Six Top Survival Technologies

A panel of consultants and editors has chosen the six top survival technologies for printers, and management information systems leads the pack. The other five, according to the Graph Expo 2007 “Must See ’Ems” Technology and Product Selection Committee, are:

• Digital production printing (including toner and ink-jet systems)

• Workflow

• Information technology (including the ability to properly install, use and maintain the equipment)

• Web-to-print capability (including the ability for customers to submit jobs electronically)

• Color management

The Committee also identified these additional technologies as having a significant impact on printers’ success:

• Litho press automation (not including JDF)

• Computer-to-plate technology

• Preflight software and skills

RFID was also mentioned as an up-and-coming technology.

The “Must See ’Ems” are a highlight of the the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference, to be held tomorrow (September 8) in Chicago’s McCormick Place, on the eve of Graph Expo. The full-day conference offers insights into critical industry issues and previews of significant trends attendees will see at the trade show.

The complete list of “Must See ’Ems” products will be announced at the conclusion of the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference. A product recognition guide listing all “Must See ‘Ems” award recipients and the second tier of compelling products, WORTH-A-LOOKs, will be distributed throughout the Graph Expo show floor. The EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference is sponsored by Heidelberg and Xerox.