A Checklist for Would-be Digital Finishing Manufacturers

You have to establish yourself as a viable partner of the press manufacturer. They will bring you into the RFP process. This means getting your finishing gear "in compliance" with the printer manufacturer's requirements, and getting on their list of recommended (and trusted) finishing suppliers.

4) Watch Your Pricing.

Many traditional bindery systems manufacturers build BMWs for the bindery. High-quality machinery that's built for 24/7 operation and the long-haul of usage. These machines can be productive for 10 years or more. But the digital world has shortened the productive lifecycle. A digital press may be replaced by newer technology within four or five years. The total "capex," or capital expenditure, of the entire system is critical. Durability and productivity are still key, but if the price of your finishing solution approaches a significant percentage of the press cost, you'll be eliminated from consideration.

There are lots of opportunities for finishing in the digital space, and finishing technology is more important than ever. But manufacturers must shape their offerings to fit the unique criteria of digital.