ProStream 1000
A new breed of fast, high-productivity continuous feed inkjet printer combining the vibrant colours of offset with the variable-data versatility of digital printing.
CASE STUDY
Embracing digital print for book lifecycle management
Objective
To transfer a significant percentage of all production from offset to on-demand printing with a view towards shorter-runs and improved book lifecycle management in the future.
Approach
Otava invested in two inkjet solutions and business development expertise enabling optimisation of its supply chain and the flexibility to restructure production and sales processes to stay ahead of the curve.
Challenges
• Offset making short runs inefficient
• 30% of printed books being wasted
• Maintaining offset-like quality
Achievements
• Improved forecasting
• Less inventory storage
• Reduced delivery times (15 to 5 days)
• Same media on both offset and digital
Marko Silventoinen,We’ve been very impressed with the reliability of the ColorStream and ProStream. They require very little operator intervention.
Managing Director, Otava
A first step from offset to on-demand
Formed in 1906, Otava Book Printing Ltd. is a subsidiary of major Finnish media house, Otava Group which ranks among the top three publishers in the country. Otava Book Printing produces more than 600 new titles annually, ranging from soft to hard cover books, fictional and non-fictional, to educational materials for retailers across Finland.
Marko Silventoinen, Managing Director, Otava Book Printing explains: “Although we are seeing an increase in the number of orders, print runs are getting smaller all the time. There are now fewer titles that need more than 10,000 copies printed. That is why we invested in the latest digital inkjet print technology from Canon.”
Short runs = less time and less waste
Shorter print runs have meant that Otava has also been able to benefit from shorter delivery times. Since the installation of Canon’s technology, delivery times are down from 15 days for a hardback book and 10 days for a softback book to three to six days. The long-term goal is to reduce this to 48 hours, through investments in integrated workflow solutions to automate post-production processes.
Otava has also found that digital technology has made the forecasting process easier for its book stores. “We have invested in book lifecycle management software that uses real-time data to trigger re-prints when stock levels are low. This also helps us to forecast better for future demands. Our ideal future would be one in which every book we produce is already sold,” Silventoinen explains.
A key goal for Otava was to be able to use the same media in digital production as with offset, without compromising the quality or productivity. Canon was the only digital print provider that could offer this.
An invaluable Partnership
Commenting on Otava’s partnership with Canon, Silventoinen says: “With our staff having no prior knowledge of operating digital print technology, Canon provided training to support us, making the transition from offset perfectly seamless.”
He concludes, “When we were looking to take our first step into digital print, we weren’t just looking for a technology provider, but a partner we can trust. Canon has definitely proved to be the right partner for our business needs. We’re excited to work with Canon on seamlessly integrating automated end-to-end workflows which will help turn our vision of on-demand production into a reality.”
Marko Silventoinen,It’s vital that our customers can’t tell the difference and both the ColorStream and ProStream offer offset-like quality for all prints.
Managing Director, Otava
Related solutions/products
ColorStream 6000
Versatile inkjet web press combining outstanding quality and flexibility for the efficient and reliable production of mail, publishing and commercial applications.
PRISMAproduction
High performance workflow and output management system for transactional, direct mail and graphic arts environments.
Transform your business with digital book printing