Pre-media: A 2012 retrospective

Great leaps in digital technology for one, have meant that printers increasingly were looking for more powerful workflows capable of keeping pace with higher speed production and driving output across both digital and traditional printing methods.

Additionally an anticipated explosion in tablet sales in 2013 has kept software developers busy as they look to meet the increasing demand for high quality digital publishing platforms that are optimised for any mobile device.

Others have capitalised on the increasing understanding of and therefore demand for cloud-based technologies and growth in web-to-print services. 

So while there may have been the familiar mergers and acquisitions in the pre-press sector - barely a month went by without EFI announcing another launch or buyout - progress in printing technology has pushed the pace of software development and seen the sector adapt and thrive from that through powerful collaborations and partnerships.

If that is possible during the harsh economic climate of 2012 then, with a smattering of green shoots beginning to appear, 2013 should make for an exciting year. 

February

Esko premiered its latest i-Cut Suite, at Fespa Barcelona, combining all elements of the software for the first time. Flint Group Flexographic Products announced the global roll-out of its Nyloflex FAM digital platefollowing its North American launch. FFEI launched an engineering apprenticeship scheme in an attempt to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists. UPM announced its first print workflow, cloud-based ColorCTRL developed in conjunction with Dalim and GMG. Tharstern launched an entended version of its e4print pro e-commerce platform with integrated Chili Publisher.  

March
W2P expert Tim Cox became managing director of software developer Vpress eight months after joining the company as head of business development. Pantone and X-Rite launched a cloud-based colour management tool PantoneLive for the packaging sector. Agfa reported double-digit growth in its industrial inkjet business, but gross profits were hit by raw material price hikes and fell by 15% across the group. Superior Creative opened its new design studio in Wiltshire, part of a £2m investment programme. Global Graphicsreleased details of its latest Harlequin RIP, Harlequin Host Renderer3, designed to keep pace with high-speed digital printing.

April

Print pioneer and founder of Crosfield Electronics, John Crosfield passed away aged 96. 
Fujifilm revealed details of its cloud-based XMF Colourpath workflowsystem.
Esko owner DahanerCorporation made a $625m cash offer for X-Rite Pantone. Agfa Graphics launched prepress workflow Apogee Suite 8.0 with cloud-based web-to-print platform.

May 

Communisis acquired web development firm Kieon and strategy and insight firm Yomega in a £1.1m deal. Heidelberg and Luscherteamed up to produce UV platesetter XDrum! UV. Agfa Graphics signed up to distribute Serendipity Software's Veripress on-press softproofing system to its worldwide newspaper customers. PODiunveiled a strategy working group to capitalise on cloud computing technology for the print industry. Quark bought UK-based app software developer Mobile IQ in order to expand into cloud-based digital publishing. 

June

Colortrac launched the SmartLF SC 42 wide-format scanner for AEC, CAD, mapping and bureau markets. 

July 

Mailroom equipment manufacturer Neopost acquired software developer GMC in a bid to expand beyond the mailing sector. EFI cited its industrial inkjet and productivity software businesses for a 117% year-on-year increase in Q2 pre-tax profits.   

August 

FMG appointed former regional director of consulting at Ogilvy & Mather, Mark Inskip as European managing director. Shire Leasing launched a finance scheme to help printers finance investment in software, training and consultancy. Schawk posted a $4.4m H1 pre-tax loss due to staff, restructuring and business improvement costs. Pageflex announced that it was cutting 26% of its staff primarily in research and development in a bid to save £1.6m a year. 

September

Taopix commercial director Alex Granat moved across to head commercial activities at sister firm Transeo Media. Xeikon launched its Xeikon Vectorizor software for the X-800 DFE that eliminates operator intervention during the die-cutting stage. Global Graphicsupgraded its wide format RIP Jaws 3.0, claiming an average speed improvement over its predecessor of up to 500%. Web-to-print firm Moo.com acquired personal identity platform Flavors.me for an undisclosed sum. Esko launched its structural design software suite AritosCAD v12, for the packaging, sign making and POP display markets.

October 

EFI acquired web-to-print and cross media software developer Online Print Solutions. Flint Group Flexographic Products announced that it would raise the price of its photopolymer printing plates by 3% from 1 January 2013. Fujifilm unveiled the second generation of its Brillia Pro-VN lo-chemnewspaper plate.


November 

EFI acquired UK-based MIS provider Technique. Quark released a free update to its DesignPad app, a grid-based design package for amateur and professional designers. Wide format RIP developer Caldera launched version 9.10focussing on colour standards compliance. Printing.com said it would boost its online presence as it reported a dip in sales in its H1 results, across the web-to-print franchise.

December

EFI launched Fiery Workflow Suite, a digital workflow for large single and multi-site printers to streamline output across multiple digital print engines. Linkz launched an augmented reality app that tracks response rates to printed marketing. Esko and Espon signed an OEM agreement that will see the Surepress L-4033 digital label printer series driven by a customised Esko DFE.  Web-to-print businessPixartprinting launched a file verification service for customers headed by a dedicated team.