The Survey Says...Next 'Big Things' in 2014
The top investment category for respondents was hardware. Investments in finishing and digital printing technology are the top investment areas identified by respondents (see Figure 4). The continued competition from online channels has many businesses seeking to leverage and enhance printing's tactile advantage through innovative finishing techniques. Digital color and wide-format printing also are top investment categories as they serve increasing customer demands for short-run, on-demand production and personalization. More than 50 percent of respondents reported that business growth is driving investment in digital printing devices. High-speed inkjet is also on the 2014 PSP investment agenda; about half of respondents either plan to or are considering investing in it. More than a third of PSPs are considering or planning to purchase a high-speed color inkjet device to grow business or expand offerings.
Lisa Cross is the principal analyst of NAPCO Research (a unit of NAPCO Media) where she conducts market research and analysis on emerging trends and changing dynamics in the commercial, in-plant and packaging industries, and the market forces that are driving those changes. With decades of experience covering the graphic arts and marketing industries, Cross has authored thousands of articles on a variety of topics, including technology trends, business strategy, sales, marketing and legislation.
