Adding Value to Digital Print

Lisa Cross, principal analyst, NAPCO Research.

On Wednesday, NAPCO Research presented a new study on adding value to digital print, referring to special effects and embellishments. The research surveyed print buyers and providers in various segments of the industry, and aimed to understand how these services fit into various print segments.

According to the study, Nathan Safran, director of research, NAPCO Media, explained, print providers struggle to understand the technology behind these methods of adding value, which could impede their ability to take advantage of them.

Print service providers that start with enhancements familiar to them, and then expand into new effects, allow these services to become more accessible and possible. Companies need to understand the services and enhancements that will be the most beneficial and profitable to them, which can vary depending on their market and customer base.

Lisa Cross, principal analyst, NAPCO Research, said a general lack of education on what is possible with modern digital printing is why customer demand is low, and why print service providers are hesitant to invest in these services. This knowledge gap is prevalent throughout all segments of the industry, explains Cross, and PSPs need to find ways to educate print buyers on what is new and what is possible.