The Digital Bindery

The promise of the "run length of one" has the primary advantage of handling everything as an electronic file all the time. In theory, there is no end to the variety that can be built into applications, if everything is digitally based. And, since change is instantaneous, invisible and virtually cost-free, we can only expect this to increase. The paradox is that, while shorter run lengths become feasible, it will still be difficult to change the format of each run. So, we will need standardization of media and finishing formats to make the resulting products feasible from a cost standpoint, and to drive print volume, so the advantages of in-line finishing can be realized.