Representatives of leading companies and associations in the graphic arts industry will make up the task force. Services vary significantly, but the most prominent ones feature robust e-hubs that provide collaborative tools to facilitate project management between printers and print buyers. Generally, the services enable printers and print buyers to interact through a secure Web site and exchange information about specific print projects. A print buyer can post detailed requirements of a print project in an organized form and then make the project available to selected vendors for competitive bidding. Once a project is awarded, some services feature additional communication and workflow tools to facilitate job processing.
Print production is a complex processes with countless variables for each project.
On the other hand, poorly designed business models will benefit no one and will likely impair the ability of the industry to effectively implement e-commerce. For this reason, we believe that the printing industry needs to take the lead in providing direction for the effective implementation of e-commerce. Printing Industries of America has extended an invitation to the major associations in the graphic arts and related industries to participate in the effort to develop these guidelines and standards. It is anticipated that a number of other associations will sign on to the effort in the very near future.