Simultaneously, buyers are beginning to recognize some of the inherent advantages attainable when finishing is taken off-line from the printer. For instance, a system that let's them upgrade workflow configurations as the need arises and, depending on the choice of equipment, the ability to do so with less capital outlay. Another important point is that inline equipment is not perfectly speed-matched to the device it's hooked up to. And while ultimate success for manufacturers of finishing equipment is clearly tenable, Schroeder says that at present economics are an obstacle. Cheryl Chan agrees.
Most binders run at slower speeds than digital printers.
Throw color into the inline finishing mix and the business landscape shifts still further. According to Mark Hunt, it's hard to justify cost when you talk about inline binding and color toner. But printers are just starting to reach speeds where it makes sense to use color in inline finishing. Still, there are other technical issues that need to be ironed out. Therefore, converting functions such as hole-punching, let's say, that can be done inline, save time and money in finishing costs as they increase value.