In vs. off (line) — A "Fight" to the Finish

Kinderknecht says in-line finishing gives Quebecor World Direct the ability to finish, personalize and go direct to mail—all in one, in-line process and at full press speed.

Cost-saving Difference
The major difference between running an in-line and off-line system, notes Kinderknecht, is the cost savings. "In-line is fairly costly to set up. It may take eight to 10 hours on the full blown in-line process, but there is a shorter makeready on the incremental runs using off-line." Thus, the cost of the initial makeready of the press run is offset by the shorter and less expensive makereadies off-line, says Barthen.