Web-to-Print / Cross Media Publishing

Web-to-Print is the all important issue in media if it comes to innovative Cross Media Publishing aspects. But what is Web-to-Print about in detail? Which print solutions in the context of product information can it realize?

Web-to-print solutions depict a high degree of complexity when it comes to the production of product documents. It can easily be integrated into your Product Information Management solution which describes another important advantage.

Concept of Web-to-Print

Web-to-Print solutions are broadly known for the online production of photo books on the internet that are later professionally printed and for the production and management of business cards. In business environments however its fields of production and distribution are obviously much broader. Documents such as pricelists, brochures, flyers or catalogues are produced with country specific contents in the respective national languages.

Any publication that cannot be produced automatically needs to be designed by means of a DTP solution as Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress. The so-called Cross Media Publishing combines both classical DTP systems and modern PIM systems. The user finds the required product information in the PIM system, exerts it – later changes in document information can be carried out in the DTP system at any time.

Functionalities of Web-to-Print

Collective Corporate Design

Web-to-Print aims to define a central corporate design layout with restricted options for subsidiaries to make modifications as to additions or limitations. Professional DTP solutions are commonly as rarely available with subsidiaries as the know-how needed to use them. Web-to-Print applications are a suitable solution combining the advantage of shared working and the opportunity to provide a central master design and preparation tools for all users.

Automation and individual design

Modern Web-to-Print solutions produce ready to print pdf formats in different colour spaces (e.g. RGB/CMYK). They moreover can be transferred into established DTP systems with a pre-selected layout. Data can be worked on and updated if necessary (e.g. price alterations).
The whole range of requirements is covered – that means besides product information layouts also the production of:

• Decorative pages without product reference
• Automated contents/ directory
• Automated indexes with different values
• Double-page layout etc.
• Editorial, Layout and Distribution

Establishing a new media procedure (Web-to-Print/ Cross Media Publishing solution) means for a company to also introduce new working processes. There has to be a strict separation from content and layout. In the beginning of the process the editing of contents is all-important. The final document is not considered at that point in time. Tasks are product/ article selection and page planning. Staff can concentrate on the core tasks this way: DTP users on design and layout, product managers on product information and marketing staff on elaborate texts for the different target groups.

New Services for your customers

Web-To-Print solutions simplify print processes in your company. But they also generate customer value. A customer can produce individual pricelists, product data sheets and flyers online in an easy and fast print on demand procedure logging in onto your website. Your customers will highly value this opportunity.

PIM is essential

The Web-to-Print and Cross Media Publishing approach facilitates shared working in a marketing driven environment. The correct management and organization of your contents should not be lost of sight, however, since room for improvement specifically in the media and in channels such as the internet is otherwise given away.
In short: Your foundation is data organization: Correctly structured once your benefits are multifold and long-lasting.