Research

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Print Media Distribution: Process, Profitability, and Challenges

Area: Processes, Productivity, and Profitability
Document # PICRM-2006-01

Today the distribution of printed media is viewed as a value added or ancillary service. Ancillary services have been identified as a key printing industry growth opportunity in a recent PIA/GATF report (Davis & Gleeson, 2005). Distribution is a customer service offering that starts when the job is scheduled. Efficient distribution involves the use of market expertise to negotiate freight rate and logistics services, routing, and overall compilation or management and organization of products and distribution. Other aspects of distribution include warehousing, shipping, inventory management, fulfillment and kit packing.

The objectives for Phase Two of this research project were to:

• Highlight the importance of print media distribution as part of the print production process,


• Gain a clearer understanding of the costs and profitability of distribution for graphic communications companies,


• Develop a graphical model of select distribution applications, and


• Document solutions utilized to address key distribution challenges.

Four printing companies that offer distribution services participated in this phase of the research study. The participants were asked ten questions about distribution workflow, challenges, profitability, and future trends within their companies as well within the printing industry as a whole.

Download the full monograph.

Tags: print media distribution print production workflow

Author

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Twyla J. Cummings, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean, College of Imaging Arts & Sciences
Rochester Institute of Technology

Author

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Maria N. Cummings
Graduate Student, School of Print Media
Rochester Institute of Technology

Author

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Bernice A. LeMaire

Rochester Institute of Technology