Digital color presses based on the Xeikon or Indigo engines are ideal for producing 100 percent variable color applications. Variable-data tools incorporate these assets as determined by the rules and data for the application, but the tool doesn't know if it is pulling in the correct version. Poorly managed or lost assets lead to costly mistakes. In the on demand world there is no time for this. DAM systems ensure that the appropriate version of every asset is the one used in production.
Electronic workflow is also important.
Workflow systems, which monitor the progress of each job and then forward completed work to the next stage, are becoming widely accepted in the printing industry as a great way to streamline processes. Ancillary Services Database management and DAM are great ancillary services to offer your variable-data customers. Many organizations want to outsource these tasks anyway, and it is advantageous to the on demand printer to have control over customer data and assets. You can manage them as required by your prepress staff, making their life easier and improving their accuracy and turnaround time. Creating insurance or health benefit books with only the information that pertains to the recipient's policy or printing personalized financial brochures based on requested information is of tremendous value.