shop, as well as the company as a whole.

"The in-plant print shop is becoming more strategic to the entire operation than in the past, mainly because reproduction is becoming more important," Kern continues. "Individual departments that used to outsource are now keeping more of their print work in-house. Because in-plants have the expertise in producing the best quality at the most reasonable costs, they're saving their companies money. Thus, their role is changing; it's becoming more strategically important."