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Sponsored Content: Why POD is no longer enough. Think Global, Print Local
Across the publishing industry, there has been a growing shift towards a strategy of on-demand, and the disruptive events of 2020 and Covid-19 have only accelerated these changes. Done correctly, incorporating an on-demand model can drive efficiencies of time and cost to both publishers and their end users, wherever they or you are located.
Three things to consider: supply chains, environmental concerns and cloud-based solutions
Download the e-book: thinking globally, printing locally.
Publishers’ traditional supply chains are well suited for managing their main catalogues and bestselling titles, which can be forecasted with relative accuracy. But there is an argument that existing supply chain relationships are not fast enough or resilient enough to give you "on-demand" capabilities. For publishers looking to expand operations into new markets, identifying and gaining access to new suppliers is an undertaking that takes time and effort, but is essential in order to succeed.
Secondly, with global health an increasing concern, the environmental impact of their business is one of the most important considerations for publishers. Major publishers are turning towards greener practices, with HarperCollins and Hachette Livre, among others, making notable strides in the past few years.
On-demand publishing can have huge environmental benefits for small to medium-sized publishers too. For starters, on-demand printing can reduce waste drastically, while printing closer to the end-user can reduce shipping costs and lower the publisher’s carbon footprint.
Thirdly, the constant evolution of printer capabilities and cloud solutions mean that both publishers and suppliers can struggle to keep up with the latest technology. Publishers that have a diverse set of printing needs will require suppliers with access to the latest technology, or they’ll risk lost stock, unfulfilled SLAs or cancelled contracts. Ensuring consistency of print quality from one location to another, across a global network of production partners, is no mean feat. What publishers need is a solution that can provide proven quality at scale, from the smallest demand in one region to multi-region, multi-format printing.
How HP is well placed to help the publishing industry
Publishers that cater to a variety of markets and a multinational audience have historically required localised solutions to execute their localised strategies. These relationships can take years of experience and know-how to establish, secure and flourish. And as you will well know, these working relationships are always at the mercy of external forces and pressure. To remove the obstacles that are holding you back from print-on-demand, look no further than HP Book as a Service.
Are you interested in learning more about how you can tap into an established print universe and access new markets at scale? Get in touch hppublishingsolutions@hp.com and find out how HP’s print-on-demand network can help you achieve global reach with efficiency, speed and an on-demand responsiveness you and your end users will love.
