Color--The New Standard

Ease-of-use is also important contends Pesch. "The craftsmanship that was around in the past is not available anymore. Look for quick set-up, tight registration between colors and, again, ease-of-use." Most users are not willing to train someone for a year and then turn them loose, he adds.

Heidelberg: Marketing Director Eric Frank suggests looking for more automation when purchasing a sheetfed offset because qualified operators are hard to find. "With automation, it's easier to teach someone how to operate a particular piece of the equipment," says Frank.