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 GRLab Research and Consulting Programs | |||
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The Publishing Technology Audit
Keeping up with publishing automation is a full-time job. New products, new procedures, and new enabling technologies are introduced into the industry every month. These new tools generally offer a significantly better way to create interesting publications, but putting them together into an effective production system requires both an understanding of the bits and bytes of technology and an overall strategic vision about the nature of automation in media. The Graphics Research Laboratory Publishing Technology Audit is an in-depth analysis of the hardware, software and operating procedures that make up a publishing production operation. Based on 15 years’ experience in hundreds of printing and publishing shops on four continents, GRLab's approach focuses on the effectiveness of technology in fulfilling the corporate mission. Part of that effectiveness is saving time and money, but an equally important part is streamlining the creative process to make better graphic communications. An audit begins with a comprehensive on-site analysis of people, equipment and procedures from the inception of text and graphics all the way to the completion of the printed page. In extensive interviews with key personnel, hands-on surveys of equipment and a thorough review of work materials, we map the existing configuration, charting job functions, hardware components, software levels and network procedures. We analyze the effectiveness of each component, look for potential choke points, and measure the costs and benefits of existing and competitive system solutions. In addition to the basic equipment review, we analyze production management issues: the mix of work being done, the skill level of the staff, copy flow procedures, peak loading, database configurations and the effectiveness of the links between components. We review typographic and aesthetic requirements and the efficiency of pagination, and we analyze the impact of new tools like desktop color and electronic photography. Finally, we look downstream at the links to prepress, printing, distribution and, ultimately, the reader. As an independent research and engineering firm with extensive industry experience, GRLab does not sell hardware or software. We work with the products of all vendors, examining the full range of options from upgrading equipment to re-orienting production to outsourcing services. As needed, we test our ideas in the Lab so that our recommendations match reality. At the conclusion of our study, we present our findings—including a financial impact statement—in a written report and oral presentation. Publishing Production Audits offer users an experienced outside perspective on technology strategy and a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of competitive products and procedures. GRLab’s fees for the Publishing Production Audit start at US$10,000. Travel, lodging and Lab expenses are additional.
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