Transforming Publishing The New World of Publishing Strategic Alliance with Konica Minolta Come to Print City at drupa 08
In the closing paragraph of his classic work Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain says, "If I'd a knowed what a trouble it was to make a book I wouldn't a tackled it and I ain't agoing to no more."
There are probably any number of authors, publishers and book manufacturers who would agree with that sentiment, especially given the changes taking place in the book industry today. Almost every aspect of the creation, publishing and selling of books is undergoing rapid and transformative change, and all involved face critical challenges. While the range and quality of content remain essential to success, there is relentless pressure to reduce costs and maximize profitability. In many cases this means relinquishing established traditions while adapting to new economic realities. Booksellers, book manufacturers, publishers, and even authors need a new production model that minimizes risk, increases earnings, streamlines the supply chain, while supporting editorial choice.
The New World of Publishing New solutions. Just in time The old economies of scale just don't work the way they used to for book publishers. For many, the risk of low sales on titles from all but the best selling authors has led them to reduce print orders, resulting in higher per copy costs from book manufacturers, and because the retail price doesnt change, thinner margins. The cost of producing minimum print runs of 5,000 is further limiting the number of titles that can be brought to market. Retailers are ordering smaller quantities, and can be reluctant to take on titles from lesser known writers. Meanwhile, publishers' backlists, the massive inventory of out-of-stock books with insufficient demand for an economical print run, are languishing as an untapped --and seemingly unattainable-- revenue stream. But a solution for all of this is available, and already being adopted by savvy publishers, book manufacturers and even retailers and authors.
New solutions. Just in time Digital technology transforms publish-ing practices by using a just-in-time business model to eliminate obstacles to profitability. With digital technology, publishers can reduce the costs associ-ated with overly aggressive production runs cost-effectively to print shorter runs, and reduce risk by minimizing inventory and distribution costs.
It also helps book publishers improve efficiency and profitability. Savvy man-agers know that its the total cost over a titles lifecycle that countsnot just the initial printing cost of the book. With digital technology, book publishers can improve margins through more effective management of lifecycle costs in distribu-tion, warehousing, and reprints.
Océ provides end-to-end, digital books-on-demand solutions to solve some of the most pressing book printing and publishing challenges while providing new market opportunities. Combining production-class hardware with unparalleled workflow advantages, Océ's Digital Book Solution can help publishers and book manufacturers match end user demand with order quantities and often distribute closer to the point of need. This not only shortens turnaround but can reduce handling and transportation costs. Because books are printed based on demand the Océ Digital Book Solution limits the risks of overstocks, excessive inventory, and the write-downs associated with unwanted titles having to be sold at a deep loss or recycled. As a result, theres far less inventory to store in some cases none at all and less need for expensive warehouse space. The bottom line? Lower costs and less risk.
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A Strategic Alliance with Konica Minolta A partnership for innovation and growth
Océ and Konica Minolta, two innovative companies halfway around the planet from each other, develop, build and market world-class monochrome and color digital printing systems. Now, sharing equally strong commitments to engineering, performance and customer care, the two firms are partnering to strengthen their respective positions in the cut-sheet printer market. Product development and sales and distribution are cornerstones of this alliance.
Rokus van Iperen, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Océ provided additional insight into the partnership with Konica Minolta at the annual general meeting of Océ shareholders in January. Mr. Van Iperen said Océ and Konica Minolta will jointly develop new high volume cut-sheet printers in the black-and-white and color segments. The firms will sell the jointly developed products under their respective brands.
In addition, the entire existing Konica Minolta cut-sheet range will be sold worldwide under the Océ brand. At the same time, Konica Minolta will sell Océs high and very high volume cut-sheet printers under their own brand, starting with the successful Océ VarioPrint 6000 series in North America, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
"The alliance between our two independent companies, each of which pursues its own go-to-market strategy, is aimed at achieving growth for both of us," said Van Iperen. "Thanks to our partnership, we will be able to significantly reinforce our position in the cut-sheet printer market."
Come to Print City Make your visit to drupa beyond the ordinary
There are more reasons than ever to
visit the Océ Print City exhibit at drupa 08, opening May 29 in
Duesseldorf, Germany. In Stand A44, Hall 6, Océ's latest hardware and
software solutions will cover 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters)
of space. Attendees can experience live application demonstrations,
real production workflows and new product introductions designed to
help print professionals take business beyond the ordinary in
publishing, personalization, promotion, and corporate and technical
printing.
Digital book printing Océ will demonstrate
a full range of cut sheet and continuous feed print-on-demand and
short-run book manufacturing technology. Solutions will include
producing books and loose-leaf booklets in run lengths as short as one,
along with newspapers and special interest publications in color and
black and white. The Océ VarioPrint 6250, the Océ VarioStream 9710, the
Océ CS650 Pro, the Océ ColorStream 10000 and an Océ CPS900 color
production system will all focus on profitable book production.
Personalization Personalized
transactional and direct mail printing are experiencing rapid growth.
By combining database-driven, personalized messaging with transactional
and/or direct mail messages, print professionals can engage recipients
through relevant and personal direct marketing pieces and TransPromo
bills and statements. High-speed, digital black-and-white and color
printing systems from Océ already tuned for personalization include the
Océ VarioStream 9240 and Océ VarioStream 8000 continuous feed systems,
the Océ JetStream and the Océ CS650 Pro and Océ CPS900 color systems.
Promotion From
collateral to signage, compelling promotional and marketing materials
are increasingly important for branding and business identity.
Applications include interior and exterior signage, banners, posters
and point-of-sale displays, brochures, and materials with unique
textural effects. At drupa, Océ is demonstrating advanced digital color
and workflow solutions for creating highly effective large format
materials using the Océ Arizona 250 GT, the Océ CS9090 system, and an
exciting new wide-format innovation. Océ production printing systems
for promotional jobs include the Océ ColorStream 10000 and Océ CPS900
color production systems, and the Océ CS650 Pro color production system
with a Creo controller.
Corporate and technical printing To
help customers transform the print center into a center of competence
for technical printing, high-volume production printing and document
management, Océ will demonstrate a suite of wide-format solutions for
corporate and technical environments. Guests will experience the latest
wide format solutions for printing plans, technical drawings and
posters in black & white and color. Products on display include the
Océ TCS500 and Océ CS9090 wide format systems and a new wide format
innovation soon-to-be-announced.
Register
for drupa Today. A select team of Océ senior
executives, product managers and technology experts will be in Düsseldorf throughout the trade fair to
provide assistance and insight. In addition, Océ executives would be
delighted to host a dinner or evening discussion for your group.
We want to help you make the most of your visit to
drupa 2008. So were making it quick and easy to register. And were
giving you an opportunity to set an appointment with an Océ
representative now so that you can enjoy a personalized experience when
you arrive at Océ Stand 44. To pre-register for drupa, the worlds
biggest print event, and to set an appointment with an Océ
representative ahead simply visit To set an appointment for a personalized tour of the Océ stand, just send an email to oceusa.drupa@oce.com.
When you schedule your appointment in advance, you will receive a very
special gift upon your arrival at the Océ exhibit. Youll also be able
to claim your free copy of the definitive book Océ is publishing on the
changing world of book printing and publishing. Dont miss this
opportunity to set your appointment today!
