Photo Ops: Simon Fraser Heads Toward Picture Perfect

When Simon Fraser University's in-plant introduced photo books in September 2009, its original goal was to create more demand for graphic color work.

"We saw a 25 percent reduction in print volume in three years and wanted a new product that would generate additional revenue to recover our operational costs," attests Associate Director Lilian Ding.

The shop—which has a Xerox iGen3—invested in Taopix photo book software, as well as Powis Parker Fastback hardcover and photo book bindery systems. Startup was slow, according to Ding.

"It took six to nine months to really get going, so we're really in our first year of full production," she notes.

Ding calculates that, since October, customers have submitted orders for about 1,000 photo books through Taopix and using personalized templates.

"At this point, photo books are not profitable as we have not reached sufficient volumes," she acknowledges, "but we're making a margin on each book, and we will be able to recoup our investment."

Ding attributes slow growth primarily to lack of full-blown promotion and explains that lack as a purposeful delay to control growth. The shop is still seeking a picture-perfect photo book solution, which she believes can provide benefits beyond cost recovery.

"We are constantly exploring new equipment and technology for digital color to enhance the finished color product," Ding reveals.

The in-plant has been very pleased with Taopix. "Look for a software company without high maintenance fees," Ding advises prospective photo book producers.

"Our goal is to increase photo-book volume to 20 percent of our current color impression volume," she reports. "We are planning to run a second shift for producing photo books and to achieve this by March 2012."

Stay tuned.