The key theme in the print industry is still the process optimisation and automation – a theme that is the focus for CIP 4, which is once again a cooperation partner for Drupa Innovation Park. “Automation and optimisation are topics that are not only current, but they are also essential objectives to accomplish in order for print service providers to strive in today’s print marketplace,” said Julie Watson, spokesperson for CIP 4. “JDF is the industry’s Job Definition Format standard capable of automating a multi-vendor environment composed of software and hardware vendors. Visit the drupa innovation park to see how JDF can help save time, consumables, and ultimately maximise the bottom line.”

In view of the growing relevance of cloud integration, the print industry is increasingly interested in security aspects. This calls for smart solutions – like those offered by Essen-based i1BOX and exhibitors in the Process Optimization & Automation area. The maintenance-free miniserver stays within the customer's premises, offers a sophisticated system concept and serves as the platform for many applications (such as data and job management, CRM, e-mail, groupware, file sharing and asset management), which can be configured ready for use. “It was important to us to develop professional server concept that allows the end user to use all the features and programs they need from day one without committing their own resources,” explained Roland Orlik, managing director, i1BOX.

The USP of Eggenstein-based Obility GmbH is the simplification of procurement processes. The online-based systems allow both print service providers and their customers to simplify their in-house business processes by sharing print, web and IT technologies. This is just one aspect covered in the Web-to-Media and eCommerce area. This area also focuses on solutions for web-to-publish or web-to-print, eCommerce and shop platforms, cloud publishing and web editors for design/print and HTML 5.

In the Innovations in Printing Technologies area, exhibitors will present key technologies in modern printing and finishing, applications for functional printing, printed electronics and 3D printing and solutions for prototyping, visualisation and workflow. One of the exhibitors in this area is modico GmbH, which specialises in laser paper finishing, UV direct printing on objects up to 150 mm thick and 3D printing.

When it comes to innovative print products, one of the first things that comes to mind is lenticular printing, the only finishing technique which allows images to be printed with the illusion of movement. One of the pioneers and leading names in the industry, DPLenticular (www.dplenticular.com), will once again be exhibiting at Drupa Innovation Park. “The Drupa Innovation Park is an excellent opportunity for us to present what is still an innovative printing technology and reach new target audiences,” said Daniel Pierret, founder and managing director of the Irish company. The Lenticular Award will once again be presented at Drupa, on 2 June.

The other themed areas at Drupa Innovation Park are:

Multichannel Publishing and Marketing Solutions: This area covers topics such as the management of cross-media contents/assets, web and app publishing, database publishing, and marketing and brand management solutions.

Added Value in Print: The focus here is on finishing, further development and the advanced added-value of print products, including innovative substrates, new finishing methods, packaging, label printing and displays, green printing and secure printing.

Business Models: Alongside technological changes, new business concepts and models have an ever more important role to play. These and strategic cooperation and marketing platforms.

Registration details and more information about the concept are available at www.drupa.de.