New Survey Looks at In-plant Software Usage

By Bob Neubauer

Early results of IPG's new software and prepress survey reveal that while graphic design and variable data software are the leading software products installed in in-plants, Web-to-print software tops the list of software products in-plants are planning to invest in over the next two years.

So far in this ongoing survey, more than 20% of non-users say their in-plants are considering purchasing Web-to-print software in the next two years. More than 10% of the in-plants that already have graphic design and workflow/production automation software are making plans to upgrade it, according to preliminary results.

When questioned about job submission processes at their in-plants, a surprising 43% currently say that customers email their job files, place them on the network or use an FTP site. Nearly 57% use either Web-to-print software or a homegrown online ordering system. These results will change as more in-plants take the survey.

This new survey will continue for another week, so if you are an in-plant manager, take a moment now to add your voice to the research. Participants are eligible to win one of three $50 American Express gift cards.

The survey covers Web-to-print, print MIS, graphic design, variable data and other software, as well as prepress systems in use. Questions cover implementation challenges, requirements, benefits and future upgrade plans.

Click here to take the survey now.

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Bob Neubauer Author's page

Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 170 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.

Preliminary Survey Results Show W2P Growth Plans