Imagine a company orders a large volume of the same document.
The document is produced, stored in a warehouse and then re-ordered through a “pick and pack” delivery service to a location of their choice.
The document could be any type of publication e.g. reports, brochures, leaflets, etc.
Why order a large volume? Because the prevailing thought is it’s “cheap”.
But then something changes and the document falls out of date – new legislation, change of phone number, change of staff, outlet closure, new outlet opens.
What happens to the stored stock? Disposed of as waste (hopefully recycled) and a new order of “cheap” stock is made. And so the cycle continues.
Enter Print on Demand and Web2Print services which are both on-line print ordering solutions - normally with a modern digital printer attached.
You upload your document in a “print ready” electronic format (often PDF) and then order only the volume you need and get it delivered to where you want.
If a change to the document is needed you could change the document on-line and create a new version or create a new version off-line and upload it.
Again you only order what you need but now you are using the new updated version. No waste and you only pay for what you want, when you need it.
More efficient, more streamlined, faster and definitely greener. And if you go to the right supplier and it can be reasonably “cheap” too.
Sounds a pretty good idea doesn’t it?
You would think so, wouldn't you? I've just discovered 4,800 brochures because it was 'cheaper' to buy in bulk. Now the ruddy thing needs updating. I should have run round during the Fringe giving them to any unsuspecting Festival goer. Another opportunity missed :o(
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