| CONTENTS | |
| Running the numbers |
To secure finance for that big investment, it's best to go back to basics, finds Jon Severs |
| Media mix |
The QR code revolution offers printers of all sizes opportunities for profit, writes Simon Creasey |
| Pimp your kit |
Inexpensive pressroom improvements can boost your bottom line, says Philip Chadwick |
| Counting the cost of quotes |
Are price-comparison websites the way forward for estimating, asks Barney Cox |
| Reducing makeready |
Jo Francis investigates how the latest kit helps get jobs up and running quicker |
| Running leaner |
Using less power can save both money and polar bears. Noli Dinkovski reports |
| Clever coaters |
There are in-house options available for those willing to invest, writes Adam Hooker |
| £10k top buys |
From creasers to presses, 10 budget products to revitalise productivity, by Jo Francis |
| Paying as you go |
The benefits of 'cloud computing' and SAAS keep on stacking up, writes Simon Creasey |
| Web-to-print |
Haven't joined the W2P revolution yet? Noli Dinkovski says if you don't, you may miss out |
| B2 battle |
B2 digital and litho will slug it out at Ipex. Tim Sheahan takes a ring-side seat |
| Budget colour management |
Colour management set-ups can soon pay for themselves, according to Barney Cox |
| Timeline |
Chloe Setter takes a look at the key products that have been launched since Ipex 2006 |
While this special supplement is an annual publication, it seemed fitting that, this being an Ipex year, we try and reflect some of what we believe will be the key trends and themes at the show.
With this, and the straitened economic times, in mind, we've also tried to broaden our – and your – horizons beyond simply focussing on the impressive array of machines that will be on display across the NEC's halls. So we've also looked at some of the key emerging client-driven technologies, such as QR codes, and the opportunities they offer.
Of course, kit is still king in the dynamic, technology-driven print industry, so we've covered many of the developments, such as web-to-print, colour management, B2 digital presses, clever coating, ultra-fast makereadies and the like that will draw the crowds in Birmingham – but we've tempered this by looking at some of the potential investments that can represent ‘small change', in terms of spend, but can offer a big difference when it comes to profits.
Of course, when it comes to making those larger, business-critical investments, no one can pretend that securing finance is easy but, as our opening feature illustrates, it is possible, provided you ensure the right plans are in place.
And that's where, we hope, this Technology report and Ipex itself will be of real value – by helping you to crystallise the future direction of your business by identifying where the true opportunities lie.
Darryl Danielli
PrintWeek editor
