Print Providers and Industry Suppliers Optimistic About Future Growth, Revenue
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA—Feb 14, 2007—A new report reveals that both print providers and indsutry suppliers are optimistic about print provider revenue moving forward, with the strongest growth over the next two years expected to come from digital full color printing and variable data printing. Titled “Supplier and Service Provider Priorities: 2006 Survey Results,” the report results from an EDSF research grant and mentor program.
A grant was awarded to the Graphic Communications Program at Clemson University, where faculty and students collaborated with InfoTrends to conduct the research. The survey provides insight on the priorities, future plans and perceptions of those in the print-for-pay business and those who supply the industry. The report is available now as a free download at www.edsf.org. EDSF is the non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and communications industries.
The vast majority (77%) of print providers expect digital color revenue to increase over the next two years, as well as wide format color printing (51%), color digital prepress (44%) and high-speed black & white digital printing (44%). Print provider respondents say they are more likely to expect a revenue decrease for forms design (24%), traditional offset printing (16%) and high-speed black & white digital printing (10%). Suppliers were also optimistic about growth for most print provider services. Digital full color printing scored highest, followed by digital spot/highlight color printing and database composition.
Charlie Corr, group director, InfoTrends, indicated, “In order to provide the advice and counsel expected of them, as well as make more accurate sales forecasts, vendors should work more closely with print providers to understand the trends and beliefs of print providers.”
Key Findings from the Report:
• Print providers are more optimistic than suppliers about revenue growth. As in 2005, print providers forecast growth for offset printing, while suppliers see it in decline.
• Among the print providers surveyed, Adobe remains in an enviable position. Survey respondents identify Adobe PDF as the most common print language, and it retains a high level of use and interest in a PDF-enabled workflow.
• Print providers and suppliers differ significantly in a number of investment categories. Overall, suppliers remain more optimistic than print providers about planned investments. Suppliers are more optimistic than print providers when it comes to investments in cut sheet spot/highlight color printers 50+ ppm, roll fed spot/highlight color printers, full color digital printers under 24 ppm, and workflow solutions.
• Print providers have greater investment interest in bindery and finishing equipment, creative software, and mailing equipment than suppliers predicted.
For additional information on EDSF, or to find a downloadable PDF of the report, visit www.edsf.org.
About InfoTrends
InfoTrends is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. InfoTrends provides research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Founded in 1991, InfoTrends’ global network of offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia provide clients with an international view of industry trends and developments. InfoTrends is headquartered in Weymouth, Mass. For more information about InfoTrends, visit www.infotrends.com or phone 781-616-2100.
About Clemson’s Graphic Communications Program, Clemson University
The concept of Clemson’s Graphic Communications program is unique among higher education. It is described by some as innovative, while others say it is traditional. It borrows the best from traditional industrial education, wherein lay its roots, and it takes the best from the most modern technologies, which are essential to an appropriate preparation of young professionals. The program’s content and methods combine to make it unique and successful as it feeds newcomers into the professions found under the umbrella “Graphic Communications.” For more information about Clemson’s Graphic Communications Program, visit http://graphics.clemson.edu/ or phone 864-656-3447.
About EDSF
EDSF is a charitable foundation dedicated to preparing the next generation of professionals for the document management and communications marketplace. EDSF supports the industry’s future by granting scholarships to students in support of their academic careers, by providing research grants to colleges and universities, by building awareness about industry careers, and by recognizing innovative educators and educational programs. EDSF serves vendors and users who design and implement document solutions for business applications. For more information about EDSF, call 310-265-5510, write info@edsf.org, or visit the EDSF website at www.edsf.org.
