B
eing a packaging and print magazine, it is little wonder that The GAPP
contains a lot of information on technology. The other subject we discuss in
quite a bit of detail is change, and it of ten seems that they are inextricably
linked. When you find one, you inevitably find the other. The question which
comes to mind is, which one comes first? Does change drive technology
or is it the other way round?
Ever since Guttenberg developed the very first printing press, there has been
a clear progression of change driving the next development of technology.
People looking for a new and better way to do things. Technology was developed
or altered to make people’s lives easier, smoother and better. This process
continued at a steady, if increasing, pace for hundreds of years. The shif t only
came about somewhere in the past 15 years where the rate of technological
development seemed to exceed the rate of demand from the general populace.
There are so many new technologies which appear to have no real basis in
human life, but they are here nonetheless.
In printing and packaging, we are being forced to adopt new technologies at an
increasing pace, just to keep up with the demands of our clients. For many printers
the internet was a grudge purchase until it became the only way to communicate.
Now our communications are completely mobile and clients expect instant
gratification with the result that printers are forced to achieve ever shorter
turnaround times, with shorter runs and same-day delivery. The pressure is
on and it is coming from all sides. Change is now at the mercy of technology.
In the past, quality was the only constant, printers produced quality work or they
did not remain in business for very long. Now, quality is just one of the criteria
and, in certain instances, can be overlooked in preference to another production
requirements such as faster turnaround or shorter runs. Printers, however, still like
to produce top-end jobs and good-quality work. One way of achieving this
is through seeing what others have done and trying to emulate or outdo
someone else.
This brings me to this issue of The GAPP. There are a number of articles which
address quality and ways of increasing the quality of print, whether for commercial
printing or packaging. While The GAPP is all about bringing you the information on
the latest developments, trends and the uses of technology, we also like to focus
on quality. It is for this reason that we are announcing our very own Awards for
quality in print. The GAPP Awards will give you the opportunity to compete
with other printers – whatever that means to you – to see who can Achieve The
Pinnacle of Excellence. Read more about this in the magazine and stay close
to The GAPP for all the news regarding the competition as it is released.
Till next time
The Editor,
Mark Norris
Technology and change
Vol 4 Issue 3 • TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGE
4
I
The GAPP
magazine
www.
thegapp
.co.za
