The hottest variable data printing technology

Variable data printing technology (Part 2)

PPML/VDX variable data printing exchange standard

a study conducted by the "printing on demand initiative alliance" (Podi) organization, which is composed of major manufacturers of digital printing equipment, shows that the lack of unified standards is one of the main reasons that hinder the market from accepting personalized printing. After research, Podi released the personalized printing markup language PPML/VDX in March 2000

ppml/VDX (personalized print markup language/variable data exchange) means "personalized print markup language/variable data exchange". It is a standard for the output/exchange of variable data printing (VDP) jobs based on PDF and PPML. It is based on Adobe PDF and PPML, combines the advantages of PPML and PDF, and aims to establish an open standard for the exchange of variable data. In this way, documents that need to be merged with database information and variable content can be printed with variable data through only one "save as" command in other software

because PPML/VDX combines the advantages of PPML that can encode the layout content of variable data and the openness and reliability of PDF, its use reduces the frequent communication between designers and printers. It can also provide effective and reliable exchange of final format data from one or more sources. This standard enables the designer to completely control the final shape, content and appearance of each part of the print. Even if each page of the print is different, the printer can not only reduce the weight of household appliances, but also focus on product quality, without having to worry about cumbersome processes such as database operation and printing parameter setting

VDP workflow based on PPML/VDX

variable data printing workflow generally includes the stages of concept, development, approval, merger, printing and completion

concept stage: VDP application usually starts with the idea of point-to-point marketing activities carried out by the marketing department. In order to stimulate customers' willingness to buy, the marketing department puts forward ideas and provides original materials, including images, text content and databases. At this stage, it is necessary to analyze the customer data and determine the form and appearance of the final printed materials

development stage: transform concepts into executable schemes and designs. This process includes the arrangement of art, text and database by designers

approval stage: the marketing department evaluates the above scheme, adjusts and modifies it according to the marketing objectives, and also needs to use the database to test the whole application, check the text content, picture size, etc

consolidation stage: PPML/VD generated from the graphic data and database data formed in the previous stage will be used for variable data printing in X format after thermal insulation treatment by 2030

printing stage: use the digital printer supporting PPML/VDX to print

completion stage: post press processing and service work, such as binding, cutting, mailing, etc

problems faced by variable data printing

for those enterprises who want to engage in variable data printing in the third quarter, the first key problem to be solved is how to learn and understand various database products. In fact, the understanding of the database does not need to be particularly thorough, just know how to use the data in the database and use these data to communicate with customers

excel can achieve this function. Before making, the printing factory needs to understand the type of database used, the meaning of each field, and the correlation between fields from the personnel who make the database, and determine the fields to be used in printing. In order to meet the variable requirements, enterprises can hire a computer expert to help enterprises solve various related problems

another problem brought about by variable data printing is who is responsible for the accuracy of database content. In traditional printing, customers can print after signing samples, and all problems are subject to samples. In variable data printing, the situation is very different. Should customers be responsible for the contents of the database? Can the printing factory print directly without verification? Does the printing factory proofread the database? How to proofing printing jobs with variable data? These surfaces are required to have as little resistance as possible between the device and the internal tissue/artery. These problems must be effectively and reasonably solved before printing, otherwise it will greatly affect the operation of this business model

the key to printing variable data is to decide what template to use and what data content is variable. Solving these two problems is half the success. In this process, the database drives the switching between text and image, but if the content does not match the space left, it is necessary to add certain logical rules to the production to restrict the conditions of providing content, which enables printers to provide another value-added service for customers

conclusion

the development of variable data printing technology is the inevitable trend of the development of information transmission networking. The rapid development of high and new technologies such as information technology, networking technology, digital technology and automation technology will fundamentally transform, expand and develop printing technology and promote the development of the whole printing industry. The close combination of network technology and printing enterprises will promote great changes in the printing industry. With the maturity of the market and the change of concept, variable data printing will win more potential markets and have a broader prospect