Archive

Tag Archives: Christian Kopocz

drupa ante portas: Focus Packaging — Selling is everything!

May 20, 2016
3D printing, 4D Printing, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Valuable Advice, Value Innovation
1 Comment

ValuePublishing Canon Stories.001

By Andreas Weber

Note: This market trend analysis by Andreas Weber appeared in modified form in the drupa run-up special by VDI-nachrichten dated May 13, 2016. VDI-nachrichten addresses a premium reader target group of more than 310,000 technical and innovation experts in German industry.  

More than half of all packaging volume worldwide is attributed to printed packaging – and the trend is rising. Packaging printing is thus becoming the most important market of the future for the printing press. This is reflected at the upcoming world’s leading trade fair of the industry, drupa (Dusseldorf, May 31-June 10, 2016). The packaging industry has been booming for years. In 2012, proceeds worldwide were around €600 billion, in 2018 it should be a rich €758 billion. At least, that is what the British market research company Smithers Pira predicts.

The reasons for this are first, the increasing need for packaging in the developing and emerging countries due to rising prosperity and growing populations. China is at the top. Secondly, the packaging sector in the western industrial countries is benefiting from increasing variety and more competition in trade. And thirdly, the volume itself of packaging is growing, as noted here in Germany by the consumer consultancy of North Rhine-Westphalia. For 40% of the packaging contained air.

package printing 1c_1100x290

 

Boom-market packaging unleashes new printing techniques 

That makes it clear why the printing and paper branches are heavily banking on innovation owing to the eye-catching differentiation of packaging. To date, these have been mostly unusual finishing options such as varnish or metallic colours and non-standard configurations of machines and media specially designed for packaging printing.

Up to now, packaging has primarily been printed and finished using flexo, offset, gravure and screen printing processes. These are able to accommodate the high volume as well as quality and cost demands. Together, flexo and offset printing currently cover around two-thirds of the world market for packaging printing. According to Smithers Pira, it had a volume of $415 billion in 2015.

At less than 10%, the proportion of digital printing is still relatively small and thus presents room for growth. This should change though in the midterm with progress being made in digital print technology, because even in packaging the numbers are sinking. And then there is the trend to customisation.

Printed and varnished cardboard and metal sheets should remain the domain of sheet-fed offset printing for the time being. Yet, digital printing is gradually feeling its way into this market. For flexible packaging, flexo printing is dominant in Europe and America; in Asia, it is gravure. The latter is losing ground, however, due to its expense.

For corrugated board and labels, flexo printing is likewise the process most used, although in labels, digital printing is gaining strength. Screen printing was previously used mostly for signs, displays and hollow articles. There, too, digital inkjet printing is gaining importance. Experts assume that the corrugated board wrapping commonly used in e-commerce today will become increasingly more colourful.

gundlach-logo header_bottom_sub_4

Photo: Gundlach Group

 

German printing press manufacturers are searching for cooperation partners in digital printing

In particular, the German printing press manufacturers Koenig & Bauer (KBA) and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen have been focussing on packaging printing for years. Now it is industrial digital printing that should benefit from global collaborations: KBA cooperated with HP Inc. to harness inkjet printing for itself through HP’s own PageWide printing technology.

Heidelberg and Japanese Fujifilm with its expertise in inkjet printing technology jointly developed a new technology platform within 15 months. The first machine based on this, called Primefire, targets premium quality packaging printing with the inkjet printing of sheets in large format (70cm x 100cm).

Event tip: During drupa 2016, a trade day devoted to packaging and printed electronics will take place on June 2 in the drupa cube in Hall 5. Register at www.drupa.de.

Many new players who have developed additional processes are entering the game owing to the trend to packaging printing, particularly from Israel. These include new digital printing technologies such as the one from Landa Nanography. Scodix has developed digital finishing machines and Highcon relies on laser-based high-speed presses for folding carton. Pure digital printing technology experts such as Canon and Xerox also want to leverage the potential of print applications in packaging including label printing. In printed electronics this includes the integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) that can be processed in inkjet printing.

KBA boss Claus Bolza-Schünemann, in his position as president of the world’s leading trade fair drupa, strikes a blow for packaging printing. For its content, printed packaging serves a protective, preservative, promotional and increasingly also a communicative function. Here the topic of consumer protection comes to mind with respective notices on packaging. What’s more, packaging cannot be replaced by flat screens or smartphones. Unlike with printed newspapers or catalogues, it is not affected by changing media behaviour, but rather benefits from it. More single households with a preference for convenience foods and the booming online mail-order trade are likewise growth drivers.

What can be easily overlooked in the classic printing sector is the interplay of multichannel solutions in marketing, “augmented reality” and personalised advertising. This combination can make any type of packaging become the starting point of new contact and dialogue opportunities with the buyer through “augmented reality” and therefore represents enormous potential for brand-name companies.

To realise this, digital printing is vital. Only with it can the printed image be varied ad hoc. New multichannel software solutions such as those from Xerox subsidiary XMPie enable packaging to be personalised and thus become a part of a measurable marketing campaign.

01_mymuesli

Photo: Heideldruck

 

Multi-coloured muesli containers are the market of the future

But there are also some obstacles: Fogra, the Munich-based graphic technology research association has found out that the print image quality of inkjet printing can easily result in a very “ragged” print image. This cannot be seen with the naked eye, but causes problems particularly with barcodes. The highly sensitive barcode readers then generate error messages. Any printer that has produced high print-runs with poorly printed barcodes that then cause reader errors has a huge problem.

One of the most exciting packaging printing projects was realised by Heidelberg in tandem with online start-up mymuesli.com at the beginning of the year. Mymuesli.com is a mail-order company for customised muesli. After initial success, the online company opened shops and online print expert Bernd Zipper came up with the idea that people buying muesli on-site could print their own muesli packaging – and not just a label – using an iPad.

That was made possible thanks to a printing technology from Heidelberg called 4D in which the object to be printed is fixed inside the cabin of the printing press and is then printed by movable inkjet print heads. The online editing and process management stems from Longo, Augsburg. The result is a muesli container with personalised text, self-designed and produced in real-time. The customers love it and it is now to go into production.

KBA F2_Kosmetik_g

Photo: KBA

 

ValuePublishing Facts:
drupa president Bolza-Schünemann listed the following reasons for the strong, sustained growth of packaging:

  1. Printed packaging serves a protective, preservative, and advertising function for its contents and, increasingly, a communication function, too. Just think of consumer protection with appropriate references on the packaging.
  2. Packaging cannot be replaced by flatscreens or smartphones. Unlike printed newspapers or catalogs, it remains unaffected by the changed media behavior and actually tends to benefit from this.
  3. The global population is rising and international prosperity is increasing. The middle class with disposable income is growing in emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil. Growing prosperity goes hand in hand with higher consumption and that in turn means more packaging and printing, all the more since shopping malls are springing up everywhere in emerging markets, too.
  4. Packaging is becoming increasingly classy and sophisticated – the only way to attract the necessary attention at the point of sale. This trend results in greater added value for the printing industry and machines with more elaborate configurations for the supply industry.
  5. More single-person households with a preference for ready meals and the booming online mail-order business are also driving growth.

Mike Hilton’s Global News Review: New Focus on Business Communication Innovation

May 16, 2016
Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Valuable Advice, Value Contributors
Leave a comment

Graphic Repro On-line News Review to Friday 13 May 2016

Welcome to another roundup of 29 news highlights for the past week together with Laurel Brunner’s Verdigris Blog on Friday, which this week discusses the World Economic Forum and its Project Mainstream’s most recent white paper, which deals with paper.

We also have three new additions in Online Features Chapter 05, highlighting UPM Biofore in Beijing with a unique project which has little to do with printing or paper, but is just too beautiful and stunning to ignore; then we have the BPIF’s Printing Outlook for Q2; and then SF Taylor in the UK with its new KBA Rapida 75.

You will also find a new drupa ante portas Blog article featuring Objectif Lune, by Andreas Weber, as well as another 14 new additions in our drupa Newsroom from Exhibitors. These are led by KBA Digital, Hybrid Software, Heidelberg Workflow, Heidelberg CTP, Durst Inkjet, Tecnau, Agfa Graphics CTP, Leonhard KURZ with a new foil; Chili Publish, Domino with high-speed Inkjet; Fujifilm wide-format Inkjet, Alwan Color Expertise, and Techawa, and these latest additions now bring the total of pre-show announcements to 188, with just two weeks to go before the show opens its doors a fortnight tomorrow on Tuesday 31 May.

Major news leads with week came from Sappi on Monday with its Q2 and half-year 2016 results which were excellent; then on Tuesday from Heidelberg with its preliminary figures for 2015/2016 and also very positive and correspond to a Euro 100 million turnaround. On Wednesday, KBA announced its new Website for the Group; and on Thursday we had KBA’s interim Q1 report for 2016. Friday saw the BPIF’s Printing Outlook for Q2 take the lead.

This week has seen a few nice sales and installations successes, and also some new kit which is non-drupa related, specifically from Agfa Graphics with PrintSphere, a cloud-based data exchange service for PSPs, and from Quark on Friday. You’ll also find a couple of software upgrades.

Recent sales and installations kicked off on Monday with IFS and Horizon at Windsor Print; Tuesday saw Bertelsmann Printing Group’s direct mail and document solutions division, Campaign, opts for Screen’s Truepress Jet 520ZZ inkjet system for direct marketing; also ProImage with OnColor in the USA. On Wednesday, Muller Martini highlighted 13 Presto and Presto Digital saddle stitcher installations in the UK and Ireland over the past year, this was followed by Xeikon at DOCUsystem in Frankfurt, Germany. Thursday saw Portuguese fashion printer Blur extend its direct-to-garment business with Kornit Digital‘s Allegro and a Zund cut solution. To round off the week on Friday, Cheadle, UK-based Cestrian Imaging announced a UK first with its EFI Reggiani PRO 340 digital textile inkjet printer purchase; and lastly Manroland Sheetfed highlighted its latest eight-colour Roland 700 press installation in China.

The tailender this week goes to the Ghent Workgroup, which welcomed two new members on board: Ricoh and CHILI Publish, in the headlines on Wednesday. 

That’s it until next time. I hope you find more of interest among the links below.
With my best regards, 
Mike Hilton 

 

Heidelberg Figures 2015:2016.png

Our e-News comprises:  Headline News – Online Feature Articles – the Verdigris initiative from Digital Dots. Our Drupa and FESPA Newsrooms can be accessed from the Index on our Home Page, as well as News in Review, which provides a weekly overview and listing of all news added to the site. 



Headline News
Over 28,000 news items have now gone online since we launched our Website in September 2001. News for the past 24 months can still be accessed via the Home Page and its continuation news pages

Mon 09 May…   
Sappi Second Quarter and Half Year Results 2016
Sappi profits double for second quarter and half-year ended March 2016, with repositioning well on track…

Hybrid Software and Cerm create new partnership
provides significant opportunities for label printers to improve efficiency and profitability…

Alwan to showcase complete CxF/X-4 solution at drupa
Alwan to showcase CxF/X-4 solution for brand owners and designers to accurately define, predict and reproduce their spot colours…

Alwan to demonstrate inline profiling at drupa in Hall 7
Alwan enables printers to automatically calibrate and profile print devices without any dedicated resources or print sessions…

Windsor Print creates new finishing production landscape
Horizon bookletmaker and Foliant spend with IFS brings greater control, cuts costs and reduces outsourcing…

Tue 10 May…   
Heidelberg announces preliminary figures for 2015/2016
Heidelberg grows and records significant annual net profit for FY 2015 / 2016 that corresponds to a Euro 100 million turnaround…

Campaign chooses Screen Truepress Jet520ZZ for Gütersloh
Bertelsmann Printing Group’s direct mail and document solutions division opts for Screen inkjet for direct marketing…

Goss and DG press announce partnership for packaging
Goss International acquires the Thallo press system as part of the agreement, enhancing Goss’ portfolio of packaging solutions…

Kurz: Print finishing that will make people look twice
The new stamping foil changes colour at different viewing angles. KURZ will be at drupa 2016 in Hall 3, in dip in Hall 7, and in Hall 12…

Fujifilm to debut new Acuity LED 3200R at drupa
Fujifilm announces new wide-format Acuity LED 3200R UV inkjet printer at drupa 2016 in Hall 8b…

OnColor ECO Ink Optimization for The Sun Chronicle
The Sun Chronicle taps into ProImage OnColor ECO Ink Optimization Software to reduce ink consumption and cost…

Wed 11 May…   
New Internet Website for the KBA Group
Printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer AG has completely redesigned and modernised its Internet Website…

Durst single-pass inkjet for corrugated and labels at drupa
Durst to unveil new corrugated packaging & display printing segment with single-pass and multi-pass technologies, and more…

Agfa to launch Advantage N Essentials CTP series at drupa
Agfa Graphics now offers a series of low-cost engines that take CTP technology for newspaper prepress back to its essence…

Ricoh and CHILI Publish join the Ghent Workgroup
The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) is pleased to welcome two new members on board: Ricoh and CHILI Publish…

Muller Martini Presto: 817 job changes in nine days
In one year, 13 UK and Ireland companies have invested in a Presto II or Presto II Digital Saddle Stitcher from Muller Martini…

Xeikon helps DOCUsystem open new market opportunities
Flyers, invoices, photo wallpapers and more: Rödermark-based DOCUsystem leverages the Xeikon 8500 for expansion…

Thu 12 May…   
Koenig & Bauer Group interim Q1 report for 2016
A positive start for the KBA Group with revenue in the first quarter up 46 per cent and EBT up ?18m year-on-year…

Hybrid Software to debut PACKZ RoundTrip at drupa
Hybrid Software provides missing link between package design in Adobe Illustrator format and production…

CHILI publish to highlight Asian expansion at drupa 2016
Move supports increased demand for the production of personalised, shorter runs of marketing materials in the APAC region…

The Smart Print Shop for everyone: thanks to Prinect
With the new Prinect Production Manager, print shops of all sizes can completely automate their production processes…

GMG announces release of OpenColor 2.0.4
OpenColor 2.0.4 offers separation profiles for GMG ColorServer, packaging editors, and Adobe Photoshop…

New Kornit Allegro joins Barcelos-based Blur’s press fleet
Portuguese fashion printer Blur, extends direct-to-garment business with Kornit Digital’s Allegro and Zund Cut solution…

Fri 13 May…   
BPIF Printing Outlook Report Q2 2016
UK printing industry has a case of the wobbles in Q1 – confidence and trade expected to recover in Q2…

Agfa Graphics launches PrintSphere in the cloud
Agfa Graphics launches PrintSphere, a cloud-based data exchange service for print service providers…

QuarkXPress 2016 to ship on 24 May
Limited time left to take advantage of special offers on upgrades and pre-order promotions…

Heidelberg non-stop plate production at drupa 2016
Smart print shop: Heidelberg to showcase a fully automatic production line for CTP plate imaging at drupa…

Cestrian first in UK with EFI Reggiani PRO 340 for textiles
Cheadle, UK-based Cestrian Imaging drives growth with EFI Reggiani PRO 340 digital textile inkjet printer…

Ruicheng Yang Sen Packaging adds first Roland 700
Pharmaceutical packaging printer Shanxi Ruicheng Yang Sen Packaging: a professional service all round…

Last lead articles from previous update…  

Last Friday’s leads…
KURZ: Innovative die technologies for hot stamping
Hinderer + Mühlich presenting novel die designs and setup aids at drupa as a co-exhibitor with the stamping foil manufacturer…

Industrial Inkjet on customer-finding mission at drupa 2016
IIJ targeting 200 new OEM customers for Konica Minolta at drupa on Konica Minolta’s stand in Hall 8b…

GraphicRepro.Net e-News  (ISSN 1814-2923) is sponsored and made possible by:

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG  (Heidelberg), The world’s largest printing press manufacturer for the industry worldwide. Heidelberg customers enjoy the most comprehensive and extensive sales and service network in the industry for JDF compliant workflow, computer-to-plate, sheetfed offset, Web-to-print, digital printing, digital inkjet for labels and packaging, packaging and finishing, all with complementary consumables. Heidelberg has offices in around 170 countries. Visit the Heidelberg Website for more information.

drupa 2016 (drupa), the international flagship fair of the printing and media industry, responds to the challenges of the changing market and provides pioneering solutions for the future. This is highlighted by the new marketing and communication strategy where drupa claims its position as ‘No.1 for Print & Crossmedia Solutions’ with the slogan ‘touch the future’. The issues of ‘package printing’, ‘multichannel’, ‘green printing’, ‘3D printing’, and ‘functional printing’ will become increasingly important to the overall communication strategy. To find out more, visit the drupa 2016 Website.

Online Feature articles 2014 – 2016
There were again well over 70 last year, 90 in 2014, and 92 articles in 2013 which can still be accessed via the Index on the Home Page, with prior years’ via Search Archives (option 2).

Technology-related Chapter 02

Previous…   
Sappi extends an invitation to innovate flexible packaging
With integrated barriers and heat sealing properties this new Sappi paper is suitable for flexible packaging applications…

Online Features May/Jun Chapter 05

NEW…   
The Biofore Tea House at ‘Moi Helsinki’ event in Beijing, China
UPM and Tongji University combine Chinese tea culture with innovative biomaterials for the Biofore Tea House, from 13 – 15 May…

BPIF’s Printing Outlook for the Second Quarter 2016
The UK printing industry has a case of the wobbles in Q1 – confidence and trade expected to recover in Q2…

SF Taylor improves efficiencies and reduces waste with KBA
The Stockport, UK company has doubled its press output by investing in a KBA Rapida 75 4-colour with perfecting…

Online Features Mar/Apr Chapter 04

Previous…   
Traderplus South Africa expands with further IIJ investment
Traderplus South Africa secures a major advantage with additional Industrial Inkjet (IIJ) technology, to be added in July…

Verdigris – Environmental Initiative

Laurel Brunner’s weekly Verdigris Blogs 2016

Paper Chains
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 13 May

Previous…   
Sustainable by Design
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 06 May

Drupa Newsroom
Our Drupa Newsroom with news from Messe Düsseldorf and for Drupa 2016 can be found in the Index, as well as via the special Newsroom button on the right of the Home Page near the top. It is divided into the following Chapters for your convenience and ease of use… but you must scroll down to view each Chapter when you visit the Newsroom…

drupa ante portas Blogs 2016

Objectif Lune: Innovative solutions for interactive communications
drupa ante portas: Simply clever – OL turns data into personalised cross-media solutions! By Andreas Weber, Mainz/Germany

Previous…   
BW Papersystems’ strong brands at drupa 2016
drupa ante portas: Interview with BW Papersystems’ Patrick Walczak, who relies completely on customer orientation and individual solutions! By Andreas Weber…

drupa 2016 News from Exhibitors
Latest additions can now be accessed in our drupa Newsroom.

KBA at drupa: A strong focus on packaging producers
The press manufacturer is the market leader in several packaging segments and generates 70% of its revenue in the packaging market…

Hybrid Software to debut PACKZ RoundTrip
Hybrid Software provides missing link between package design in Adobe Illustrator format and production…

The Smart Print Shop for everyone: thanks to Prinect
With the new Prinect Production Manager, print shops of all sizes can completely automate their production processes precisely in line with requirements…

Heidelberg non-stop printing plate production at drupa
Smart print shop: Heidelberg showcasing a fully automatic production line for CTP plate imaging at drupa…

Durst to unveil single-pass inkjet for corrugated and labels
Durst to unveil its new corrugated packaging & display printing segment with single-pass and multi-pass technologies, along with its successful Tau 330 portfolio for label production…

Tecnau show debut for the Libra 800 at drupa
Tecnau to exhibit the Libra 800 automated and variable book finishing line for first time at an industry event at drupa 2016…

Agfa launches Advantage N Essentials CTP series @drupa
Agfa Graphics now offers a series of low-cost engines that take CTP technology for newspaper prepress back to its essence…

Kurz: Print finishing that will make people look twice
New Kurz stamping foil changes colour at different viewing angles…

CHILI publish highlights Asian expansion at drupa
Move supports increased demand for the production of personalized, shorter runs of marketing materials in the APAC region…

Domino to showcase its K630i high-speed inkjet in Hall 5
Domino to launch a high speed variable-pagination digital booklet printing solution with Kern and IBIS at drupa 2016…

Fujifilm to debut new Acuity LED 3200R at drupa
Fujifilm announces new wide-format Acuity LED 3200R UV inkjet printer at drupa 2016 in Hall 8b…

Alwan to showcase ccmplete CxF/X-4 solution at drupa in Hall 7
Alwan to showcase its complete CxF/X-4 solution for brand owners and designers to accurately define, predict and reproduce their spot colours…

Alwan to demonstrate inline profiling at drupa in Hall 7
Alwan Color Expertise enables printers to automatically calibrate and profile their print devices without any dedicated resources or print sessions…

Tichawa Vision CIS innovation at drupa in Hall 3
100% print inspection: Tichawa to present a multicolor Contact Image Sensor (CIS) offering adaptable resolution with minimum space requirements…

Previous…   
Kurz: Innovative die technologies for hot stamping
Hinderer + Mühlich is presenting novel die designs and setup aids at drupa as a co-exhibitor with the stamping foil manufacturer Leonhard Kurz…

Industrial Inkjet on customer-finding mission at drupa
IIJ targeting 200 new OEM customers for Konica Minolta at drupa on Konica Minolta’s stand in Hall 8b…

Masterwork’s extensive postpress for packaging at drupa
At drupa, Masterwork will debut automatic sheet inspection machines, die-cutting and embossing, and folder gluers…

CRON brings major diversification to its drupa campaign
Six new products illustrate company’s dedication to improve value chain from plate to printed product…

MGI to showcase the Future of Print at drupa
MGI Digital Technology announces exclusive world premieres of new products for digital and offset applications…

Adphos Digital Printing at drupa in Hall 6
adphosNIR – drying, curing and other thermal processes at the speed of light at drupa 2016…

Feldmuehle at drupa 2016 in Hall 4
With a focus on VivaCard and MediaLiner high-white, matt materials for holistic packaging design…

The touchpoint 3D fab + print: at drupa
Visionary ideas, best cases and hands-on state of the art…

HP introduces three wide-format Latex Printers for drupa debut
HP Inc. propels print service providers’ profitability with new latex printers as company’s third-generation Latex portfolio delivers new levels of productivity and affordability…

The next step in colour communication at dip on 2 and 8 June
Colour management specialist Erik Koldenhof on stage at the drupa innovation park: ‘Embrace open standards for print quality communication’…

Steinemann at drupa in Hall 1 with new dmax systems
New narrow-format dmax digital varnishing machines attracting great interest. The dmax 106 will be shown live at drupa…

Leonhard Kurz named a HP SmartStream Solutions Partner
The Kurz DM-Liner for creating glossy, metalised surfaces with digital print, to be presented on HP’s stand at drupa in Hall 17…

Kodak’s latest version of Insite Creative Workflow in Hall 5
Kodak Insite Creative Workflow improves collaboration and security with HTML5 will be demonstrated at drupa…

Duplo products to raise the bar in Hall 6 at drupa
Duplo International will be using Hall 6 at drupa as the launch pad for a raft of new, faster, smarter, better, state-of-the-art products…

CP Bourg at drupa in Hall 6 and in Hall 17 with HP Indigo
CP Bourg announces advanced integration with the new HP Indigo 7900 Digital Press and HP Indigo Direct-to-Finish to be debuted in Hall 17…

Unilux to introduce two LED strobes at drupa
Lightweight stroboscopes deliver brighter light, more even coverage, enhanced ability to inspect UV-visible inks, security elements or coatings…

drupa 2016 Expert Article Series and more
Can be found in our Drupa Newsroom via the Index on the Home Page.

Final article in the series…   
Digital versus traditional packaging print
Touch the future. Drupa Expert Article No 8 by Michael Seidl, publisher and editor-in-chief of various specialist publications in Central and Eastern Europe including Print & Publishing, Packaging and Visual Communication….

drupa 2016 News from Messe Düsseldorf

Previous…   
touchpoint 3D fab + print:
Visionary ideas, best cases and hands-on state of the art…

touchpoint 3D fab + print:
Visionäre Ideen, Best Cases & State-of-the-Art zum Anfassen…

drupa cube 2016: With full programme PDF to download
Inspiration and innovation in some 60 keynotes, panel discussions and presentations from international experts…

drupa cube 2016: Mit komplette Programm PDF zum download
Inspiration und Innovation in rund 60 Keynotes, Panel-Discussions und Präsentationen internationaler Experten…

FESPA Newsroom
The dedicated FESPA Newsroom can be found via the Index on our Home Page.

FESPA Federation News in 2016

Most recent…   
FESPA’s Regional events in 2016
FESPA’S worldwide regional events reinforce the central Profit For Purpose philosophy which drives FESPA…

The Graphic Repro On-line Website is supported and sponsored by: 

Antalis South Africa, Canon SA,  Screen Europe,  Drupa 2016,  EFI,  Esko,  FESPA.  Goss International Inc,  Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,  HP Graphic Solutions,   Koenig + Bauer AG,  Kemtek Imaging Systems,  Krause-Biagosch,  Leonhard Kurz Stiftung,   Manroland Web Systems GmbH,  Muller Martini AG,  POLAR-Mohr, QuadTech Inc,  Quark Inc,  Ricoh Europe ,  Sappi Limited,  Thunderbolt Solutions, and UPM-Kymmene. 
If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at: graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.

Our Website urls are:

http://www.graphicrepro.co.za
http://www.graphicrepro.net

GraphicRepro.Net e-News (ISSN 1814-2923)  provides weekly updates from the Graphic Repro On-line Website and is  compiled and published by Mike Hilton, graphicrepro.net, PO Box 10 Peterburgskoe Shosse 13/1, 196605 Pushkin 5, St. Petersburg,  Russia.  e-mailgraphicrepro.za@gmail.com

drupa ante portas — Highlight topic Multichannel: “Individual solutions are in demand!”

February 11, 2016
Basic Topics on Innovation, CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Valuable Advice, Value Art & Communication, Value Innovation
3 Comments

drupa 2016 highlight Multichannel ENG

By Andreas Weber | Click to access german version

The topic of “multichannel” appears to be extremely complex. For many, it is also complicated. Whatever, by the end of this year at the latest, there will be no way around it – you will have to come to terms with it. And here are three reasons why:

  1. Unsolved problem: “How do I effectively and permanently reach my customers and others who are interested?” 
  2. Shift to customer orientation: “It is no longer ‘it’s the brand that counts’, but the market that counts.”
  3. The new trendsetters IoT & Industry 4.0: “In an interlinked and automated digital world, dialogue is the deciding factor!”

“Nothing stays the same!” said Christian Kopocz, entrepreneur and Executive Director of the international XMPie User Group. “The change driven by technology and consumers increasingly forces information and personal exchange across many other channels — in addition to print, web and e-mail, video content, social media and mobile services have all become relevant. Individual solutions are in demand.”

If you look and listen carefully, the turning away from decades of successful mass communications may not be taking place abruptly, but it is unstoppable and irreversible. Publishing houses are experiencing that, just as are TV stations. And, of course, the printing industry, particularly the sector of commercial printing. Digitalisation is changing everything — every type of business including marketing and communications processes. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 are fast-forwarding automation on all possible levels.

It is worth listening to the experts who have been involved with the development of suitable solutions. “The digital age is the age of the customer. Why? The audience you serve is always interconnected and online,” explained Dr. Jacob Aizikowitz, President of XMPie. He went on to add, “You need to become part of the resulting continual conversation and interlinking. Old-school marketing methods no longer fit in this new scenario. Achieving wide reach and attention through mass media is no longer as successful as it was in the past. Brands are setting the example of how to be involved in a relationship with your customers and others who are interested, and for carrying out an on-going sustained dialogue.”

Holistic View

Source: XMPie, A Xerox Company

 

Everything is changing: Multichannel newly defined!

Up to now, there has been a confusion of terms: Cross-media is the same as multichannel which is the same as omnichannel. What is mostly advocated is that the aim of content marketing is to make content public on as many channels as possible, all at the same time. But that is not at all what it is about, since this scares off the receiver. Jacob Aizikowitz is clear about just what it is that makes multichannel: “It is all down to making it possible for personal, relevant and interactive communication to take place in a creative way, offering touch points at the right time in a mix of digital and print media.” 

Smart service providers are already exploiting this way of thinking, by having successfully transformed their traditional business models. Printers have become media production service providers who, through multichannel services, have evolved into marketing service providers. The side effect: From the skilful interplay with digital printing, diverse opportunities for success arise that first, go beyond booming online printing and second, open up new areas of business and profitable growth.

Renato Vögeli of Vögeli AG in Switzerland explained this as follows: “We understand multichannel communications to be the individual addressing of the target group across various channels in order to reach the individual wherever he or she may be. With that, we can take the target group along on a journey in a mix of online and offline that offers various points of contact.”

His German colleague Patrick Donner, TraffiC Online Print Solutions GmbH, added, “We at TraffiC define multichannel communications quite specifically and very pragmatically: bringing communications from different media together with focus on print, e-mail, web and social media. The aim is to bring about emotional experiences that effectively deliver a haptic sensation via print as well as the speed and round-the-clock availability of digital communication.” For Patrick Donner, individuality in the interlinking of print and online is the key to attracting the interest of the communications partner. “To our way of thinking, multichannel communication creates effective personal experiences as opposed to the ‘one-for-all actions’ that are otherwise customary.”

Christian Kopocz rounds out the reassessment of multichannel communications by summing up what it is really all about: “The customer decides how, when and where he would like to be addressed. For me, multichannel is the communication of relevant content to the preferred channels of the customer!” Both today and tomorrow, service providers are and will be constantly required to think ahead and become pro-active. “I see that as a real mammoth task since up to now, even with multichannel innovations, everything was undertaken in a very linear manner: Investment was made in a new business model that was brought to market and then practically, like a loan repayment, was worked off monthly. Less thought was given to continuous, 100% customer-oriented, sustained development and none at all to it as an investment in the future.” According to Kopocz, the result was often in the form of bad figures. It doesn’t have to be that way at all: “Stay curious and don’t let the contact with your customer flag – that will always take you to your goal!”

 

Note: drupa 2016 will show the latest multichannel solutions and applications. That makes it worth paying a visit to Dusseldorf!

drupa blog — Multichannel (English only)

 

drupa 2016 newsroom Multichannel

drupa ante portas — Highlight Topic Multichannel: „Individuelle Lösungen sind gefragt!“

February 10, 2016
CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Posts in German Language, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Valuable Advice, Value Art & Communication, Value Innovation
5 Comments

drupa 2016 highlight Multichannel D

Von Andreas Weber

Das Thema „Multichannel“ scheint äußerst komplex zu sein. Für viele auch kompliziert. Wie auch immer, spätestens in diesem Jahr kommt man nicht mehr daran vorbei, sich damit umfassend auseinanderzusetzen. Und zwar aus drei Gründen:

  1. Ungelöstes Problem: „Wie erreiche ich wirkungsvoll und nachhaltig meine Kunden und Interessenten?“ 
  2. Wandel zur Kundenorientierung: „Nicht mehr ‚die Marke macht’s‘, sondern der Markt macht’s“.
  3. Die neuen Schrittmacher IoT & Industrie 4.0: „In einer vernetzten und automatisierten digitalen Welt entscheidet die Dialogfähigkeit!“

„Nichts bleibt wie es ist!“, sagt Christian Kopocz, Unternehmer und Executive Director der weltweit aktiven XMPie User Group. „Der von Technik und Konsumenten getriebene Wandel erzwingt mehr und mehr die Information und den persönlichen Austausch über viele weitere Kanäle — neben Print, Web, E-Mail wurden Video-Inhalte, Social Media und Mobile Services relevant. Individuelle Lösungen sind gefragt.“

Schaut und hört man genau hin, die Abkehr von der jahrzehntelang erfolgreichen Massenkommunikation vollzieht sich zwar nicht abrupt, aber unaufhaltsam und nicht umkehrbar. Verlage spüren dies ebenso wie TV-Sender. Und natürlich auch die Druckindustrie, vor allem im Sektor „Commercial Printing“. Die Digitalisierung verändert alles — jede Art von Geschäft inklusive den Marketing- und Kommunikationsprozesse. Das Internet-of-Things (IoT) und Industrie 4.0 treiben rasch die Automatisierung auf allen möglichen Ebenen voran.

Es lohnt sich daher, auf Experten zu hören, die sich mit der Entwicklung adäquater Lösungen beschäftigen. „Das Digitalzeitalter ist das Zeitalter des Kunden. Warum? Das Publikum, das man bedient, ist immer vernetzt und Online“, erklärt Dr. Jacob Aizikowitz, XMPie President. Und fährt fort: „Man muss Teil der sich daraus ergebenden immer währenden Konversation und Vernetzungen werden. Die Marketing-Methoden der alten Schule passen für diese neuen Szenarien nicht mehr. Per Massenmedien große Reichweiten und Aufmerksamkeit zu erzielen bringt nicht mehr die Erfolge wie ehedem. Markenunternehmen machen es vor, wie man sich mit Kunden und Interessenten in Beziehung setzt und durchgängige, nachhaltige Dialoge führt.“

Holistic View

Quelle: XMPie, A Xerox Company.

Alles im Wandel: Multichannel neu definiert!

Bis dato herrscht ein Begriffswirrwarr: Crossmedia ist gleich Multichannel ist gleich Omnichannel — zumeist wird propagiert, dass per Content Marketing das Ziel sein muss, einen Inhalt auf möglichst vielen Ausgabekanälen gleichzeitig publik zu machen. Darum geht es aber keinesfalls, da dies wiederum die Empfänger abschreckt. Jacob Aizikowitz stellt darum klar, was Multichannel ausmacht: „Es geht im Kern darum zu ermöglichen, dass auf kreative Art und Weise individuelle, relevante und interaktive Kommunikation stattfinden kann, die zur richtigen Zeit Berührungspunkte im Mix von digitalen und gedruckten Medien bietet.“ 

Diese Sichtweise nützt smarten Dienstleistern bereits, indem sie überaus erfolgreich ihre klassischen Geschäftsmodelle transformiert haben. Aus Druckereien wurden Medienproduktions-Dienstleister, die sich per Multichannel Services zu Marketing Service Providern weiterentwickelt haben.  Nebeneffekt: Aus dem gekonnten Zusammenspiel mit Digitaldruck ergeben sich vielfältige Erfolgsaussichten, die erstens über das boomende Online-Printing hinausführen und zweitens neue Geschäftsfelder und profitables Wachstum eröffnen.

Renato Vögeli von der Schweizer Vögeli AG erläutert dies wie folgt: „Wir verstehen unter Multichannel die individuelle Ansprache des Zielpublikums über verschiedene Kanäle, um den Einzelnen dort anzusprechen, wo er sich aufhält. Wir können damit das Zielpublikum im Mix von Online und Offline auf eine Reise mitnehmen, die verschiedenste Berührungspunkte bietet.“

Sein deutscher Kollege Patrick Donner, TraffiC Online Print Solutions GmbH, ergänzt: „Multichannel definieren wir bei TraffiC sehr konkret und ganz pragmatisch: Kommunikation aus differenzierten Medien zusammenführen. Mit Fokus auf Print, Email, Web und Social Media. Das Ziel lautet, emotionale Erlebnisse herbeiführen, die sowohl die haptischen Erlebnisse via Print als auch die Schnelligkeit und Rund-um-die-Uhr-Verfügbarkeit digitaler Kommunikation zur Wirkung bringen.“ Dabei bildet für Patrick Donner die Individualität in der Vernetzung von Print und Online den Schlüssel für das Interesse beim Kommunikationspartner. „Multichannel in unserem Sinne schafft effektive persönliche Erlebnisse im Gegensatz zu sonst üblichen ‚Gießkannen-Aktivitäten’.“

Christian Kopocz rundet die Neubewertung von Multichannel ab, in dem er auf den Punkt bringt, worum es tatsächlich geht: „Der Kunde bestimmt wann, wo und wie er angesprochen werden möchte. Multichannel ist für mich die Kommunikation mit relevanten Inhalten auf vom Kunden bevorzugten Kanälen!“ Dienstleister seien heute und morgen gefordert, stetig weiter zu denken und sich zu pro-aktiv zu entwickeln. „Das sehe ich als echte Mammut-Aufgabe, da bisher auch bei Multichannel-Innovationen sehr linear vorgegangen wurde: Per Investition wurde ein neues Geschäftsmodell auf den Markt gebracht und dann quasi wie bei einer Kredittilgung monatlich abgearbeitet. An eine stetige, hundertprozentige Kundenorientierung und permanente Weiterentwicklung wurde wenig gedacht, und schon gar nicht als Invest in die Zukunft eingestuft.“ Das Ergebnis kam laut Kopocz dann oftmals in Form schlechter Zahlen. Das müsse aber gar nicht sein. Denn: „Neugierig bleiben und den Kontakt zum Kunden nicht erlahmen lassen, das führt immer ins Ziel!“

 

Hinweis: Die drupa 2016 wird die neuesten Lösungen und Anwendungen für den Bereich Multichannel zeigen. Ein Besuch in Düsseldorf lohnt sich daher!

drupa blog — Multichannel (english only)

drupa 2016 newsroom Multichannel

ValueDialog — Christian Kopocz: “Multichannel ensures relevance!”

February 8, 2016
Basic Topics on Innovation, CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Valuable Advice, Value Innovation
4 Comments

XUG Christian Kopocz Key Visual.001

 

”Multichannel demands quite a bit new from our members as marketing service providers: Focus is on business transformation and expanded expert knowledge on the impact of digitalisation.“ —Christian Kopocz

 

Christian Kopocz struck out in a new direction from being a businessman with marketing experience. Some 10 years ago, he became a multichannel communications entrepreneur and has been involved in his own small companies ever since. At home and abroad, he campaigns for the dynamic development of multichannel services. In his many years as a member of the Board of Directors and since January 2016 as the Executive Director of the XMPie Users Group (XUG), he took a firm stance: Market and customer orientation are the measure of all things, coupled with consideration of cultural peculiarities. In summer 2015, he initiated the 1st European XUG Conference on the topic of multichannel innovation in Berlin, doing so in a very short time using multichannel communication. More than 130 participants came from 17 countries! The response was overwhelming. Bingo!

Interview: Andreas Weber | Click to access the german text version

You have an excellent overview through XUG of highly topical issues surrounding multichannel communications. What is of greatest concern at the moment?

Christian Kopocz: We have been successfully supporting our members for years through the XUG in the use and marketing of campaigns and solutions created with XMPie. Technical implementation, tips, tricks and closeness to the XMPie developer team are always in great demand. Since last year particularly, we have noted increased interest in case studies, practice-oriented approaches and marketing support.

Bildschirmfoto 2016-02-06 um 17.13.39

What new challenges do you derive from that?

Christian Kopocz: Multichannel demands quite a bit new from our members as marketing service providers: Focus is on business transformation and expanded expert knowledge on the impact of digitalisation. Another thing is that access to the customer is no longer what it used to be: In place of or in addition to the purchasing managers, marketing managers as well as decision-makers for CRM, social media, web, e-mail marketing, etc. need to be in on the talks to be able to act powerfully. In addition to time and patience, all that requires the corresponding knowledge, which we will be focusing on with XUG this year in particular. Especially with regard to drupa 2016, the world’s leading trade fair for graphic communications, where multichannel is positioned as one of the six themes highlighted.

How do you personally define the term multichannel?

Christian Kopocz: The customer decides how, when and where he would like to be addressed. For me, multichannel is the communication of relevant content to the preferred channels of the customer!

XUG Neu 01

Where do we stand today as to how the whole topic of multichannel communications will change with regard to the IoT/Industry 4.0?

Christian Kopocz: Fridges that order lactose-free milk from Amazon… A horror for some, a blessing for others. The concept of the IoT can indeed make our lives easier and more comfortable. As long as everyone knows how to deal with it, that is. If in the end, it is not even noticed how and where IoT simplifies our lives, then it has fit in. This requires intuition in the development phase, and particularly when it comes to market positioning. To know what the customer needs and from that develop an application, that is what the requirement should be — not “do or die!” These changes in customer demand caused by digitalisation and automation are clearly on the table!

What are the consequences for service providers?

Christian Kopocz: Both today and tomorrow, service providers are and will be constantly required to think ahead and become pro-active. I see that as a real mammoth task since up to now, even with multichannel innovations, everything was undertaken in a very linear manner: Investment was made in a new business model that was brought to market and then practically, like a loan repayment, was worked off monthly. Less thought was given to continuous, 100% customer-oriented, sustained development and none at all to it as an investment in the future. The result was then often in the form of bad figures. It doesn’t have to be that way at all: Stay curious and don’t let the contact with your customer flag – that will always take you to your goal!

Thanks for the inspiring talk.  Happy to keep in touch and to see you at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf.

XUG Neu 02

 

 

Read as well great insights shared by XUG members:

ValueDialog —  Renato Vögeli, Vögeli AG, Switzerland:
Multichannel turns communication into a personal experience!

ValueDialog — Patrick Donner, TraffIC Print Online Solutions GmbH, Germany:
New take on multichannel communications:  “There is no either/or!” 

 

 

ValueDialog mit Christian Kopocz: „Multichannel sorgt für Relevanz!”

February 6, 2016
CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, Multi-Channel Innovation, Posts in German Language, Valuable Advice, Value Art & Communication, Value Innovation
4 Comments

XUG Christian Kopocz Key Visual.001

„Das zentrale Thema Multichannel verlangt unseren Mitgliedern als Marketing Service Providers einiges Neue ab: Im Fokus stehen Geschäfts-Transformationen und erweitertes Experten-Wissen rund um die Folgen der Digitalisierung.“ Christian Kopocz

 

Christian Kopocz ging als Kaufmann mit Marketing-Erfahrung neue Wege. Vor rund 10 Jahren wurde er Multichannel Entrepreneur. Seitdem engagiert er sich in eigenen, kleinen, aber feinen Firmen. Und setzt sich national wie international für die dynamische Weiterentwicklung von Multichannel-Dienstleistungen ein. In seiner langjährigen Funktion als Mitglied im Board of Directors und seit Anfang 2016  als Executive Director der XMPie Users Group (XUG) vertritt er einen klaren Standpunkt: Markt- und Kundenorientierung sind das Maß aller Dinge, gekoppelt mit der Berücksichtigung kultureller Besonderheiten. Im Sommer 2015 initiierte er in kürzester Zeit per Multichannel-Kommunikation die 1. XUG Conference zum Thema Multichannel-Innovation in Berlin. Über 130 Teilnehmer kamen aus 17 Ländern! Das Echo war überwältigend. — Bingo!

Interview: Andreas Weber | Click to access english version

Sie haben per XUG einen ausgezeichneten Überblick über hochaktuelle Themen rund um Multichannel. Was bewegt momentan am meisten?

Christian Kopocz: Seit Jahren unterstützen wir erfolgreich mit der XUG unsere Mitglieder beim Einsatz und der Vermarktung der mit XMPie erstellten Kampagnen und Lösungen. Die technische Umsetzung, Tipps, Tricks und die Nähe zum XMPie Entwicklerteam stehen stets hoch im Kurs. Insbesondere seit dem vergangenen Jahr verzeichnen wir erhöhtes Interesse an Case Studies, praxisrelevanten Ansätzen und Unterstützung in der Vermarktung.

Bildschirmfoto 2016-02-06 um 17.13.39

Welche neuen Herausforderungen leiten Sie daraus ab?

Christian Kopocz: Das zentrale Thema Multichannel verlangt unseren Mitgliedern als Marketing Service Providers einiges Neue ab: Im Fokus stehen Geschäfts-Transformationen und erweitertes Experten-Wissen rund um die Folgen der Digitalisierung. Zum anderen ist der Zugang zum Kunden nicht der, der es gestern war: Anstelle oder neben dem Einkäufer müssen Marketing Manager sowie Entscheidungsträger für CRM, Social Media, Web, E-Mail-Marketing etc. mit im Gespräch sein, um kraftvoll agieren zu können. All dies erfordert neben Geduld und Zeit auch entsprechende Erkenntnisse, auf welchen wir uns bei XUG in diesem Jahr besonders einstellen. Gerade auch mit Blick auf die drupa 2016, die globale Leitmesse für Graphic Communications, die Multichannel als eines der wichtigen sechs Highlight-Themen positioniert.

Wie definieren Sie ganz persönlich den Begriff Multichannel?

Christian Kopocz: Der Kunde bestimmt wann, wo und wie er angesprochen werden möchte. Multichannel ist für mich die Kommunikation mit relevanten Inhalten auf vom Kunden bevorzugten Kanälen!

XUG Neu 01

Wo stehen wir heute? Respektive wie wird sich mit Blick auf IoT/Industrie 4.0 die Multichannel-Thematik verändern?

Christian Kopocz: Kühlschränke, die selbst bei Amazon die laktosefreie Milch ordern… Ein Schreck für die einen, ein Segen für die anderen. Das Prinzip des IoT kann unser Leben einfacher und angenehmer gestalten. Sofern jeder versteht damit umzugehen. Wenn es am Ende gar nicht auffällt, wo und wie IoT unser Leben vereinfacht, dann passt es. Dies erfordert Fingerspitzengefühl bei der Entwicklung, vor allem aber bei der Marktpositionierung. Wissen, was der Kunde braucht, und daraus eine Anwendung zu entwickeln, das sollte die Maßgabe sein — und nicht das „friss oder stirb!“. Diese durch Digitalisierung und Automatisierung veränderte Kundenanforderung liegt klar auf dem Tisch!

Welche Konsequenzen ergeben sich für Dienstleister?

Christian Kopocz: Dienstleister sind heute und morgen gefordert stetig weiter zu denken und sich zu pro-aktiv zu entwickeln. Das sehe ich als echte Mammut-Aufgabe, da bisher auch bei Multichannel-Innovationen sehr linear vorgegangen wurde: Per Investition wurde ein neues Geschäftsmodell auf den Markt gebracht und dann quasi wie bei einer Kredittilgung monatlich abgearbeitet. An eine stetige, hundertprozentige Kundenorientierung und permanente Weiterentwicklung wurde wenig gedacht, und schon gar nicht als Invest in die Zukunft eingestuft. Das Ergebnis kam dann oftmals in Form schlechter Zahlen. Das muss aber gar nicht sein. Denn: Neugierig bleiben und den Kontakt zum Kunden nicht erlahmen lassen, das führt immer ins Ziel!

Danke für das informative Gespräch.
Wir sehen uns spätestens auf der drupa 2016.

XUG Neu 02

Multi-channel Innovation via #XUG15EU: We practice what we preach!

June 4, 2015
Digital Transformation, Multi-Channel Innovation, Valuable Advice, Value Art & Communication
2 Comments
XUG15EU PURL 1

HURRAY! It is all about me! — Perfect individualized Multi-Channel Campagne at #XUG15EU for all attendees and partners. Created ©2015 by Prindoz, Lübeck/Germany via XMPIE Software Solutions.

“HOW TO GAIN MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION VIEWS VIA TWITTER IN A VERY SHORT TIME? WITHOUT ANY ADVERTISING SPENDINGS, JUST BY ORGANIC REACH? — VERY SIMPLE: BY MULTI-CHANNEL INNOVATION AT ITS BEST!” —Andreas Weber

CHAPEAU! — Hats off! The entire organizational team of the XMPie User Group (XUG), especially XUG Board Member Christian Kopocz, have done a sensational job. Almost off the cuff and within less than 10 weeks, a new international conference was created. The sophisticated and unique conference theme: “Multi-channel Innovation”.

More than 130 participants from 17 countries gathered on May 26, 2015 (in spite of Pentecost holidays) in Berlin, the center of the start-up and innovation scene. Well-known partners supported the effort and presented, in technical lectures and demos, how to pull out all stops – whether analog, online or mobile. The event #XUG15EU was preceded by a comprehensive, highly effective multi-channel campaign which Christian Kopocz, with his company Prindoz, Lübeck/Germany, realized through the use of print, Purl, online marketing and especially social media. Even personal contacts were made across the country as well as several continents. On the day of the conference, participants were provided with individualized print materials, among others in the form of an event book printed on premium materials. A personalized website allowed following the program individually and also online and to rate the presentations and sessions through voting, of which about half of all participants took advantage.

The event was prepared, edited and reworked on all flanks through social media. Teaming up with XUG15EU partner, Value Communication AG, Christian Kopocz developed and realized a scenario which bet especially on Twitter, in combination with Facebook, LinkedIn und XING. The result is breathtaking: 

  • In just a little over 48 hours—from the night before the #XUG15EU until the day after —Twitter alone reached a total of more than 1.5 MILLION. On the day of the event itself, one million was almost exceeded. Note: No advertising spendings needed! Just by organic reach!
  • Of those, more than 253,000 were unique reaches.
  • 980 posts were made in order to comment on the conference and to capture and share its most important results and insights.
  • Participation among the conference participants present was very high: More than 30% posted actively, more than 80% shared the posts, thereby including their specific networks. And 100% of the organizers and partners sent posts and re-tweets around the globe.
  • In addition, on the day after the conference, interesting story recaps and blog posts dealt with the results.
  • And journalists took note as well. The 4-color magazine, Wien, a leader in German-speaking countries, sent a personal letter from its editor-in-chief, Martin Schwarz, along with its exclusive Print-Germany edition and presented, prior to the conference, an interview with Christian Kopocz. Live and locally, the London Output Magazine reported  online (via blog post and online newsletter to more than 20,000 subscribers); editor-in-chief, James Matthews-Paul, made a special trip and was able to hand to conference participants his exclusive, digitally printed special edition, Output One. The technical blog ValueTrendRadar by Andreas Weber had published interviews and comments for several weeks, even had discussed presentation subjects and then documented them in real time (to thousands of viewers from more than 40 countries).

“All in all we can say: What we achieved together represents a milestone, not just for us as the XMPie User Group, but for all innovation-oriented professionals in the communications industry“, said Christian Kopocz. And he added: “This was successful only because we practice what we preach. And because we are successful in not only informing, but also in motivating and inspiring on the highest level on sometimes complex themes that make up Multichannel Innovation.“

Panorama CGGxhHYWgAAEX8r

© 2015 by Christian Kopocz, Prindoz, Lübeck/Germany.

Accordingly, the value of all these communication successes lies in the maximum level of interaction of participants, presenters, partners and members of the media who were involved via social media. It is especially evident that B2B subjects can be meaningfully popularized.  

And not only as a fleeting, one-time action, but permanently.  Because all of this content and these messages live on (and recently also as Twitter news indexed by Google) after the conference ended. By the way: The post-game is just a pre-game! From October 25 to 28, 2015, the American XUG Conference takes place in Miami, Florida. Participation is worthwhile. One way or another! Afterthought: The theses and insights of the final presentation and panel discussion at the #XUG15 EU have thoroughly proven themselves.

The pivotal aspects are:

  1. Multichannel Innovation means: “Discover. Watch. Love. Share. Talk about it!”
  2. Multichannel Innovation assumes a mind shift: “It’s a disruptive lifestyle philosophy!”
  3. Multichannel Innovation links and unifies social/smart technologies and “human-to-human” needs. Because: Needs are the heart of all matter.

To the astonishment of participants, the question of who, or which company, is the “global leader” in Multi-channel Innovation, was answered … It‘s Apple! Why? First, because Steve Jobs, in multichannel conformance, coined the paradigm that success is only possible when the digital lifestyle experience gains 100% acceptance in people’s daily lives. And secondly, because Apple offers the best Web services and online shops, as well as the best brick-and-mortar flagship stores. And almost “by the way”, makes possible the best print applications — from AirPrint to digitally printed iPhoto Books and superb packaging. And all of this enhanced by extraordinary marketing orientation and an outstanding “customer experience”.

Multichannel Innovationen: Auf zu neuen Ufern!

April 27, 2015
Multi-Channel Innovation, Posts in German Language, Valuable Advice, Value Art & Communication, Value Innovation
1 Comment
Auf zu neuen Ufern.001

© 2015 by Andreas Weber, Mainz/Germany. Photo: Detail of original graphic art by Christian Kruck, the Mater of Lithographic Art (Steindruckmalerei).

Von Andreas Weber,
Gründer und CEO Value Communication.
Und stolz, Key Note Speaker #XUG15EU am 26. Mai 2015 in Berlin sein zu dürfen!

Selten verspricht eine Fachveranstaltung so spannend zu werden wie die #XUG15EU am 26. Mai 2015 in Berlin. Die besten Köpfe aus Europa treffen sich, um sich über Multichannel-Innovationen auszutauschen. Dabei steht nicht mehr, wie sonst üblich, die Technikverliebtheit per Nabelschau im Fokus, sondern der Nutzen neuer Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. XUG steht für XMPie Users Group und hat ihren Ursprung in den USA.

Als eine Vereinigung führender Kommunikations- und Marketing-Dienstleister hat man sich bei XUG frühzeitig mit Cross-Media, Automatisierung, maximaler Effektivität und Messbarkeit von Kampagnen über alle Kanäle hinweg beschäftigt. Es war auf Anhieb gelungen, die Möglichkeiten der Neupositionierung im Zusammenspiel von Print, IT, Dialog Marketing und Social Media anzupacken.

XUG will sich nunmehr auch den spezifischen europäischen Belangen widmen. Denn, wie Initiator und Organisator Christian Kopocz es ausdrückt: „Wir gehen mit den Themen auf deren individuelle Ansprüche ein — und schaffen Relevanz für die einzelnen Regionen/Länder resp. den Kontinent Europa. Als XMPie Anwendergruppe sehen wir uns gefordert, neben den relevanten Themen rund um die XMPie-Lösungen auch in puncto Innovationen in unser aller Tätigkeitsfeld konforme Multichannel-Lösungen zu liefern.“

XUG-Präsident Jeroen van Druenen, Niederlande, bestärkt diesen Aspekt und bringt in seiner „A Presidents Note“ auf den Punkt, was die #XUG15EU bringen soll: „New horizons opens topics like Packaging future, Geolocation and mobile driven applications up to social media.“

Das heisst, Multichannel Innovationen stehen nicht nur für die systematische „Bespielung” neuer Kanäle, sondern für die Übertragung crossmedialer Konzepte in eine neue Welt, die von Cloud Services und Mobile Usage von Inhalten aller Art auf disruptive Weise radikal verändert ist. Und das nachhaltig. Das neue Dogma lautet: Es gibt kein zurück mehr. Warum auch, wenn der Nutzen für alle Beteiligten steigt? Rund eine Milliarde neue Smartphones sollen im Jahr 2015 ihre Kunden finden. Pioniere wie Facebook und Google sind dabei sich neu zu erfinden. Und Apple kultiviert den von Steve Jobs kultivierten Digital Lifestyle in perfekter Weise: Die neue Apple Watch, eng am Körper getragen, zielt auf das Social-to-Human-to-Human-Prinzip ab. Und das heisst: DigitaleTechnologien werden durch Mobile Usage beflügelt und zum noch stärken Bestandteil des täglichen Lebens. Nicht nur in der Vernetzung und Kommunikation miteinander, sondern vor allem im Erkennen, Dokumentieren und Positionieren des eigenes Selbst.

Vor diesem Hintergrund lässt sich mit Gewissheit sagen: Es wird großartig bei #XUG15EU am 26. Mai 2015 in Berlin. Weitere Teilnehmer wie auch Partner sind willkommen. Gemeinsam starten wir die Reise „Auf zu neuen Ufern!“. — Siehe dazu auch unsere innovativen und exklusiven Media-Leistungen, die vor, während und nach der #XUG15EU stattfinden!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Anmeldung und Infos zur #XUG15EU:

http://xug15.eu

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WICHTIGER HINWEIS:

Für alle, die ihre Fähigkeiten in Multichannel-Aktivitäten ausbauen wollen, empfehlen wir unsere Analysen und Empfehlungen:

Leitfaden: Von Social Media effektiv profitieren!

sowie das White Paper:

Bedürfnisse sind das Maß aller Dinge

#XUG15EU — “Innovative Multichannel-Lösungen in Reinkultur! Jeden Tag aufs Neue!”

April 23, 2015
CEO Talk on Innovation, Multi-Channel Innovation, Posts in German Language, Valuable Advice, Value Innovation
7 Comments
XUG Blog Post ValueTrendRadar.002

© 2015 by Value Communication AG, Mainz Photos: Christian Kopocz and Andreas Weber (left). Invitation for XUG15EU.

Aus der Praxis für die Praxis: #XUG15EU — Die 1. Multichannel-Innovations-Konferenz in Berlin

Europa-Premiere: Am 26. Mai 2015 findet in Berlin die erste “#XUG15EU”-Konferenz statt. XUG steht für XMPie User Group. Initiator und Organisator ist Christian Kopocz, ein ausgewiesener Multichannel-Experte, der sich innerhalb der in den USA gegründeten XUG für das Marketing und die europäischen Belange engagiert. Es gilt, Kunden- und Marktbedürfnisse zu erkennen und zu erfüllen, die über Cross-Media-Anwendungen hinaus das Marketing durch Innovation der Kommunikation zu beflügeln. Sprich: Nicht eine Botschaft über alle Kanäle zu verteilen ist das Ziel, sondern über alle relevanten Kommunikationsplattformen hinweg die Inhalte passend auszugestalten. Und das mit höchstmöglichem Automatisierungsgrad.

Im Gespräch mit Christian Kopocz fragte Andreas Weber, Value Communication AG, nach den Beweg- und Hintergründen sowie dem besonderen Nutzen der neuen Initiative.
(Englische Fassung des Interviews verfügbar).

Lesezeit: 4 Minuten

Warum ist es aus Ihrer Sicht wichtig, eine Fachveranstaltung in europäischer Dimension zu „Multichannel Innovationen“ zu veranstalten?

Christian Kopocz: Wir werden mit unserer Initiative den geänderten Markt- und Kundenanforderungen gerecht. Zu Beginn von XUG als XMPie User Group, im Jahr 2007, stand für uns die technische Basis der äußerst komplexen XMPie Software-Architektur im Mittelpunkt. Der Austausch unter Kollegen war im Fokus. Der Markt ist aber seit Jahren im Wandel, stets schneller und voller Überraschungen. Das zeigt sich vor allem daran, wie Cloud-Services und Mobile-Nutzung voranschreiten.

Und das heisst?

Christian Kopocz: Nichts bleibt wie es ist: Seit sich traditionelle Druckereien zu Marketingservice-Anbietern transformierten, erforderte der von Technik und Kunden getriebene Wandel mehr und mehr die Information und den Austausch über weitere Kanäle — neben Print, Web, E-Mail wurden Video-Inhalte, Social Media und Mobile Services relevant. Individuelle Lösungen sind gefragt.

Sind diese gewachsenen Anforderungen überall gleich?

Christian Kopocz: Nein. Trotz aller anscheinend vereinheitlichenden Globalisierungseffekte ticken die Märkte wie auch unsere Mitglieder und deren Kunden auf den verschiedenen Kontinenten recht unterschiedlich. Ausgehend vom Ursprungsland USA tragen wir mit der 1. XUG15EU unseren europäischen Mitgliedern mit ihren spezifischen Anforderungen Rechnung. Wir gehen mit den Themen auf deren individuelle Ansprüche ein — und schaffen Relevanz für die einzelnen Regionen/Länder resp. den Kontinent Europa. Als XMPie Anwendergruppe sehen wir uns gefordert, neben den relevanten Themen rund um die XMPie-Lösungen auch in puncto Innovationen in unser aller Tätigkeitsfeld konforme Multichannel-Lösungen zu liefern.

Bildschirmfoto 2015-04-22 um 16.21.08

@ 2015 by #XUG15EU (1)

Für einen solchen Event braucht man Partner und Förderer. Warum und für wen lohnt sich das?

Christian Kopocz: Es lohnt für alle Parteien, die sich entlang der Multichannel-Wertschöpfungskette ansiedeln. Wir erfüllen übergeordnete Ziele. Denn die XUG ist eine Non Profit Organisation, die keine aufdringlichen Verkaufsabsichten hat. Mit unseren Partnern sichern wir die Arbeit und das Zusammenspiel mit unseren Mitgliedern. Wir können entsprechend kommunizieren und den Kern dessen, was wir tun wollen, interessanter gestalten — zum Beispiel exzellente Keynote Sprecher finanzieren, Webinare organisieren, kurz: das Tagesgeschäft würzen.

Sie brauchen also weniger klassische Sponsoren als vielmehr konstruktiv agierende Partner?

Christian Kopocz: Richtig. Wir setzen auf kompetente Partner und nicht etwa nur mehr oder weniger passive Sponsoren. Wir leben Multichannel-Innovationen aktiv in unserem Kommunikationsmix. Und wir sind anspruchsvoll. Daher sind hohe Kompetenzen unserer Partner gefragt, die uns allen zugute kommen. Das bloße Logo eines Sponsoren zu präsentieren war sozusagen gestern; heute binden wir das Wissen unserer Partner zu Gunsten unserer Mitglieder ein. Womit wir wieder bei relevanter zielgerichteter Kommunikation sind.

Bildschirmfoto 2015-04-22 um 16.21.36

@ 2015 by #XUG15EU (2)

Welche Partner konnten Sie schon gewinnen?

Christian Kopocz: Unsere Initiative wissen naturgemäß zunächst Partner aus den Bereichen Software wie auch aus dem Marketing zu schätzen. Aber auch genauso kreative Nischenanbieter, so beispielsweise aus dem haptischen Lager mit etwas gänzlich “undigitalem” aufwarten, dem Papier. Oder Spezialisten für Maps- und Geo-Services. Wir fanden übrigens sofort auch Interesse bei ausgesucht innovativen Fachmedien und Community-Betreibern. Wir hoffen zudem auf bedeutende Hersteller von Digitaldruck-Lösungen, die im Multichannel-Szenario auf Innovation im Print angewiesen sind.

Welchen Mehrwert bieten Sie mit der XUG-Initiative im Vergleich zu anderen Fachkonferenzen?

Christian Kopocz: In erster Linie vereinen wir wie gesagt länderübergreifend die Anwender der XMPie Software, mit Fokus auf Europa. Diese Anwender sind Kommunikationsdienstleister wie auch Industrie- und Markenunternehmen. Hier entstehen Fragen aus dem Tagesgeschäft, Ansprüche und Sehnsüchte. Man trifft sich in einem überschaubaren Kreis, spricht offen, tauscht Wissen aus und findet neue Kraft und Inspirationen für das eigene Unternehmen. Über die unterschiedlichsten Kanäle führen unsere Mitglieder über das Jahr diesen Dialog fort. Mit ihren Kunden und Geschäftspartnern. — Kurzum: Wir sehen uns als XUG als der Impulsgeber für unsere Mitglieder und, anders als bei reinen Produkt-orientierten Messen und Kongressen, setzen wir nicht nur auf Technik-Neuheiten, sondern agieren mit neuen, aber werthaltigen Anwendungslösungen: Klein aber fein, unabhängig, extrem nah am Mitglied und seinen Kunden, passen wir uns den sich ändernden Bedürfnissen schnell an. Sprich, wir erschaffen und realisieren innovative Multichannel-Lösungen in Reinkultur! Jeden Tag aufs Neue!

Bildschirmfoto 2015-04-22 um 16.21.16

@ 2015 by #XUG15EU (3)

Weitere Informationen

Zur Konferenz und Online-Registrierung:
http://xug15.eu

Partnermöglichkeiten:
http://xug15.eu/xug-sponsorship/
http://xug15.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/XUG15EU_Sponsoring_EN.pdf

Zur Person von Christian Kopocz:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/prindoz
https://twitter.com/prindoz

Statement von Christian Kopocz zu #XUG15EU im XMPIE Bog (in Englisch):
http://blog.xmpie.com/2015/04/top-five-things-i-am-looking-forward-to-at-xug15eu-the-xmpie-users-group-conference-in-berlin/