Charting a Course for 2008 Pittsburgh PA

2008 marks the fifteenth anniversary of Wide-Format Imaging. For me, it marks my tenth anniversary with the publication, and I have to say it's been a rewarding experience. It's interesting to take a look back at some of those old issues—some under the name Modern Reprographics—to see who was advertising, what the big topics were, and then to compare them with what's going on now.

While the product names have changed, and the technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, some of the issues are still the same. Wide-format print providers are still looking to break into new markets, and are looking for ways to attract new clients—through a combination of new equipment and new, innovative applications. They want to make sure their equipment is being used efficiently and to the fullest capacity. Shop owners want to eliminate bottlenecks in production and create more efficient workflows.

Profitability plays a key role. With new technology almost constantly being improved, and new models that are bigger and better, there's a pressure to upgrade to the latest and greatest, but it's coupled with the knowledge that a bad equipment purchase could sink an otherwise profitable company. And the economy plays an integral role in wide-format print providers' bottom-lines. With such close ties to the advertising industries, they are continually buffeted by the changing winds of the consumer and retail markets. And with such rapidly shifting projects, owners are concerned about staffing issues—keeping and hiring good staff while balancing costs and productivity.

Like any industry, it seems customers want better quality, faster. Honestly, I think some people would be happy if you could produce the job even before they ask for it—I'm sure you could think of a few customers that fit the description. While customers may want faster turnaround times, higher and better quality, and more services at a lower price, shop owners need to keep an eye on their profit margins and decide what projects—and customers—are best for their business.

This leads many to new applications and niches where they can offer a premium price for their services. Shop owners want to know where the areas for growth are and where the next technological revolution will be—so they can be at the leading—not bleeding—edge and get a leg up on their competition.

As business owners from other areas within the graphic arts and printing community look for new applications, many have been picking wide-format services—which make it even more difficult for businesses entrenched in the market.

So where does that leave us, some 15 years later? In a growing and maturing market, where new opportunities still exist for enterprising and entrepreneurial businesses—if they know where to look.

As we embark on a new year, Wide-Format Imaging will remain committed to providing the industry insight and knowledge to help our readers and subscribers make the educated decisions that will help them to run their businesses more profitability.

Welcome to 2008. It looks like it should be a fun and exciting year.