DPS Mar/Apr 23

dpsmagazine.com

Volume 25, Number 2 • ISSN: 1529-2320

Tools for Success

Our industry continues face numerous challenges, including ongoing supply chain issues, inflation, labor shortages, cultural shifts in how people work and gather, and constant chatter of recession—the hits keep on coming.

Many print providers learned from the recession of 2008 and went in to the pandemic with a plan.

However, the world must go on, and the presses must run. Many print providers learned from the recession of 2008 and went in to the pandemic with a plan. They utilized the downtime of 2020 to reevaluate what is and isn’t working and determine where they want to be on the other side. This is the other end, and the industry is ready to once again reinvent itself. Digital print and finishing technologies are a large part of this.

In this issue, we bring back our annual Top 30 Reader’s Choice awards. While we cover hundreds of relevant vendors, products, and services throughout the year, Topping the Charts highlights those that accumulated the most reader engagement on DPSMagdirect.com.

We report on the value of embellishment in Do Not Commoditize. Find a related webinar at dpsmagazine.com/webinars.

Another way to add value is to remove complexities and enhance productivity in the production workflow with print MIS and related workflow tools. We discuss this in Managing Business Information. The issue also includes a Target Chart and a webinar on the topic as well.

DPS magazine has always focused on the digital end of the print industry. Over the past decade we’ve watched it penetrate more markets, bringing with it new opportunities. From direct mail to publishing and labels and packaging, we continue to cover the possibilities.

In addition to our printed issues, be sure to visit us at dpsmagazine.com for web-exclusive content, industry news, Buyers Guide, Target Chart archives, and access to our webinars.

Best regards, Cassandra Balentine,

editor cbalentine@rockportpubs.com

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From entry-level solutions like lamination and sleeking, hybrid solutions, standalone digital embellishment presses, and specialty inks/toners on production presses, reasonable options exist for every budget, especially when you considerreturnoninvestment(ROI)and therevenuepotentialthatthesetechnologiespresent.

Rate of Return

One of the biggest considerations leading up to investing in new equipment is determining when you can expect to see the return. When it comes to embellishment, the rate ofreturn can be very fast. This will depend on a variety of factors,

includingthecapitalinvestment,totalcost ofownership,anduseandvolumes.

Depending on products and pricing, achieving ROI can happen in as little as three months, but typically more in the rangeofsixto 12months.

John Dembia, manager, product marketing,IndustrialPrintProducts, Konica Minolta, says that generally ROI is very quick, provided the print service provider (PSP) doesn't commoditize this type ofoutput. "Embellishment is the ability to enhance or decorate CMYK printing to a higher level that is more actionable and valuable for the print buyer or brand. PSPs can charge and get a premiumforthistypeofwork."

Gandara feels that ROI depends on how effective the customer is able to promote and sell thevalueoftheembellishment,application type, and how much they will charge. "It is recommended that an embellishedjob be marked upatleastthreetimes,ifnotmore."

S0ren Ringbo, GM, Nilpeter digital products, agrees, noting that at high volumes he's seen customers hit ROI in as little assixmonths.

MichaelAumann,directorofdigitalembellishment solutions, KURZ, points out that companies who embrace digital embellishment as a value-added service are abletodriveROIfrominitialinstallation.

"We see clients recouping the capital cost ofequipment in the increased profitsoffofoneproject," sharesNeilDrever, productconsultant,Skandacor.

Dragan Nikolic, manager - business development, Nobelus, says for its embellishment equipment, ROI is generally realizedbetween 18and 30months.

Mike Pruitt, senior product manager, EpsonAmerica,Inc., points out that machines like the Epson SurePress allow print shops to produce embellishments withonemachine, ratherthanneeding a separatemachine."Giventhis,ROIissignificantly established in a shorter time, and ROI for short and medium runs can alsobeprofitable."

"Customers see an ROI on our RICOH ProC7200 entry-level device almostimmediately.Bysimplyinvestingin

1. The EpsonSurePressL-6534VWfeaturesinlinedigitalvarnishink. 2. Konica Minolta'sembellishmentcapabilitiesinclude 2Dflat, spotvarnishtextureoreffect, 3D raised dimensional or tactile effect, and embossed foiling.3.DuploequipmentcanofferraisedspotUVcoating, coldfoiling,foil/lamination,anddigitaldiecutting.

the device and expanding their offerings beyond CMYK, they’re increasing their offerings,” shares Mark C. Little, senior manager, marketing and business development, commercial printing, Ricoh USA, Inc.

Kelly Leahy, production lifecycle manager, Iridesse Production Press, Americas Operation, Xerox Corporation, agrees, noting that she sees customers profiting from day one.

Profit Margins

Print providers can and should expect high profit margins on embellished prints.

“Research has shown that print buyers, agencies, and brands will pay up to 82 percent more for printing that has some kind of enhancement or decoration. Of course, this will differ depending on industry, product, or job specification,” says Dembia.

Nikolic suggests PSPs can expect to be able to get a 30 to 50 percent profit margin on embellished prints.

“Although the retail value will change quite a bit with the different markets that each printer is catering to, one thing that remains common is that embellishment is very high profit. We have seen clients increase the retail value of their prints by 800 percent with only a ten to 20 percent cost increase,” shares Drever.

Leahy says many of the customers she speaks with share that they see between 20 and 50 percent increased profit on products that incorporate features beyond CMYK. “Many have seen over 100 percent for specialty applications.”

In general, by replacing an analog process with a digital process, Ringbo says you will gain a cost reduction of approximately 50 percent. So the profit

margin will depend on how big the part of the cost reduction is on the cost of the label.

When it comes to labels, Pruitt says embellishments are often applied across several products within the nutraceutical, craft spirits, health and beauty, and cannabis industries as those are sold separately and generate revenue independently for the respective business. “By investing in digital varnish, shops can drive competitive advantage by helping customers stay on the leading edge of label innovation—and offering what competitors may not be able to offer if they haven’t made the same investment. Additionally, there aren’t any plate costs to pass on to customers, and registration is controlled automatically. Given this, digital varnish can help shops achieve better margins.”

RECYCLABILITY CONSIDERATIONS

Recyclabilityispotentiallyimpactedbyanythingaddedtoaprint.Therefore,recyclabilityof anembellishedpieceissomethingtoconsider.

WhenitcomestoUVvarnishesandfoils,JohnDembia,manager,productmarketing,IndustrialPrintProducts,KonicaMinolta,saysallofKonicaMinolta'sUVvarnishesandfoilsmeet thelngede11deinkabilitystandard,allowingprintedpapertoberecycledintheinterestofa circulareconomy.

"Iftheprintedproductisrecyclable,theadditionofametallictransferfoildoesnotimpact recyclability. KURZcanprovidethird-partycertificationasneeded,"adds MichaelAumann, directorofdigitalembellishmentsolutions, KURZ.

Laminatesdoaffectrecyclability. Neil Drever,productconsultant, Skandacor,explainsthat laminationfilmaffectstherecyclabilityoftheproductsinceitislayingdownaplasticfilmto serveasaprotectivebarrierfromdirt,moisture,etc. But,atthesametime,italsoprolongs thelifeofthefinishedpiece,addingdurabilitybecauseofsaidprotection.

"Likeotheradditivesandcontaminates, alaminatelayercanreducetheamountofpaper fibersthatarerecoveredintherepulpingprocess.Nearlyallpaperproducedforcommercial usewillcontaincontaminatessuchasdyes, inks, coatings, glues, laminates, staples, and tapes.Laminationisonlyoneofthecontaminatesthatmustbeseparatedfromthepaperfibersthroughshredding,soaking,andchemicaltreatmentinarecyclingfacility,"notesDragan Nikolic,manager-businessdevelopment,Nobelus.

Goodnewsfortoner-basedenhancements, Mark C. Little, seniormanager, marketingand businessdevelopment, commercialprinting, RicohUSA, Inc., saystheydonotimpactthe recyclabilityoftheprintedproduct."Naturally,therecyclabilityoffoil-basedembellishments willvarybasedonthetypeoffoilthatisused.Withsomehigherendofferingsonthemarket today,therecyclabilityisbetterduetotheuseofpolymersversusthematerialsusedinolder stampingandfoilingmethods."

There are several approaches when it comes to pricing out embellished/enhanced work.

The number one suggestion is to not undervalue the product you are selling. Drever points out that clients looking

COMPANIESMENTIONED�

to pay that for the dazzling effects and quick turnaround."

Determining what your peers are charging can be tricky, as many don't want their competition to know how profitable embellishment is. "Customers are charging a premium price for the added value of embellishment. We estimate they are marking up the jobs a least three times-if not more," says Gandara.

PSPs should consider sheet size, cost of goods, cost per sheet, quantity, setup cost, labor/time, and desired general purpose when pricing, recommends Nikolic.

Pruitt points out that the Epson SurePress features a cost simulator for quickly estimating job costs. "This includes the necessary inks required, including Digital Varnish, making it easy for salespersons to accurately enter the information into the estimate software and retiring the ageold practices of guessing on coverage."

Leahyadmits that pricing is a little bit of an art and a little bit of science. "There are a number of factors that should be considered. The value of their piece, makeready and setup times, creative services, personalization, and the ability to offer fast turnaround. The more value you can add, the higher your profit margins can go;'

for embellishment are used to paying Labor and Training

the $275 to $350 setup and die cost for Finding reliable, skilled workers tops the hot foil stamping. "We encourage our lists of industry-wide challenges. One customers to sell the soft touch Jami- may think that adding new equipment nate film with digital foil at a similar would require more of this. cost, and often their clients are happy "In my experience, anyone who has an understanding of a typical digital press

seepage26for moreinformation. can produce high-quality output on our embellishment devices in no time. Konica Minolta offers standard and advanced operator training for each of the digital embellishment engines. In addition, we offer sales training for sales representatives to understand the market, value of the output, and how to charge appropriately for this type of output," shares Dembia.

Ringbo adds that operator training should not be a big investment as press operators are usually skilled and familiar with

embellishment processes. “Other staff are typically also familiar with embellishments effects. However, digital embellishment like high-build varnishes and foiling might open new opportunities.”

Digital often has an advantage when it comes to learning curves. “Analog spot varnish requires plates, registration adjustments, and a skilled team to oversee the process. On the other hand, Digital Varnish can be applied concurrently with white and CMYK ink. The artwork simply requires another color layer,” explains Pruitt.

“From a technical training standpoint there are some real advantages to digital embellishment,” agrees Aumann. He says the requirement of artisanship and craftsmanship is lessened versus conventional embellishment technology. “As a result, the level of operator is not as critical and time to being effective is shorter.”

Ricoh takes a partnership approach with its customers. “When you partner with Ricoh, training and education is built into the process,” comments Little. “Therefore, the biggest investment is time.”

For modern laminators, Gandara feels that the investment to train an operator and implement is minimal. “This is one of the key selling points of Duplo products. The machines can be installed, the operator can be trained, and jobs can be running in as little as two days. The Duplo DDC-810 and DDC-8000 are the fastest and easiest way to add value to print.”

Drever also feels that training costs are minimal with its equipment. “We found that including a training session with the installation helps the operators greatly and clients can take advantage of video training with our technical support team.”

Based on his experience, Nikolic expects operators to need about two to three days of initial training with ongoing follow up instruction as day-to-day challenges emerge with increased production. “Generally, we see fluid operation in less than six months so long as there is no turnover of trained staff.”

He advises staff also receive training, especially in environments where embellishments were not previously available as an upsell option.

Nikolic adds that beyond operators, other staff require training and education, like accounting personnel, will need to learn how to calculate the additional cost per sheet along with new margins.

The sales team will need to understand the downstream value these embellishments can offer brands to ensure a seamless experience that drastically improves sales results, he recommends.

Those involved in design aspects of embellished products also require training.

Xerox offers design and file preparation guidelines, how-to videos, and provides virtual, live designer training each month. “If the designers design, the printers print,” exclaims Leahy.

“Proper training for value-added selling is critical. In addition, technical sales knowledge regarding digital’s capabilities of versioning and variable data is important,” says Aumann.

Adding Value and Profit

Digital printing provides many advantages, which we’ve been enjoying for years. These include faster turnarounds, cost-effective shorter runs, and variability. However, as digital print moves to the masses, it is important for print providers to think outside of the box to avoid becoming a commodity. Embellishment, in the form of foils, varnishes, laminates, die cutting, and more all add value to a printed piece.

For more of a discussion on digital embellishment, check out our recent webinar at dpsmagazine.com/webinars. dps

4. The Xerox Iridesse Production Press features up to six inline print stations that print in a single pass at rated speed with spot-on, color-to-color registration. 5. Ricoh's digital embellishment offerings help elevate print materials and create new revenue opportunities for customers.

ConsiderationsforCloud-BasedOfferings -

by Cassandra Balentine

When it comes to managing business information, print service providers (PSPs) rely on some form of print management information systems (MIS), whether it is a proprietary system, an end-to-end software solution, or various tools that ideally integrate and communicate with one another.

"With the amount of information required for one simple job-from estimating to proofing and payments, it's not possible

to stay competitive and profitable without an efficient print MIS,'' explains Adam Witek, VP of operations, Print Reach.

''All shops are using some kind of tool to manage their business information,'' agrees Matt Prusa, director of sales, software and strategic solutions, Avanti and Print MIS, Ricoh Above: PressWise provides a single, SaaS-based print workfiow system with the tools needed to streamline your print operation and grow business.

with greater efficiency to our customers," explains Tony Tarpey, CEO, PressWise. Lead time for response times as well as enhancement requests are shorter. "We are able to be nimble and scale our business as we need to," explains Tony Tarpey, CEO, PressWise.

Usersmayalsofindupfrontcostslower with a SaaS model, as most eliminate upgrade fees whenanewversionisreleased, "so customers always have access to the latest tools and features," addsTarpey.

Finally, browser-based solutions allow access from any place, any time. "The ability to engage with the print MIS from anywhere and at any time allows sales teams to meet with clients and provide immediate and accurate pricing and projected delivery times. With a cloud-based system there is no waiting to return to the

office to translate scribbled notes into the client database. This client-centered responsiveness improves marketing efforts and increases new client acquisitions," says Witek.

For those with multiple locations, a modern MIS allows each location to have a bird's eye view of exactly what is happening with ajob at any given time. "Having a cloud-based MIS allows companies to grow and to be profitable, which allows for higher volumes. If a company is specialized in a particular segment, this can enable a targeted approach without about internal labor or licensing issues," shares Graves.

Therearesomedoubtsaboutthecloud, but many concerns have been addressed Witek points out that some print providers are concerned their data won't be secure, not realizing that you can back up the data on your own.

Lafler understands why many companies still do not have a 100 percent

seepage26for moreinformation.

trust in cloud security. "Companies who retain an IT person or stafffeel their data is much safer when it is inside a firewall in their control on a server," he observes.

Vikash Bardia, sales director, PrintPLANR, also sees concern about the limited control over the software on the client end and unconfident networks or regions with less or no internet access.

Some also think it's too expensive. However, when considering it's the brains of your business, Witek feels that the true cost of not implementing a cloud MIS are not considered.

"The perceived limitation is not being in control and loss of business due to the service being down. Actually, having a cloud-based solution allows for better control, updated software, and less downtime," comments Graves.

The anywhere, anytime advantage also has a flip side. "A cloud-based system requires an internet connection to access data and applications soifyou have a weak or unstable internet connection, it could impact your ability to use the system," admits Keith McMurtrie,CEO, Tharstern.

MIS Evolution

Print MIS solutions have evolved to offer interconnected, browser-accessible solutions that enable transparency.

For additional articles on print MIS, visit us online at dpsmagazine.com and watch our recent webinar on the topic at dpsmagazine.com/webinars. dps

1.AlyeantPrintJobManagerisacloud-basedMIS/ERP.

2.HiFlowSolutions'MIS/MESisdesignedtostreamline businessandplantoperationsinpackaging,label,flexible packaging,andcommercialprintenvironments.

Reader's Choice Results

by DPS Magazine Staff

It's that time again, our annual Top 30 Reader's Choice Awards! This year's winners feature many of the same vendors that have been honored in the past, along with some new favorites.

Top 30 winners are selected based on reader engagement with our database, rcpmarketlink.com. Fueled by editorial, advertisements, and product news, these vendors received the most hits for information throughout the year

via INFO#s found within each issue associated with editorial mentions and advertisements.

Check out the chart ofnew and flagship products on page 24. Visit DPSMagdirect.com to learn more about any product, service, or company featured in this or previous issues.

Thank you for your active engagement with our publication. Your input helps drive the direction of future content to ensure it is relevant and meaningful.

Top Companies

We asked the Top 30 vendors and five honorable mentions to provide a company profile and highlight up to three products that represent their ongoing commitment to the markets they serve.

customer service, and prepress automation. You can use Aleyant software products separately, together, or with over 1,500 third-party applications via direct API or Zapier.

Canon Solutions America

Canon Solutions America, Inc., a Canon U.S.A. Company, provides industry-leading enterprise, production print, and large format solutions supported by exceptional professional and technical services. Canon Solutions America helps companies improve efficiency and control costs through high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions.

Canon USA

Canon U.S.A, Inc, is committed to helping our customers grow by providing an integrated array of automated, productive, user friendly, and profitable solutions. With one of the broadest portfolios in

Products and services are presented in BlueCrest the industry we develop hardware, such chart format on page 24. BlueCrest, formerly the Document Mes- as digital presses and wide format printsaging Technologies division of Pitney ers; workflow software; and professional

Aleyant

We empower print businesses with software and unmatched support to eliminate costly manual processes and foster profitable growth. Aleyant's automated print software solutions create a solid foundation for growing your print business by automating daily print processes such as ordering, pricing, file correction, production, and customer service. Our automation print software reduces manual touches, errors, and production time for your print shop. With it, you can

Bowes, is an independent company with a long tradition of global leadership in enterprise print, mail, and customer communications solutions.

BOBST

services to assist a commercial printer in growing their business and profits. Canon U.S.A is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility.

Customer's Canvas

We are one of the world's leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment, and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated board industries. Founded in 1890 byJoseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a pres-

production facilities in 11 countries, and

Duplo

U.S.A.

employs more than 5,600 people around Established in 1979, Duplo USA Corporathe world. tion is the leading provider of innovative

The complete web-to-print toolkit designed to streamline the creation of personalized designs online. Customer's Canvas integrates into any existing or new website, allowing companies to build ordering workflows for print and packaging products of virtually any complexity. connect online design to business-to-con- ence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 sumer and business-to-business online print stores. Integrate your print store to estimating, production management,

print finishing solutions for the graphic arts. Duplo continuously strives to bring the latest in finishing automation to market and introduced the first all-in-one slitter/cutter/creaser, air suction collating and bookletmaking system, and tabletop folder, as well as the compact and sensory-driven raised spot UV coater.

eProductivity Software

eProductivity Software is the Productivity Software Business of Electronics For Imaging, Inc. It is an independent global software company after being acquired by an affiliate of Symphony Technology Group, a private equity partner to market-leading companies in software, data, and analytics.

Epson

Epson America, Inc. offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the business, commercial print, graphic arts, photographic, signage, direct to garment, and fabric production markets.

GPA

GPA expands brand potential, providing substrates to help our partners and clients innovate and shape the printing industry. Collaborations with strategic partners, creatives, and printers help facilitate ideas through our substrates. Our Global Fedrigoni Network team manufactures and distributes an unparalleled range of products in support of digital, offset, and flexographic press technologies.

Graphic Whizard

We are a North American company with dealers located throughout Canada, the U.S., and abroad. Graphic Whizard has built a superb reputation for manufacturing and distributing quality print finishing equipment. Starting with the manufacturing of number/perforating/ score machines and then progressing to creasing systems, Graphic Whizard now supplies a range of bindery/print

finishing equipment able to fulfill any production requirement and budget.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg has been a reliable and highly innovative partner to the global printing industry for more than 160 years. We are helping to define the future trends in our industry with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative business ideas for commercial, label, and packaging customers. With the largest service coverage in the industry, we offer technical, financial, and performance services to ensure customers are getting the most from their equipment.

HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze.

Kodak

Kodak is a global technology company focused on print and advanced materials and chemicals. We provide industry-leading hardware, software, consumables, and services primarily to customers in commercial print, packaging, publishing, manufacturing, and

entertainment. We are committed to environmental stewardship and ongoing leadership in developing sustainable solutions.

Komori Corporation / MBO America

Komori America Corporation, Rolling Meadows, IL, is a premier manufacturer of offset and digital presses for printing and packaging. Komori’s world-class technology is known for product reliability, outstanding print quality, and substrate flexibility. From unsurpassed print quality and impressively fast makeready to intuitive software, Komori is committed to the advancement of print and dedicated to helping its customers navigate the print industry’s digital transformation.

Konica Minolta / MGI

Konica Minolta Business Solutions

U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in industrial and

1. Announced in 2022, the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 Label Press features CMYK plus a fifth color station with white toner. 2. The Epson SurePress L-6534VW with Orange Ink comes with the same Epson print quality of the L-6534VW, but with Orange ink to allow for a wider color gamut verified by Pantone certification. 3. The Standard Horizon ESF-1000 End Sheet Feeder. 4. The Komori Impremia IS29s meets demand for higher volumes, uses the larger B2+ sheet size, and produces high-quality, variable, short-run printing on a wide array of substrates.

varioPRINTiX

Customer's Canvas

Custome(sCanvas

Du loU.S.A.

RICOHProVC70000/eSeries

RICOHProC721OX

BusinessDev. &Consultin ProfessionalServices

ComColorFTSeries

ComColorGL

VALEZUSseries

lnsi niaDieCutter

JetstreamXVSlitter

Cham ion990SlitScorePerl stem

commercial printing and packaging solutions. With a comprehensive portfolio of production print offerings it delivers the latest innovations in printing, applications, and expertise. Its All Covered IT Services division offers a range of IT strategy, support, and network security solutions across all verticals.

Mactac

Mactac applications include windows, walls, floors, and more. In fact, for over 60 years, Mactac has been at the forefront of product development for digital printing, mounting, laminating, screen printing, and cut vinyl needs. You can rely on us for industry-leading quality and unmatched service, and trust that we have the next up-and-coming innovation that will transform your business.

Magnum Magnetics

U.S. manufacturer of flexible magnetic sheeting, strip, and custom profiles. We offer printable magnetic sheeting for multiple printing presses including offset, flexographic, inkjet, and digital. We will take the time to understand your application before recommending a magnetic solution.

Muller Martini

HPThermallnk"ettechnolo

PROSPER7000TurboPress

PROSPERULTRA520Press

NEXFINITYDi italPress

Komori/MBOAmerica

The KomoriIm remiaIS29s

The KomoriIm remiaNS40

1800SeriesS

Sleekin Foils

LuxeFilmsS eciali LaminateFilms

Muller Martini is the world's largest producer of print finishingsolutions for commercial and book printers, trade binderies, newspapers, as well as short-run and digital book manufacturers.

Ricoh USA, Inc.

Ricoh USA Graphic Communications is committed to helping businesses grow, improving customer engagement, and increasing operational efficiencies. We are a leading provider of digital services and information management and print and imaging solutions that support digital transformation and optimize business performance. We are constantly thinking ahead, innovating, and devising new ways for our technologies and

services to provide value and opportunities for our customers.

RISO, Inc.

RISO, Inc., the North American subsidiary of RISO Kagaku Corporation, is headquartered in Woburn, MA and is a provider of high-speed inkjet printers and accessories. Pioneers and innovators in cutsheet inkjet printing, RISO focuses on productivity, cost containment, and versatility, providing compact, high-volume printers with a heatless imaging process that outperforms much larger, more complex printing processes. RISO’s printers offer fast, affordable cutsheet inkjet output—in color—at speeds from 108 up to 320 variable data images per minute. RISO products set the standard for machines with the fastest output, the smallest footprint, and the most cost-effective operation.

Rollem

Rollem specializes in print finishing systems and sheetfed die-cutting systems. The Insignia die-cutting system is a new class of die cutters offering ease of operation and quick changeovers. It is ideal for folded cartons, packaging, gift cards, and more. Proudly made in the U.S., Jetstream is our bidirectional slitting, scoring, and perforating system, ideal for postcards, business cards, and shelf tags. With a folder/gluer it is a fully automated direct mail finishing system. The Semi-Slitter kisscuts pressure-sensitive adhesive stock for stickers and labels. The Slipstream card converting system is used by top manufacturers to produce game cards. Tell us about your finishing issues or bottlenecks and we’ll provide you with options to streamline production, and eliminate excess labor and waste while expanding your product offerings. Sizes compatible with all press sizes up to B2 sheets.

SCREEN Americas

SCREEN Americas, a SCREEN Graphic and Precision Solutions group company, provides a range of solutions to

meet graphic communications needs with a strong focus on production-class inkjet printing technology. For more than 50 years, SCREEN Americas has created satisfied customers in the commercial, transactional, publishing, direct mail, label, folding carton, and flexible packaging markets by delivering the latest innovations to help printers grow their businesses.

Signs365

Signs365 is a grand format, trade-only wholesale printer. We offer a wide variety of full-color, high-quality printed products all produced in 24 hours. $10 Overnight Anywhere shipping is available on all products. Signs365—we are only trade only!

SmartSoft USA

SmartSoft provides desktop and enterprise-level workflow solutions for print workflow management and automation, postal address correction, and postal discounts. Products include the AccuMail suite of data and address correction and verification software; the all-in-one postal software solution, SmartAddresser; the mail tracking service MailSpotter; and the end-to-end print workflow automation platform, PressWise.

Standard Finishing

Standard distributes a broad line of feeding and finishing products including Horizon perfect binders, collators, folders, saddle stitchers, die cutters, slitters/creasers, and bookletmakers; and Hunkeler unwinders, rewinders, cutters/stackers, dynamic perforators, and inspection systems for continuous-feed printers. Standard has applied its knowledge of the conventional offset print finishing industry to engineer effective solutions for the expanding digital and inkjet print markets.

THERM-O-TYPE

THERM-O-TYPE digital finishing products include the Glue-Tech sheet-to-sheet gluer, the NSF Elite, Excel & Ultra die cutting/foil stamping/embossing presses, RDC-Flex rotary die cutter, Zip cutter/ slitter/creaser/finisher models, RAS-mc right angle slitters, and traditional business card slitters. THERM-O-TYPE also produces foil fusers and hand-fed thermography equipment. THERM-O-TYPE has been supporting the printing industry with equipment, supplies, and technical expertise since 1977.

5. The Screen Truepress Jet L350UV SAI enables highspeed printing of up to 60 meters per minute.

VALLOY INC.

Korean venture, VALLOY is a global digital printing solution company. BIZPRESS13R is a Xerox engine-based roll label press and DUOBLADE WX is a fully automatic blade-driven roll-to-roll digital label finisher. DUOBLADE WX II has eight cutting heads to catch up with the speed of laser cutters, showing clean cutting edges without dust nor scratches. DUOBLADE FX is an intelligent sheetfed sticker cutter that produces various kiss and full cut outputs in unmanned environment.

Xeikon America, Inc.

A division of the Flint Group, Xeikon is an innovator in digital printing technology. The company designs, develops, and delivers web-fed digital color presses for labels and packaging applications, commercial, and graphic arts printing. These presses utilize LED-array-based dry toner electrophotography, open workflow software, and application-specific toners. Xeikon Dry Toner is FDA-compliant for food labels and packaging applications.

Xerox Corp.

Xerox is a technology leader that innovates the way the world communicates,

connects, and works. We understand what's at the heart of sharing information-and all of the forms it can take. We embrace the integration of paper anddigital, the increasing requirement for mobility, and the need for seamless integration between work and personal worlds. Every day, our innovative print technologies and intelligent work solutions help people communicate and work better.

Honorable Mentions

We can't stop at 30. Here's a roundup of the five honorable mentions.

Avanti, a Ricoh Company

At Avanti, our goal is to help you deliver morejobs, inlesstime, with the confidence in knowing that every aspect of your shop is integrated into one powerful print MIS platform. Connect islands of automation, eliminate breakpoints in your workflow, and get the information you want when and where you want it-easily, with the award-winning Avanti Slingshot. From orderentrythroughtoproductionandbilling, Avanti Slingshot enables you to work more efficiently.

Colordyne Technologies

Colordyne Technologies is a leading manufacturer of efficient, high-resolution

digital print solutions. Colordyne is committed to providing label and tag color on demand inkjet printers for a range of applications and industries at breakthrough speeds and cost effectiveness. The company's range of digital color platforms demonstrate its specialization in scalability of the industry's most versatile products.

Nobelus

Nobelus distributes a variety of specialty laminates and films along with the highest quality laminating systems in the industry. We serve a range of clients across the print, publishing, photo, packaging, and prime label markets by providing industry-leading service and support. Nobelus solutions are driven by continuous innovation, ingenuity, and a desire to see our customers succeed.

Rochester Software Associates

Rochester Software Associates (RSA) is the only company in the industry to provide transform, output management, prepress, and web to print (W2P) software solutions to support digital production print workflows. For over 30 years, our customers have used RSA solutions to turn printing into productivity, automating print workflows.

Zund America, Inc.

Ziind digital cutting systems are ideal for graphics, packaging, and other industrial applications. With a complete palette of cutting, routing, and even laser tool options for processing rigid and/or flexible substrates, the G3/S3 and dual-beamD3 are adaptable to anyproduction environment.

Congratulations

That concludes this year's Top 30. If you don't see a company that you feel deserves some recognition-let us know. Visit DPSMagdirect.com throughout the year and request information on their products and services. dps