Sheetfed’s Future Analyzed by PRIMIR

The study also revealed that while some printers are making great strides in implementing job definition format (JDF) enabled workflows, the vast majority of respondents appear to lack the workforce competencies required to market, implement and manage highly automated JDF workflows.

Not surprisingly, the study found that “environmental issues have crowded out health and safety matters,” likely due to the ever-stricter health and safety regulations already in place. Within the next three years, a majority of the respondents feel issues related to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions will affect their entire operation including their press and supplies decisions. One respondent noted, “I have to admit we were caught a little off guard one day by the stipulation from our largest customer that we needed to help them minimize their carbon footprint in their printed material and collateral.” And, that customer wanted a specific plan of action with achievable and measurable goals.