Renaissance of Print Has Already Begun, Contend Industry Leaders at Ipex World Print Summit

Frank Romano, professor emeritus at RIT, asked the speakers at an Ipex World Print Summit session this week if print is doomed or on the verge of a new digital renaissance. They agreed that they see evidence already of print’s expansion into new and innovative directions such as variable data or high-margin industrial applications. Keynote speakers EFI CEO Guy Gecht and Landa Corp. CEO Benny Landa addressed a packed audience on the second day of the London-based exhibition. The session looked at trends and the drivers for success needed by today’s print companies.

“Print using digital technology, such as for direct mail, is on the rise,” Gecht told the audience. “No other media gets attention in the same way, and digital lets our industry add value. We have to realize that in five to 10 years from now, there may be less print, but what is left will be higher in value.”

Landa also commented: “Unlike publishing, most commercial print and packaging apps can simply not be replaced by digital media.”

Gecht also said EFI is passionate about building relationships with customers, most of which are already involved with digital print and have already moved up this value chain. In the run-up to Ipex his extensive European program of visits included companies in Germany, France and in the United Kingdom.

“The success of these businesses lies mostly with those where a significant part uses digital technology, and there is a definite shift from very long runs to tailored, on-demand jobs with VDP,” Gecht continued. “EFI’s decision to come to Ipex was based on a long-term plan to double down on customers in Europe, which included significantly increased investments in the region with acquisitions, increased support staff and building a large new demo center in Brussels. Meeting our customers is more important to us than the size of the trade show.”

The two discussed the much-anticipated Nanographic press technology driven by the EFI Fiery. “The incorporation of EFI technology into the Nanographic press is a technological challenge our team is excited about and one that will make Fiery an even better technology for the future,” Gecht concluded.

EFI is exhibiting at Ipex at London Excel, 24-29 March 2014 at stand N2-D175.

About EFI
EFI is a worldwide provider of products, technology and services leading the transformation of analog to digital imaging. Based in Silicon Valley, with offices around the globe, the company's powerful integrated product portfolio includes digital front-end servers; superwide, wide-format, label and ceramic inkjet presses and inks; production workflow, Web-to-print and business automation software; and office, enterprise and mobile cloud solutions. These products allow users to produce, communicate and share information in an easy and effective way, and enable businesses to increase their profits, productivity and efficiency.

Source: EFI.