PIW Digital Workflow Seminar: A Success!

The consensus from the 24 people representing 19 companies that participated in this Digital Workflow Seminar, was that it was effective on many fronts while answering all questions presented. It was an honor to have Hengsbach & Associates facilitate the day-long PIW sponsored event.

The speakers consisted of Jac Garner, President of Webcrafters, who spoke on the executive management's role; Diana Schwarzenberger IT Manager of LeHigh Milwaukee who did a nice job with Pre-Press & IT issues; Marc Johnson of H/P who handled print engine technology & upstream downstream customers; & Jerry Sturnick of Xerox on Bindery & Finishing opportunities.

As Facilitator, I spoke first to "set the table" for the other speakers, who in the above workflow order presented the challenges & opportunities facing we who have previously been just printers. Because of digital technology, we now output not only print, but digital media for the Web, and electronic devices. Accordingly, we are now Content Providers, with printing only being a part.

It's fair to say that the workflow was the star of the day. If we take care of the customers "file", it will allow us to provide it back to the customer in the way they want and need it. We therefore must have strong people in our companies in IT & Pre-Press areas, while understanding the entire workflow. This is the future.

A nice ending to the day came with the speakers and I forming a panel to answer any and all of the attendee questions. We had several that were submitted prior to the seminar, as well as some that came up during the day. We spent just about an hour in this mode, and did not stop until all had been answered.

The ratings of the attendees averaged 4.35 out of 5 overall, which was excellent. When asked if the day was too complex (5) or too elementary (1), they rated it 3.15 (3.0 would be perfect).

Thanks go to Judi Wolters of PIW for working behind the scenes to make it the success it was, and the speakers for their professionalism.