Newsletter Archive: Commercial and Internet Printers

What happened at Boca Raton doesn’t stay at Boca Raton! Read this recap for highlights from this year’s thINK Ahead conference.

We reveal our latest advances in production printing technology, from enhancements to our existing portfolio to cutting-edge new and concept products.

Jay Kahn, vice president of operations at Rex 3, along with Todd Jones, director of IT, discuss how the Canon varioPRINT iX helps ensure on-time delivery of their high-quality custom print services.

A summary of 11 key trends influencing the printing industry in the year ahead, featured in the new NAPCO Research report on production digital printing.

Leaders of the Peoria-based PIP franchise knew they had to step up to inkjet technology in order to grow and become more profitable. Discover why they chose Canon.

Discover how Canon Solutions America’s expanding University Inkjet Program is providing college students with classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences focused on the promising future of digital printing.

Recent research suggests workflow automation is one of the biggest challenges facing print service providers. This article explains some of the reasons why and what Canon Solutions America is doing about it.

Wondering what to tell your customers and prospective clients when they ask about the sustainability of printing? This article provides some convincing answers.

Learn about top trends in the competitive landscape and incorporate this knowledge into your 2023 business decisions.

Learn how Canon Solutions America is committed to helping you get the most out of your production inkjet potential in the year ahead.

Read highlights from a panel discussion for commercial print providers—The Power of Planning for the Future—featured at thINK Ahead 2022.

Learn how production inkjet is disrupting photo specialty production, giving today’s service providers new power to stand out in a high-margin market by delivering remarkable speed, quality, and adaptability.

Allen Filson, Sr., director of professional services at Canon Solutions America, talks about how customers can automate processes and implement technologies that ready them for whatever the future holds.

Right now, printing industry stakeholders expect a stronger commitment to sustainability than ever. Read how using more environmentally responsible printing technologies like production inkjet can be both good for the planet and good for business.

As a Canon Solutions America customer, you’re supported with the proactive tools and tactics you need to avoid downtime and disruptions, plus prepare for higher performance and efficiency.

An overview of the most recent NAPCO research on the demand for production digital printing, plus recommended actions PSPs should take this year.

Color-management has come a long way. Discover next-level solutions for color-managed inkjet production.

Digital inkjet’s chemical-free production, lower energy consumption, and adaptability to sustainable business models can bolster your environmental reputation in the eyes of customers.

Investing in production inkjet requires thinking about not just present needs but future benefits as well. For one PSP, inkjet’s outstanding capabilities opened up opportunities they couldn’t afford to miss.

Built on already groundbreaking inkjet technology, the Canon ColorStream 8000 series elevates efficiencies and accelerates growth with more value-driven jobs for commercial printers.

The first generation of Industry 4.0 has rapidly made automation essential for any print service provider who’s gearing up to be the smart print factory that evolving industry conditions demand. While the need for an automated workflow is universal, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As a print service provider in the commercial and graphic arts space, you certainly have distinct and complex workflow requirements, but you likely face an expanding range of application opportunities that make automating each step mission critical to maintaining productivity and driving new business.

As was the case for many other industries, 2020 proved to be a year of uncertainty for print service providers (PSPs). Plans for strategic growth were abandoned as wide shifts in business practices were adopted just to get orders out the door. Some felt the tension and discomfort of not even having a white fog line to serve as a guide through these uncharted roads. Others were able to take comfort in the guardrails they’d had the foresight to install, which enabled them to adapt quickly and carve out new business opportunities.

Commercial print service providers typically face tough decisions when buying digital printing equipment. Not anymore! Canon Solutions America launched the varioPRINT iX-series high-speed, sheetfed inkjet press in April 2020. Already taking the industry by storm, this inkjet platform is significantly changing the game and setting PSPs up for a more profitable 2021 and beyond.

Today’s consumers want access to information at the touch of a button and on their terms. With interactive print communications, you can help your customers craft pieces that really engage.

In response to environmental challenges, Canon Solutions America has strengthened its commitment to sustainable sourcing, product development, and manufacturing practices. It’s not only the environment that benefits—you can too!

Programmatic print offers an effective, creative approach to meeting customers’ needs. And it’s more straightforward than you think. Learn the advantages of automated workflow and production.

Prioritize your operation’s success with insights for how shifts in processes and practices can lead to higher efficiencies and more opportunities for growth.

You won’t want to miss Canon Solutions America’s booth at this inaugural tradeshow event—new application possibilities, press enhancements and releases, and a digital press running live.

Deliver personalized, full-color prints at high speeds with technology that has commercial printers buzzing with excitement. Explore the efficiencies inkjet technology offers.

Win new business and gain greater flexibility with an automated workflow solution designed to increase the efficiency of book production. Customize the suite to meet growing demand for on-demand books.

Reap the rewards of production inkjet developments: new applications and market segments are available to print providers seeking a solution for cost-effective, personalized full-color prints.

Gain insight into the industry trends that your business can use to craft and refine innovative strategies that will generate successful communications solutions.

Discover the future of workflow automation and how your company can take advantage of these strategies to become a smart print factory.

Learn how direct mail can capture attention and boost customer engagement when used in conjunction with digital applications.

Learn how to effectively manage today’s new media dynamics.

Learn how commercial printers are succeeding in 2018 with technology investments.

Learn why high-speed inkjet for commercial printing is no longer just for early adopters.

Explore exciting new ways to capitalize on the benefits of variable data printing to help create stronger, more successful relationships with your customers.

Savvy print service providers are reaping the benefits of adopting web-to-print solutions. Discover the reasons why in this informative article.

Before you head out to the show, preview the features and benefits of three remarkable high-speed inkjet color digital presses. Then, register for FREE exhibit-only passes!

Helping your customers communicate effectively with color can boost response rates, as well as yield a host of additional benefits. Discover how to make the results even more dramatic by combining color with personalization as well as other advanced variable data and database printing.

Customizing content with variable data printing offers tremendous opportunities. However, overprinting on pre-printed forms can kill productivity. Learn about the inkjet solution in this helpful article.

Learn more about transaction, promotional, and publishing market opportunities now available thanks to the flexibility, speed, and accuracy of high-speed inkjet printing in this timely article.

Gain a better understanding of all the latest options available to optimize your operation for greater success from the book, Inkjet Workflow: How to Make Your Work Flow… Efficiently. Learn more about this informative new industry resource.

Will 2017 be a year of transformation for your business? Discover the three questions that could redirect your business to keep pace with today’s ever-changing market, and how to plan accordingly.

Are you one of the 14% who embrace emerging technologies and innovations before anyone else? These early birds may see something the rest of us miss. So, what do they have their eye on lately?

Staying ahead of the game means optimizing your customer interactions, however, personalization in print alone is not enough. Learn how print communications fit into a changing world that includes digital, mobile, and social platforms.

There are two words everyone loves to hear — thank you. From a happy client, these words can be the key to converting prospects into customers, transforming existing customers into a loyal client base, and in turn, expanding your business. For print service providers with a strong customer focus, the ability to consistently exceed expectations is dependent on having the capabilities and resources to deliver successful outcomes.

Data is the key for businesses looking to deliver more effective communications and for consumers searching for more relevant content. For print service providers, this offers a powerful opportunity to deliver personalized, targeted pieces to fulfill both groups’ needs.

Developing lasting connections with clients can be a challenge, especially when they are faced with multitudes of superficial messages. Knowing how to offer value in every interaction is critical to building deeper, long-term relationships — so your customers choose you, time and time again.

Canon Solutions America was voted “Company to Watch” at this year’s Inkjet Summit for the third time. This honor comes directly from Inkjet Summit attendees. This can’t-miss event for production inkjet, brings together industry members, experts, and leaders to share insight about the growth of the inkjet movement.

The leading international trade show for print and cross-media services, drupa 2016, is almost here. With the theme Touch the Future, this year’s show is sure to include some of the most innovative, cutting-edge technologies, all ready for you to discover. Get a sneak peek of what’s in store from Canon Solutions America

Changes within the commercial printing market may be causing you to consider incorporating inkjet printing into your operation. "The Inkjet Edge: How to Transition Your Business to Inkjet" is a comprehensive guide to successfully implementing these new technologies, featuring advice and insight from peers and experts.

In commercial printing, we primarily sell time and materials. Wouldn’t it be great if you could consistently achieve terrific turnaround times on mission-critical projects for perfect and timely service to your customers?

For continued growth and success, many print service providers are opting to expand their offerings to include more value-added services for their customers, and they’re reaping the rewards. By adding greater print, digital, and marketing-related services, they’re able to reach more customers — and greater opportunities.

Value is at the core of building long-lasting relationships with your customers. Increasingly, value is not in the final product you deliver, but in the end-to-end service you provide. Your customers are looking for personalized attention at all touchpoints. Embrace the power of customer experience and watch your bottom line grow.

Did you know that InfoTrends predicts that by 2018, inkjet will account for nearly 60% of total production digital color volume? The inkjet market is growing rapidly as a result of speed and quality levels never dreamed possible.

Held this fall, the thINK Forum User Conference, thINK’s very first event, shared the top trends and techniques in inkjet, while Canon EXPO 2015 revealed a variety of engaging and exciting technologies — including four brand new production digital devices.

Print technology has evolved as the demands of the market have changed. The percentage of jobs produced using digital vs. offset technology has dramatically increased in the past ten years as customers opt for shorter run lengths and clients want highly targeted, personalized, and relevant messaging content.

Looking for new opportunities to grow your business while helping your clients grow theirs? Vast improvements in the quality and speed of today’s digital color print systems are offering new ways for print service providers to grow their revenues plus offer significant advantages to their customers.

Color inkjet digital printing is leveling the playing field with offset high-speed production. Top applications like transaction/TransPromo, direct mail, and publishing are driving the change for personalized, flexible production volume.

Vast improvements in the quality and speed of today’s production inkjet systems have opened the door for commercial printers to pass along significant advantages to their customers, and the advantages of variable data printing provide opportunities offset simply can’t touch.

Data collection is not a new activity but the way it’s done and its importance as part of today’s marketing toolbox makes it critical to a successful campaign. Discover trends in data and personalized direct mail and learn how service providers and marketers are collaborating to leverage data and drive sales.

Featuring the leading Augmented Reality developer Layar, and the real-life experiences of major print service provider IWCO Direct, you’ll quickly see how this eye-opening application means just one thing?—?it’s time to pay attention to the power of Augmented Reality.

Direct mail today is becoming increasingly complex. Messaging needs to be personalized and targeted with good use of high-quality color. But run lengths are getting smaller as versioning increases. How do you create a cost-efficient workflow to meet these needs plus maintain quick turnaround times?

When it comes to selecting a print provider, the key criteria for buyers include value-added services, price, and a quick turnaround. Corporate marketing departments are still suffering from cutbacks in personnel, so more than ever, they are seeking full-service partners that offer a variety of integrated marketing solutions. Understanding the real components that create value is key to your success.

It’s prediction season again... but it doesn’t take a crystal ball to know that the coming months will have no shortage of industry pundits contemplating your future—at least your future for print and marketing services. Three forces are expected to converge during 2015, potentially creating a “perfect storm” for service providers.

Together, Canon Solutions America and Graph Expo 2014 inspired several conversations about the industry’s future direction, challenges, and opportunities. Canon Solutions America showcased its expanding portfolio, including cutsheet electrophotographic color, cutsheet inkjet, and roll-fed inkjet, addressing the exciting and prevailing shift to inkjet printing.

Looking to lower labor costs, increase productivity, reduce turnaround time, and minimize mechanical errors in your booklet production? Doing so could be a powerful competitive advantage when bidding on coupon booklets, prospectuses, directories, manuals, and more.

At Graph Expo this year, Canon Solutions America, in addition to showcasing new products, will show you how to improve your business with traditional offset applications that can be affordably produced by leveraging inkjet technologies, while adding digital print benefits such as versioning, personalization, process automation, and just-in-time manufacturing.

Have you heard of Augmented Reality? It offers an expanded value proposition with more functionality and interactive experiences than QR codes can provide.

The commercial print industry is not simply changing, it is being redefined by digital color. Now is the time to develop a strategy that clearly focuses your efforts on your customers’ needs. Tonya Powers, Segment Marketing Manager for Commercial Print and Books at Canon Solutions America, discusses the benefits of a customer-focused approach to marketing.

As the world-wide leader in continuous feed inkjet and Keynote Sponsor of the 2014 Inkjet Summit, Canon Solutions America was there and wants to share it with you. It’s not too late to find out how new technologies will impact your business.

As print volume grows and new applications emerge, print operations face mounting challenges. Building a system that optimizes efficiency and profitability requires real production printing expertise. Today, print service providers are seeking professional services that support the development of integrated solutions.

Watch this webinar full of ideas on how to harness the power of the web to grow your business and differentiate your company. It can transition the conversation with your customers from focusing on price to focusing on value.

Looking for new application opportunities to grow revenue? Canon Solutions America has just introduced a Long-Sheet Feeder for its popular Canon imagePRESS series that enables commercial printers to offer more digitally printed applications that were once outsourced or more challenging to print.

Fifty-year old traditional printer feared biggest client’s new, exacting print requirements would spell the demise of the family-owned business until Canon Solutions America helped them transition to a digital, end-to-end solution.

Barb Pellow, industry expert from InfoTrends, presents the top 10 trends that will likely fuel the direction of our industry all this year and beyond. Barb also demonstrates the importance of embracing change now rather than playing catch up later.

After a full year of integrating resources and production organizations, we can confidently say that we’re ready for the future. Mal Baboyian provides details on a promising future.

A look back at 2013 and a look forward to 2014 through the eyes of Canon Solutions America’s Vice President of Marketing, Francis A. McMahon.

Gearing up for 2014 with high-impact print solutions, Canon Solutions America is ready to lead the way toward a bright future for the print industry.

With a little planning, it’s possible to significantly reduce ink usage in production through optimized designs, job appropriate resolution, controlled dot sizes and Gray Component Replacement (GCR). Learn how to develop a strategy that’s best for your business.

Once you offer your clients full-color personalization and super-fast turn times and they see the boost in response it drives, there’s no doubt you’ll be hooked on the margins you can achieve from this technology.

Customer-centric companies constantly try to innovate and manage based on what their customers need to be successful – not just on what they can sell to those customers. These are firms that work to help customers leverage their technology to drive business results and create a rich customer experience with a focus on excellent service.

That’s the word on the street and around water coolers all over the world. New technologies, innovations and amazing demonstrations dominated the show and in particular, the Canon booth. Interest, curiosity, and discovery were at high levels every day of the show. We’ve never seen anything like it. The crowds were stunning. Like many exhibitors, Canon Solutions America was ready to show “What’s New” to a global audience and we believe everyone walked away satisfied and hungering for more.

PRINT 13 (September 8-12 in Chicago) is focused on educating attendees about how to drive profits through innovation and integration. Building on those themes, Canon Solutions America will be holding live demonstrations of its latest graphic communications technologies and partnerships to share profit-making opportunities for you and your business. This article provides a brief summary of what you can look forward to seeing when you visit the Canon booth.

Looking for a partner to team with for success? Canon Solutions America offers customers PressGo!, a FREE, robust business development program. With tools including educational webinars, informational white papers, training, marketing templates, and more, we make it easier for our customers to build their business.

Networking, sharing, and strategic partnerships are key factors in building a better business. To help you reach your goals we are now more focused than ever on providing you with the tools you need to solve your toughest business challenges.

From the very beginning, Universal Wilde Founder and CEO Bill Fitzgerald had planned to build a company that would serve its customers, “From Thought to Distribution.” Universal Wilde has built a successful business by backing its vision with a plan. Strategy and planning are in the company’s DNA, and they have become key ingredients in its ability to integrate organizations with the right technology investments.

In our last Graphic Arts Summit meeting we heard a great deal about what our customers look for in a partner and what they think about Océ’s transition to the new Canon Solutions America. It’s great hearing from the representatives on the GA Summit – but we’d like to hear from all of our customers and non-customers alike.

As operations look to optimize and automate their business and production processes as well as launch new marketing services, the topic of integration is bound to come up. With so many different software tools, systems, repositories, and technologies in the printing industry, it can be challenging to define exactly what integration entails.

As you know, Canon and Océ are now one company as of January 1, 2013. Together, we will lead the industry into the future with one vision. We will continue to offer all of our customers – old and new – a spirit of collaboration and the focused service and support that is our hallmark. Read the following FAQ for some answers to questions you may have.