Print volume that originates online is expected to grow dramatically in the course of the next two years – from 10% to 18% by 2014 – according to new research from InfoTrends. There is sizable growth from a software adoption and print volume perspective in variable data, automated production, and Web-to-print.
Conducted in co-operation with the Eurographic Press, InfoTrends polled 241 European respondents across 14 different countries to get an update on adoption and usage of hardware, software, and services in addition to investment plans and business strategy decisions. Of those that responded to the survey, 57% were commercial printers. The next largest group described themselves as digital printing specialists. Other types of companies, like quick printer/copy shops, transaction/direct mail printers, in-house sites, and marketing companies with printing services represent a relatively small share.
“The printing industry is changing at a rapid pace which is driven by new production technology as well as changes in demand and competition from other media for time and money,” said Ralf Schlozer, director of InfoTrends. “As a result, the number of printing companies declined sharply since 2000. Printers will need to adapt to the changing market conditions and take the appropriate steps with their investment plans, strategies, and general opinion of how they look at industry trends.”