GRAPH EXPO & CONVERTING EXPO 2002 -- Showing Signs of Recovery

The emphasis is going to be on both analog and digital process improvements rather than on any bombshell new technologies, Lamparter continues. "However, if one looks carefully, the beginnings of the next prepress (R)evolution will be visible."

He adds that adopting a 100 percent digital workflow—from the receipt of material to be printed (presumably an electronic file), to outputting film, plates or going direct-to-press—is a must do 'em. "Whether one goes direct-to-film, -plate or -press depends upon a large number of a printer's individualistic issues and circumstances," Lamparter concludes. "One answer does not fit all."