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1 | Courses | Lessons | Lesson Description | Runtime (minutes) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | Intro to Production | Brief History of Printing | A fast-paced trip to the past, present, and likely future of production printing. We start with essential developments in ink, paper, and moveable type before arriving at our AI-driven future. | 14:07:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | Intro to Production | What is Production Printing? | Production printing is a huge (billions of dollars) industry, yet hidden industry due to its diversity and fragmentation. Get introduced to the essential applications, six primary types of printers, and the typical components of the organization. | 14:27:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | Intro to Production | Analog vs. Digital Printing | An introduction to the primary differences between analog and digital printing, including strengths and weaknesses. We end with a brief description and examples that describe “hybrid” equipment. | 15:23:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Electrophotography | Launch your understanding of the core printing technologies with Electrophotography. The module covers the technology, equipment types, and applications that can be produced, in addition to suitable uses and considerations. | 16:43:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Offset Lithography | An introduction to the most common analog printing technology — offset lithography. This session covers the technology, equipment types, and applications that can be produced, in addition to practical uses and considerations. | 13:35:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Inkjet | Learn about one of the most dynamic and evolving parts of digital printing in graphic arts — inkjet. The session explains the two major types of inkjet printhead technology before diving into the wide range of equipment, applications, and use cases. | 21:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Gravure | Welcome to the land of long print runs using the analog printing method of gravure. We explain the technology, equipment, applications, and best uses of this big iron print technique. | 11:19:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Flexography | Flexography is a fitting name since it is a flexible technology capable of printing on boxes, labels, and more. We discuss the technology of this analog printing technology, the range of equipment, applications, and uses. | 12:03:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | Intro to Production | Print 101: Screen Printing | In the introduction to screen printing, we review the technology, equipment, applications, and uses. Screen printing is not just for printing t-shirts! | 10:24:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | Intro to Production | Industry Speak: Acronyms & Jargon | PSP, GSM, DFE!? The printing industry loves acronyms. In this introduction to our industry jargon, we cover the major types of printers, a few terms related to paper and substrates, some equipment terms, and essential software acronyms. | 21:54:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | Intro to Production | Paper 101 | In our first look at the critical role that paper has in our industry, we dive into the most important considerations guiding substrate choice. We also discuss the difficulty of categorizing paper and paper weights in the US versus international markets. | 23:29:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | Intro to Production | Fonts 101 | Font is our favorite four letter word! This episodes explains the terminology and important use considerations of fonts and typography. | 30:52:00 PM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Intro to Production | Wide Format 101 | Display graphics and signage continues to be a great opportunity for most printers. In this episode we cover the basics of how the technology works, important considerations in wide format printing, and a framework for evaluating equipment purchases. | 41:58:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | Intro to Production | The World of Inks and Their Uses | Understand how ink is a critical part of a printing system with a review of five primary ink types used in production printing. | 28:30:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Intro to Production | Importance of Print in Today's World | Let's bust the myths of modern day printing. Learn how the industry is everywhere, critical, and technology forward. | 20:38:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | Intro to Production | Careers in Print: Pre-production | A print shop if full of superheroes that get the work done every day. We explore key roles required before print jobs hit the production floor. This episode is for those thinking of starting a career in print. It is equally useful for those already working in print so they can gain a better understanding of other roles and opportunities. | 29:09:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | Intro to Production | Careers in Print: Production | A print shop is full of superheroes that get the work done every day. We explore key roles required after print jobs hit the production floor. This episode is for those thinking of starting a career in print. It is equally useful for those already working in print so they can gain a better understanding of other roles and opportunities on the production floor. | 20:33:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | Intro to Production | What is a Trade Printer? | We define what a trade printer is and how the landscape continues to evolve. Learn how trade printers operate in order to support other print companies. | 20:45:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | Intro to Production | What a Print Buyer Should Know | What is the role and skillset needed for print buyers today? We also discuss how print service providers can work and educate print buyers to build a beneficial relationship. | 20:48:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | Intro to Production | Careers in Print: Outside the Print Shop | In this episode we explore roles in print that orbit around print shops: print buyers, advertising agencies, and print brokers. | 15:09:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | Intro to Production | Introduction to Accessibility in Print Communications | In this conversation between Pat McGrew and David Herr, they discuss the need, regulation, and processes for enabling accessibility in print communicaitons. | 21:04:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Intro to Production | Color Theory 101 | There is a science and an art to viewing, understanding, and reproducing color. Learn the basics of color theory in this episodes. | 26:06:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | Intro to Production | Color Management 101 | Learn how color managment helps control the many variables in printing so print can be reproduced accurately and repeatedly. | 14:07:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | Inside the Shop | Commercial Printers | Gain a better understanding of the most diverse type of printers — a general commercial printer. The module identifies what separates them from other types of printing companies, their customer set, production capabilities, and opportunities. | 10:38:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
26 | Inside the Shop | In-plant Printers | What makes an in-plant different? Learn about the three major types and operating models of this unique printing operation embedded into larger organizations and businesses. | 16:00:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | Inside the Shop | Direct Mail Printers | Direct mailers are constantly balancing the print and mailing demands of their customers while living with the requirements and limitations of their respective national postal systems, like the United States Postal Service (USPS). Get an introduction to how they successfully navigate both worlds. | 14:25:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | Inside the Shop | Transactional Printers | Shh! It’s confidential. Learn why data and security are critical components for transactional printers based on their customer set, applications produced, and need to accurately deliver information. | 18:45:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | Inside the Shop | Publication Printers | Read all about it! Book printing is synonymous with publication printing but this module highlights that there are more facets to this segment of production printing. | 19:35:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
30 | Inside the Shop | Packaging Converters | Packaging is part of everyday life, but how much thought have you given to the four primary types of packaging? Learn why we call them packaging converters instead of packaging printers, and what makes each type unique. | 21:20:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | Inside the Shop | Sign Printer | Sign printers, often called wide format printers, are experts at combining materials and design to get the best results for sign placement. We review the most popular types of signage and the types of ink and equipment that produce them. | 18:29:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Operations of a PSP | Commercial Printers | Let’s dig into the operations of a commercial printer. In this series of modules, we cover the typical organizational structure, including the purpose of the department, along with the respective staffing and processes required. | 14:12:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | Operations of a PSP | Sign Shops | Operating a sign shop is more about controlling and optimizing the processes after printing than before. Learn why these types of shops have unique requirements for finishing/mounting through to installation. | 17:42:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | Operations of a PSP | In-plant Printers | Since in-plants are the dedicated print shop embedded into larger organizations, the sales and delivery processes are typically different from other types of printers. Learn what makes them unique in this module. | 17:26:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | Operations of a PSP | Direct Mail Printers | Direct mail printers are masters of timing and tracking. Learn how they must optimize operations from the point of receiving the customer’s job through tracking the delivery of the mailed piece(s) through the postal service. | 21:42:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | Operations of a PSP | Transactional Printers | Learn why transactional printers are experts at data and data security. While the work might be repeatable or “programmatic” there is a lot of expertise required. | 27:20:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | Operations of a PSP | Publication Printers | Understand how publication printers work, from major publishing houses to individuals self-publishing, and everything in between. Also covered are the unique finishing and binding applications required of some publications. | 18:22:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | Operations of a PSP | Packaging Converters | Packaging converters often operate in a complex supply chain between consumer brands and distributors. Learn how the unique aspects of the packaging supply chain impact operations. | 21:53:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
39 | Operations of a PSP | Control the Chaos of Costs | Printers may not be able to control the chaos around them (macroeconomic factors) but can control how they react to those changes. We discuss the changes to costs of paper, difficulty in finding staff, change in rates for capital expenditures, and the recent energy crunch. | 26:13:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | Introduction to Finishing | Folding | This episode introduces the equipment and methods for folding printed sheets of paper using standard folding catalogs and schemes. | 13:39:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
41 | Introduction to Finishing | The World of Finishing | This module is a general discussion of the many finishing techniques used for the different types of products in publication, transactional, marketing, and commercial print applications. | 27:44:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | Introduction to Finishing | Embellishments | An introduction of different in-line and offline embellishments that can be used to enhance standard printing, followed by a show-and-tell. Techniques range from foils to specialty inks and beyond. | 18:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | Introduction to Finishing | Trimming and Cutting | This review covers the different types of cutting devices on the market today and the distinction between cutting and trimming. | 9:12:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | Introduction to Finishing | Mailing | An overview covering the different finishing processes and requirements related to mail preparation and lodging with the postal systems. | 23:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | Introduction to Finishing | Binding Methods | A visual overview exploring the different methods for binding paper, from saddle-stitch to spiral bound, and everything in between. | 15:31:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | Introduction to Finishing | Converting | An introduction to the different converting processes used in packaging applications with a show-and-tell at the end. | 28:33:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | Introduction to Finishing | Finishing for Wide Format | A look at the major finishing techniques used in sign and wide format printing operations, including laminating, mounting, cutting, stitching, and welding. | 18:10:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | Print Workflow and Processes | Preflighting 101 | Want to head off potential problems with customer files before they get to your production floor? Learn what preflighting is and how it benefits to smoother production processes. | 5:54:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | Print Workflow and Processes | Imposition 101 | Setting page order is a critical function that ensures page 1 is before page 2. But it is also important to ensure that folds do not interfere with the images or text. The critical positioning, orientation, and pagination of any printed job is accomplished through imposition. This module explains what imposition is, essential terminology, and the different levels of available automation. | 12:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | Workflow and Processes | Primer: Software & Functions | Modern day printing is a software-driven, custom manufacturing process. software components help manage the business concerns, while others help with operations and production. For simplicity, we have organized software into four categories: business management, data management, content management, and workflow management. In this module, we review the types of software, its purpose, and examples of solutions in the market. | 26:49:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | Workflow and Processes | Primer: Key Workflow Processes | Printing operations are complex chains of custom processes that may vary from job-to-job. The key to print workflows is integration and automation of people, processes, and equipment, through software. We discuss the four primary areas of production: job onboarding, preparation, production, and delivery. | 30:08:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | Workflow and Processes | Primer: Design Considerations | Designing for print is not the same as designing for the Web or digital delivery. There are creative and business considerations to understand. This module explores the most important areas impacted by design choices. | 30:40:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | Workflow and Processes | Job Onboarding | A significant part of a print production workflow is the job onboarding process. Job onboarding begins when the customer makes a request until the point it is lodged into the business and production workflows of the print shop. This is an area often overlooked; processes and automation can result in significant improvement. | 16:28:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | Workflow and Processes | Estimating, Quoting, & Ticketing | The exchange of goods or services in any industry requires an understanding of costs and pricing. Since printing is a custom manufacturing process, the pricing can vary considerably from one product type to another. In this module we discuss the steps of estimating, quoting, and job ticketing along with the staff involved in these processes. A base-level understanding of cost-plus and value-based pricing is also presented. | 15:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | Workflow and Processes | Preparing Data Part 1 | In the first part of Preparing Data, key concepts about data are reviewed. The difference between public and private data is explored in addition to considerations and best practices for working with data. | 15:00:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | Workflow and Processes | File preparation (Prepress) | There are six processes that may be required to prepare files that are received from your customers. We discuss how those processes work along with best practices and tools sets to accomplish those tasks. | 20:20:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | Workflow and Processes | Proofing and Approval | Customers have an expectation their final printed products will match their original designs. To minimize miscommunications and expectations, printers use electronic or physical proofs to represent the final output. Customers review the proofs and ultimately give their final approval before production starts. | 10:58:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | Workflow and Processes | Digital Front Ends | Digital printing methods are reliant on a Digital Front End (DFE) to interpret any artwork and data files required for printing. The DFE translates the inbound print file format into a language used by the print device’s marking technology. | 23:16:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | Workflow and Processes | Designing for Mailings | This is a look at the design considerations required for mailing. We discuss the key areas of the envelope and barcoding to ensure the postal service accepts and tracks your mail. | 13:52:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | Workflow and Processes | Preparing Data Part 2 | In the second part of Preparing Data, key processes for working with data are visualized and explained. Technical topics like Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) are also covered. | 24:46:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | Workflow and Processes | Datastreams | This episode is an overview of what datastreams are, how they are used in the printing industry, and why they may need to be converted depending upon the workflow and target output devices. | 19:21:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | Workflow and Processes | Tips for Walking Your Workflow | Your print workflow is not static. It evolves based on your customer set, staffing, equipment, and focus. In this episode, we share five tips for how to walk your workflow to ensure your workflow processes are adapting and keeping up with the business changes. | 16:53:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | Workflow and Processes | Tips for Automating Proofing and Approvals | Learn tips and tricks for speeding up the time between proofing and receiving customer approvals so production can continue. | 24:30:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | Workflow and Processes | The Ins and Outs of IPDS vs. AFP vs. PDF | A look back at the key industry highlights from 2023 and what big trends we expect in 2024 for production printing. | 29:02:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | Workflow and Processes | Ways to Automate Customer Experience and Proofing Approvals | Looking to increase customer experience to drive more sales? Want to decrease the time and effort of receiving customer approvals? In this episode we review some of the technical methods to automate these tasks using four off-the-shelf software solutions as examples. | 13:07:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | Workflow and Processes | The Dirty Dozen of Print Automation | Come explore twelve automation myths that may be limiting your print production and corresponding solutions for improving operations. | 16:30:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | Vertical Markets | Education | This module is a vertical market primer focused on the education market: childcare, K-12, post-secondary, and corporate education. Key trends and opportunities for printing applications are identified. | 12:46:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
68 | Vertical Markets | Financial and Insurance | There are many segments to the financial and insurance industries. This module discusses the segments and the key market statistics, trends, and opportunities for printed applications. | 11:31:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | Vertical Markets | Healthcare and Pharmaceutical | Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are a huge and growing market space. We discuss the trends, statistics, and opportunities for print service providers beyond transactional documents. | 12:41:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | Vertical Markets | Manufacturing | There are many segments in manufacturing industries that have print requirements, from user manuals to packaging. We share market stats, key trends, and opportunities for print within this market vertical. | 16:15:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | Vertical Markets | Non-profit | Non-profits come in many varieties based on their mission and charter, but one theme is consistent. Every non-profit is focused on raising money, which is an excellent opportunity for print and direct mail. | 10:42:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | Vertical Markets | Government | Across local, regional and national segments, governments require a lot of printing. We discuss the different segments of government, key trends, and opportunities for print. | 13:16:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | Selling Strategies for | Commercial Printers | This discussion covers how commercial printers approach the selling process including the elements, their strategy, and unique sales cycles. | 13:02:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | Selling Strategies for | In-plant Printers | This episode focuses on in-plant selling propositions. It covers how to best promote the capabilities of the in-plant to generate awareness and adoption within the parent organization. | 18:25:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | Selling Strategies for | Direct Mail Printers | Direct mail sales is covered in this module. it requires an understanding of the clients’ customers and their business cycles to become their printer of choice. | 11:50:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | Selling Strategies for | Transactional Printers | In the transaction print space there is a lengthy sales process driven by contractual and service level agreements. This module explains the process. | 15:59:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Selling Strategies for | Sign Shops | Sign shop salespeople must have an enhanced level of knowledge regarding material choices, inks, and printing technologies to ensure the best selections are made for the customer’s intended use. | 15:29:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | Selling Strategies for | Franchise Printers | This discussion focuses on the franchisor/franchisee relationship and how that impacts the support and training to find customers and sell a range of solutions. | 14:28:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | Selling Strategies for | Selling Print Online | Most printers agree that selling print online through web-to-print systems is important. This episode covers important tips on getting the system launched, attracting customers, and best practices with search engine optimization (SEO). | 27:39:00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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