The Dscoop Podcast

Several Dscoop members are making bold moves in these uncertain times, including investing in new equipment and technology. Three of them shared their experiences during a global online Idea Xchange session. Here is the session recording, and you'll want to stay for the lively Q&A at the end. You can also ask your own questions in the comments field, and we'll make sure to get you answers:

PSPs from different parts of the world -- David Bennett of Bennett Graphics in the USA, Vincenzo Cirimele of PressUp in Italy and Joris Bosch of Wihabo in the Netherlands -- spoke candidly about why they decided to make investments and upgrades even during tough economic times. They also shared how those moves affected their businesses in 2020 and what they anticipate for 2021.

David Bennett Recognized Need & Opportunity

"We feel like in these difficult times, making investments helps us gain space between us and our competition," David said. He realized Bennett Graphics needed more capacity to handle direct mail and other time-sensitive projects, and wanted to replace an HP Indigo 10K Digital Press with a new HP Indigo 100K Digital Press.

He discussed the move with his internal leadership team, HP leaders, key clients and others. Bennett Graphics installed the new press in March, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in the US.

At that point, Bennett Graphics was five months into its current fiscal year, and on pace for record sales. But all of its main business segments "got hit pretty hard" at the beginning of the pandemic, David shared. That included digital print, which accounts for 53% of the PSP's annual business.

But David has always believed in the value of being forward-thinking and progressive, and says the investment in the new press is starting to pay off.It has been a "true workhorse" that has helped Bennett Graphics' output get "almost back to pre-COVID levels," he said. "It just eats the jobs up."

David said he appreciated how easily and quickly HP installed the new press, as well as how efficiently HP handled in-house training of Bennett Graphics' production team.

TAKE-AWAY TIP FOR PSPs: Before making a bold move, communication is critical with internal teams and clients. Make sure all key stakeholders are aligned and understand why the investment will matter in the future, not just today. 

Vincenzo Cirimele Gained Stability & Productivity

Vincenzo of PressUp in Italy echoed David's comment about the ease of installation of the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press, which the PSP installed in October 2019. The company runs about 5,000 jobs daily and is focused on increasing its digital print technology and capabilities, he said.

Vincenzo said he expects PressUp to invest more in digital technology over the next two or three years. His team focused on two main requirements when making the move to the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press -- stability and productivity. "If you print lots of jobs every day, every hour, it's important to have a stable machine," Vincenzo said. The press prints up to 6,000 sheets per hour.

Vincenzo said PressUp is pleased with its bold decision, and the new press is now running on three shifts. "Slowly, day by day" the company is seeing "positive momentum," he said.

Vincenzo pointed to HP's technical and support teams for helping PressUp with rigorous testing of coated and uncoated papers, jobs of different run lengths, and other aspects that made the transition seamless. "The machine is essentially plug-and-play," he said.

TAKE-AWAY TIP FOR PSPs: Before making a bold move like investing in new technology, make sure you define your company's key requirements -- the one or two benefits the investment needs to deliver for the move to make sense fiscally. 

Joris Bosch Capitalized on Demand for Short-Run, Personalized Pieces 

In the Netherlands, much of Wihabo's recent work has come from clients wanting short-run, personalized pieces. Instead of conventional run lengths, Joris says, his team is handling more work for "63 unique pieces, 45 unique pieces... lower volumes and smaller customized jobs."

Joris and his team continually seek new ways to deliver communication that makes an impact. Wihabo wants to make "special" printing feel normal to clients, and that spirit led the PSP to make the first commercial installation of the Indigo 100K Digital Press.

Volume at Wihabo had been growing before this spring when COVID-19 hit, and even as the pandemic grew, Joris and his team felt a need to explore ways to deliver unique solutions to customers. "We don't stay still," he said. "We go further."

The transition to the new press was complicated a bit by the cancellation of a pre-Drupa event in Israel, but over the past few months Wihabo "constantly focused on how we can do this -- how to manage for smooth installation," Joris said. Success required close communication with his team and HP, he said, adding, "When you work together, you grow."

The pandemic hasn't diminished Joris' expectations for the future of digital print. In fact, Wihabo is "getting close to fully digital," and is likely to halt offset production soon except for special projects and circumstances.

TAKE-AWAY TIP FOR PSPs: When you want to make a bold move for future growth but current issues aren't cooperating (COVID-19 is a great example), keep your "eyes on the horizon," as Joris said during the session. It might be worth dealing with short-term challenges to reap long-term gains. 

Around the World, Dscoop PSPs Are Helping Each Other

Since COVID-19 began, Dscoop PSPs have banded together to share open and honest communication about how the pandemic has affected their businesses.

Part of Dscoop's role is to foster that level of peer-to-peer knowledge, no matter the economic climate. During this uncertain, stressful time for us all, the more we can all learn from each other, the better.

That's why these Idea Xchanges are well-attended and much-appreciated by attendees. They're gaining great practical ideas from each other. 

That idea-sharing and comes not just from panelists, but also from attendees who come to sessions ready to listen, learn, ask questions and share their own thoughts.

TAKE-AWAY TIP FOR PSPs: If your business hasn't reached pre-pandemic levels, use some of this "COVID pause" time to consider what process changes your team can make so it's better prepared to help clients in 2021. Here's a recent Dscoop webinar t hat might help. And here's another one.

It's not an easy time to be a company owner or manager -- changes are occurring quickly and dramatically for your team and your business. If you're feeling uneasy today, you're not alone!

The leader of the session is Davide Medri, a senior training consultant with a long history of experience working with Graphic Arts firms and many other businesses.

As Davide says, we are living in a "VUCA" world of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. He presented ways to best manage change through that uneasy landscape, including ideas on how to communicate with employees and clients who have their own confusion and fears.

Listen to this episode and learn...

• Key success factors for managing change during COVID-19
• Digital tools that support decision-making and business growth
• New ways to communicate with employees and customers (many of whom have confusion and fear)

You'll leave this session feeling more flexible and more ready to handle change during this disruptive time.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com

The COVID-19 crisis has led to seven "megatrends," according to HP's Victoria Andersen, and she says digital print is ideally positioned to address many of those trends for brands. The slide she presents at the 49:10 mark of this episode was a highlight of the second APJ Town Hall discussion.

Andersen, HP Indigo Regional Brand Innovation & Sustainability Lead, shared insight about today’s best branding and sustainability practices during the Town Hall. The session was organized after Dscoop received great feedback from members who attended the first APJ Town Hall discussion.

The "Ask Us Anything" Town Halls, which have been held in all three global Dscoop regions, are a great way for printers to ask questions, talk openly and gain ideas. Perhaps more than ever, now is the time to learn from printers and partners in the Dscoop community. Here's a roundup of ideas presented across all regions during Town Hall sessions.

In the video recording above, Oran Sokol, former GM of HP's Asia Pacific Graphics Industrial Business, kicked off the forum and thanked Dscoop members for their support over the past few years. "I assure you all I'm still very much involved in the Industrial Business, and will be a strong supporter and advocate for [print business in] Asia."

Oran then introduced Arnon Goldman, his successor in the GM role. Many printers in the APJ region already know Arnon, who has 24 years of industry experience. He shared his close connection and history with Dscoop, which began in 2010 at the Dscoop 5 event in Dallas. He told the audience he has always appreciated the ideas and energy of the APJ print community.

Here are highlights of the Town Hall, with time markers noted:

16:10 mark of the video: Arnon says that overall, HP has focused on two main things since the start of the pandemic: (1) providing support through activities such as providing laptops and more to communities, and (2) helping printers evolve and grow through activities such as customized HP Indigo demos, education about converting equipment to produce PPE items and more.

20:30 mark of the video: Arnon talks about how and why HP restructured its Graphics business and formed a new global business unit called Personalization Industrial Business (or PIB for short). It involves 3-D printing technology, a heavy focus on personalization and other facets that can Dscoop members innovate.

26:30 mark of the video: Oran encourages APJ members to broaden their target applications beyond main product areas. The pandemic has taught us that "printers with a more diverse range of applications have a stronger position" today, he said. "Flexibility and building a broader base is the secret [for increased resiliency] -- it doesn't happen overnight but each of you can think about what else you can do with what you have, with little investment."

39:30 mark of the video: Victoria cites statistics from the International Monetary Fund that show an expected stalled growth and output declines for Asia in 2020. Total business growth in China is expected to be 1.2% this year after growing 6.1% in 2019.

49:10 mark of the video: Victoria presents a slide on seven "megatrends" and how digital printing is able to address each:

1. Businesses are shifting from optimization to agility and speed
2. Companies will organize around the customer
3. Global supply chains will restructure around maximum efficiency
4. More online shoppers and more online stores will appear
5. Trust and purpose matter more than ever
6. Authentic human connections will redefine commerce
7. Opportunity to re-establish brand loyalty

This second APJ Town Hall proved to be a great way for members in the region to hear HP updates, share ideas and gain real-world advice.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com

The world is undergoing huge changes as the pandemic affects everything in our lives and livelihood. In order for business leaders to support their employees, they have to make huge changes, too. Listen to the Dscoop Podcast with our guest, Executive Coach Beth Miller, to learn the hits, misses and trends that she’s seeing in leadership today.

You’ll hear:

• The three biggest shifts in leadership
• New ways to improve communications with and among your team
• The best question you can ask employees now
• Which leadership characteristics are critical for success today?
• What to say and do when you don’t have all the answers
• Should you have a Town Hall meeting?
• Employee input vs. output – what should you focus on?
• Roadblocks to your future recovery
• And more actionable insights!

The Dscoop Podcast is another great way to bring education to our Dscoop community members, and to foster connection, conversation and collaboration. You’ll find helpful, candid interviews with printers, partners, industry experts, business leaders, innovators, and more. We also air sessions from our previous and current educational webinars and Dscoop Edge events that you can stream anytime.

Beth Miller is a sought-after executive coach and founder of Executive Velocity , a talent strategy, leadership development and executive coaching firm. She's also the previous chair of Vistage International -- the world's largest executive coaching and peer advisory organization that brings together leaders to learn and grow.

As a coach, advisor and consultant, Beth works with people and businesses that want to build their leadership capacity and ensure their employees are in the right roles doing the right things to drive profitable business growth. She also helps leaders plan for and successfully exit their companies while leaving a positive legacy for their employees and communities. During COVID-19, she's been working with a lot of organizations to help them pause, regroup, and re-focus on employees, business, leadership, and customers. You'll find what she has to say fresh and extremely relevant. Follow Beth on LinkedIn and send any questions you might have for her to [email protected] . We'll make sure to get her answer to you!

For more information visit dscoop.com

Many PSPs are leaning on each other during these uncertain times, seeking opportunities to listen, share ideas and ask for guidance. That’s exactly what happened in this excellent Idea Xchange held for Dscoop members in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.

Idea Xchange EMEA attendees asked questions and received advice from colleagues who are entering new markets and making other moves to grow. The lively, valuable discussion was led by Jon Tolley, Owner of Prime Print Group and a former Dscoop Board Member; Marcus Kalle, Managing Partner of Abcdruck GmbH; and Erwin Koerts, Technical Director at Drukkerij Aeroprint.

They talked openly about different ways to stay agile and pivot during this stressful time, and took time to share their personal experiences to help others. Attendees heard great anecdotes on the ups and downs of business, and practical advice for entering new markets, taking risks to invest in new technology and more.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com

Through this unprecedented time, PSPs have shown undeniable innovation, creativity and collaboration. In this webinar recording, you'll see -- and learn from -- innovative print applications, business models and creative strategies from around the world.

Presenter Vivian Cohen Leisorek, Head of Customer Business Development for HP Indigo, believes that a critical component of HP’s commitment to constant innovation is showing the progress of its products and solutions, from concept, to development, to successful use by customers. 

In the video Vivian shows how today’s environment is raising the bar on innovation.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com

As the pandemic continues -- and after it's over -- here is what printers need to know now regarding employee communication, engagement activities, retention, talent attraction and branding.

Three HR experts at HP Inc. delivered great insight in the webinar:

• Sowjanya Reddy, Head of Human Resources, Greater Asia
• Shelly Raipal, Head of Human Resources, Singapore
• Talleah Teo, Talent Acquisition Director, Greater Asia, China & India

They fielded interesting, pre-submitted questions from viewers, including "How can we screen candidates effectively without meeting in person?" and "I want to restructure my current business model to attract the younger generation. What are important elements to attract the right talent"?

The webinar was a great opportunity for PSPs in the APJ region to learn useful HR tips from experienced pros.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com

During times like these, open and honest communication among Dscoop community members is invaluable. That's exactly what happened at this online discussion and Q&A for members in the Americas region.

The "Ask Me Anything" session was guided by Kirk McLean, General Manager--HP Industrial GTM. He has been at HP since 2016 and has been in the print industry for nearly 30 years.

"Change is the only thing we're certain about," Kirk says in the video, after sharing news about HP's current strategy. "In every crisis, there's opportunity. There are a ton of things we've learned about ourselves, about the business and where the business could go. There's time to hit reset... and position ourselves to be even stronger when we come out of the crisis."

Attendees had the opportunity to submit questions before the session and also during it. Kirk begins fielding those questions at the 22:10 mark -- the interesting, wide-ranging Q&A accounts for the majority of the session.

These town hall-style sessions are an excellent chance for Dscoop members share concerns and issues as you continue to support clients, employees and the future of your business.

For more information and the full video replay of the webinar visit dscoop.com

Whether you're working from home or re-entering your workplace, the pandemic has taken a toll on our energy. In this video, speaker and author Chris Baréz-Brown, founder of Upping Your Elvis, reveals innovative approaches to help keep your creativity and motivation high while achieving bottom-line goals.

The way we're working is changing at warp-speed, Chris points out, and printers can view the current business climate as an opportunity to grow and come out stronger and more innovative.

That transformation can start with some of Chris' inventive, gamified methods to connecting with others and tapping into your creativity. As he explains in the video, work can be more human, creative and fun.

It's easy to see why Nike, Coca-Cola, Unliver and other Fortune 500 companies worldwide have contacted Chris to help them with engagement, inspiration and creativity. As a Dscoop member, you can gain value from him simply by clicking on the video above.

During the interactive, entertaining session, Chris says, "The stuff that I'm doing today creates real value in how a business performs because it gets people jumping out of bed every day loving who they are and feeling confident about who they are."

He shares ideas on how to get your energy right during the pandemic, and how to deploy it better so productive creativity occurs more consistently.

For more information and the full video replay of the webinar visit dscoop.com

Colour is Marcin Dąbrowski's passion -- how it's formed, how it's perceived by people, and how it influences behavior and actions. The founder/owner of the company eM and the eM Academy shares his passion with the Dscoop audience in this enlightening webinar.

Marcin's session was a blend of information and inspiration, as he shared different ways colour is produced, described, felt, and used. He goes beyond the properties of colour (hue, shade, lightness, saturation, and more) to provide a glimpse into how colour can help us predict behaviors and emotions. That's important to anyone who works with design, workflow, packaging, and print.

"I believe getting to understand the basics of interpretation of color can actually give us data on how to communicate with each other," he says during the session. "I don't only mean regarding marketing campaigns and adjusting your printers, but also daily life as well."

Marcin explains how changing light, the subject (for example, a blue shirt to a red one), or the observer affects the way colour is experienced. He challenged printers to consider how an observer might react when exposed to a certain colour or print, and then include that knowledge in prepress and design workflow.

Enjoy this session -- it might open your eyes to colour's amazing impact in our lives.

For more information and the full video replay of the webinar visit dscoop.com