Big Picture - January/February 2018 - 30

AUTOMATION AND EFFICIENCY

GAIN EFFICIENCY WITH WIDE-FORMAT WORKFLOW
Are you spending too much time fixing transparency problems,
adjusting image quality, and fixing white channels? Perhaps it's
time to consider a workflow built for the wide-format market. Automated workflows provide preflight, color management, and file
correction capabilities that can help ensure wide-format engines
are being driven to capacity, thus providing cost savings.
If you're like most sign and display producers, you may be
employing different software elements to manage various tasks
such as file handling, color management, RIP'ing, and preflighting. A dedicated wide-format solution, such as Asanti by Agfa

Graphics, brings all these elements together in a single, PDFbased workflow. Asanti is a complete and affordable automatic
sign and display production hub, including PDF creation and
preflighting. It features Adobe APPE 3.0 RIP technology resulting
in a reliable and predictable output on a wide range of printers
(Agfa Graphics or non-Agfa Graphics). For the shop looking to
add an e-commerce solution, Asanti integrates seamlessly with
Asanti Storefront, a web-to-print solution that connects with
cutting and finishing equipment for additional productivity.
What are your next steps? First, develop a plan with a clear
vision of your desired outcome. Know your market and your customer. Then seek a vendor partner who will listen, understand,
and help you achieve that vision.
For the wide-format print provider looking to gain efficiency
and save money, a wide-format workflow may be the answer.
agfagraphics.us

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

BIG PICTURE

January/February 2018

CONSIDER THE 'NEW'

All commercial printers should be looking for new
ways to grow their revenue. It is said that you are
either growing or you are dying. To start, look for
growth opportunities that can be found without
any investment in equipment. Consider new media
options, new markets, and new marketing options.
MEDIA OPTIONS
Consider any new media that your printer is
capable of printing as a growth opportunity. If you
traditionally print on coated paper or vinyl, consider
canvas or a coated textile. Leverage the hardware
that you currently have to expand the scope of your
offering. Ask your current customer base, "What
else can we do for you?" You may be providing a
percentage of your customers' printed needs, but
with a carefully calculated investment, you could
gain business from your existing base.

NEW MARKETS
As a printer, you have an endless opportunity for growth by
looking at new markets and trends. Silicone edge graphics (SEG)
has exploded over the past few years and continues to grow at
a very rapid pace. It originated in the tradeshow market but has
expanded to retail. If you are currently focused only on tradeshow
graphics, SEG could help you break into a new market. Following
the trends and adjusting to them quickly is essential if you want
to gain access to new markets.
MARKETING
The subjects above are critical, however, very little will be gained
if your customer base is not aware of your offering. Keep your
website up-to-date. Keep your sales team informed. Figure out
ways to advertise your business so that all potential customers
are aware of your ability to serve them.
fishertextiles.com

http://www.agfagraphics.us http://www.fishertextiles.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Big Picture - January/February 2018