I travel to many events as your self-appointed Intergalactic Ambassador! I have started to discern a pattern in the talk-tracks regarding the formation of an independent global print network, based on the foundation that all members are owners of the same print technology.

In theory, this idea is not impossible to achieve. All you need is a group of printers with the same printing technology who could collectively execute client work across countries and continents. There are already very successful printing networks out in the world who do this every day. Cimpress, who owns VistaPrint, might be the best known, but it is not alone. Gelato, Cloudprinter, HappyPrinting and others also have networks of printers who fulfill work around the world.

In theory, those printers who band together to create a network can offer their clients more services in more locations. They could help their clients in unique ways on local levels. Have you ever tried to have an anecdote or expression translated? It doesn’t always work out. Neither does cost-effective shipping across oceans. Between shipping interruptions and the havoc caused by customs-delays, delivering worldwide can be angst-ridden and heart-breaking. Not to mention profit-destroying. A network that transfers files and prints locally could be a solution.

In theory, such a network of printers is a fine-tuned color-management machine. Upon color approval, the network can disseminate the ink settings so that what you see in Denver is what you see in Denmark… every time. In theory, the client’s choice of paper/substrate (or coffee mug or t-shirt) is available to everyone in the network, anytime they need it. The same goes for finishing options: cutters, perforators, folding and inserters are all identical. 

The problem with this theory is that it is based on plausibility and possibility and we all know that there is a gap between theory and reality. If all the parts that need to fall into place are delivered then it works. The problem with this theory is the risk of trusting that all of those parts will fall into place every time. And, it has to be every time. The risk to a business and its reputation extends across all borders.

So, what is a girl who prints to do? 

Well, the global network idea isn’t crazy… and you shouldn’t dismiss it. 

If your goal is to expand your business, you should be looking at network options. But you may have to look at it from 30,000 feet to see where the opportunity is for your business. Taking into consideration that the pool of print customers you have access to is more likely to be shrinking or stagnant, then looking beyond your geographical borders for business and new technology partners is a logical expansion. Those borders can surround your country or surround your neighborhood, but regardless of the boundaries without the proper relationships, you cannot achieve your expansion goals. 

Manufacturers, business organizations and user groups all want to be the central point for the network creation relationship, but their vested interest in selling this concept is directly tied to selling the products, services and organization memberships needed to accomplish the goal. With all the mergers and acquisitions, as well as manufacturers playing musical partner chairs, it seems quite risky to leave relationship development in someone else’s hands. 

Another thing to consider, from a competition standpoint, is why a printer would want to cooperate and collaborate with many printers who have the same technology? Do they all bid on the same jobs? How does one printer get chosen over another in the same city or country? Does such cooperation become another breeding ground for bidding wars and the further commoditization of print?

I just don’t see it going that way. 

The more printers can stand out with unique services and opportunities for their customers, the better chance they have at winning jobs and avoiding consistent price wars with identical technology users. 

Enter… drupa!

If the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the shortest distance between you and a viable global print network is from where you are now to Messe Düsseldorf (Germany) June 16-26, 2020. It is here that you can find new opportunities for your business through partners, products and services not available in your community. Opportunities to bring new printing possibilities home and win new business with technology no one else has or doesn’t have yet.

drupa is the epicenter of now, next and future. Walking through all the 17 halls at the show in 2016 changed my entire perspective on the printing industry. I had no idea how much technology was out there and more importantly that it was rapidly coming onto the marketplace. drupa is focused on the future of print. Print is the future of drupa. And because of that industry-wide spotlight every four years, companies often plan their product development to ensure a launch during drupa. You can read a press release from home, or you can be there to see it, talk to the product managers, and grab the opportunity before your competition does. 

drupa is a living embodiment of global networking. There are presentations and speakers to learn from every minute of the day in every hall. Like-minded people are attending the same educational opportunities that are relevant to you. Partnerships and friendships are born at drupa.

In 2020 drupa dna – drupa next age will launch. This space will be filled with start-ups and innovators who will present new ideas and technologies to the print world. 

If you are one of these innovators, click www.drupa.com/dna-en to apply for space before they are all gone. 

And last but not least, if you’re looking for a place to meet new people from around the world, I hereby invite you to join my global network! The Printerverse is coming to drupa 2020 and will present 11 days of free education, events and panel discussions. We have some very cool programming planned that will illustrate the power of partnership, innovation and yes… a global print network!

Until next time… Print Long and Prosper!