Streamlined Publishing: How Canon Solutions America Helped Independent Publishers Group Double Business With Reduced Labor Costs.pdf

Overview:
Independent Publishers Group (IPG), established in 1971, is a Chicago-based organization that distributes books, e-books, and audiobooks to global customers. They face challenges common to small and midsize publishers, such as limited resources and lack of direct access to major retailers. IPG provides these publishers with collective clout and support.

Historical Context:
- Technology shifts in book trade: Desktop publishing led to an influx of new publishers and titles, demanding efficient order processing and data feeds for large customers.
- IPG's warehousing advantage: They operate a 190,000 sq. ft. distribution facility storing millions of books, appealing to independent publishers needing reliable storage and fast turnaround times.

Manufacturing Evolution:
- Offset printing vs. digital: Historically, IPG used offset technology with long lead times and low costs from plants in China or India. However, customer expectations shifted towards faster turnaround times (2-5 days), driving the need for digital book production.
- Third-party digital printing: IPG partnered with a digital printing company within its warehouse, offering ultra-quick turnaround times. But when the third-party left, IPG decided to bring print production in-house using Canon Solutions America's workflow software and inkjet technology.

Partnership with Canon Solutions America:
- Clark Matthews' insights: Attending Canon's thINK Ahead conference solidified Clark's understanding of inkjet technology as a game-changer for digital book production, lowering costs and expanding the feasible print run sizes.
- Benefits of Canon solutions: The latest workflow software from Canon automates IPG's production process, increasing efficiency and profitability while decreasing labor costs.