IN the earlier days of publishing, after the editing, typesetting and various proof-reading stages, manuscripts were indexed, a film of the pages was produced on an image-setter and then a metal printing plate was made for the press.

The plates made the printed impressions on paper.
Modern technology has allowed traditional publishers to move away from film to electronic file formats, which has shortened the publishing process.

Digital printing is an equally or even more important new development that has had a profound impact on the way Jamaican publishers are able to do business.

With this new technology, the prints are made directly from a computer file without film or plates - similar almost to photocopying.

Ian Randle, president of Ian Randle Publishing Limited, says while it is still more cost effective for his business to send large volume printing orders overseas, digital printing has allowed his company to change its whole business strategy.

"Books which were once uneconomical to print can now be produced and priced competitively," he explained.
Digital printing technology has helped to reduce inventory levels, which in turn calls for less capital output and has led to lower warehousing prices.

"Re-runs can be made as needed," said Randle, as books can be printed in days.
More importantly, digital printing has decreased the risk that publishers take with a product. For example, instead of printing 5,000 books for cost-effectiveness but only being able to sell 390 units, digital printing allows the publisher to produce the number of copies demanded.

- andersonk@jamaicaobserver.com

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