The Loupe - January 2022

Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) HONOR EVERY ASPECT OF hopes everyone had a wonderful PRINT - PIM STAR AWARDS Holiday season and was able to relax. We look forward to the year NOW OPEN ahead. PIM is excited to share new member benefits with you like the pg. 2 Print Industry Outlook (page 3), a competitive edge in Healthcare NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS - (page 4) and more to come WELCOME TO 2022 throughout the year! pg. 4 PRINTING & PACKAGING ERP SOFTWARE BUYER’S GUIDE pg. 5 WHAT ARE PIM MEMBERS UP TO? pg. 7 WHAT IS THE METAVERSE? AND WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES CARE? pg. 10 DEFINING SMART PRINT MANUFACTURING pg. 12 UPCOMING PIM EVENTS & WEBINARS pg. 14 TECHNOLOGY JANUARY 2022 1 Printing TInhde uLosutpreybMy PidriwnteinsgtI’nsd(uPstIrMy M) iNdweewsts(lePtIMte)r

PIM News INNOVATION REWARDS HONOR EVERY ASPECT OF PRINT nominating them for the Creative Professional, Customer Service February 16, 2022 • 12:00 PM • PIM’s Office Representative (CSR), Financial Printing Industry Midwest’s (PIM) Star Awards honors Executive of the Year, NEW every aspect of the graphic communications supply chain, Manager, NEW Marketing from content creation to print distribution in every way Professional, Outstanding Team, imaginable. The Star Award is your chance to convey your Production Professional and Young capabilities to your customers and honor the hard work of Professional of the year award. Nominating is your staff. Show off what you can do! FREE and you can nominate multiple people. This program offers two ways to highlight your company... After all the submissions & nominations are collected, they will be judged and given awards. On June 22, 2022 1. ITEM ENTRY: Do you have a printed piece so PIM holds an awards ceremony to celebrate the printing industry and the work you have done this year. flawless that its craftsmanship should be awarded? Review the 2022 Star Awards Categories (listed on All forms, item entries & nominations are due to PIM’s our website -www.pimw.org/star-awards/- along office – 8085 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 101A, Golden Valley, MN with more details & forms) and submit your projects. 55426 – on February 16, 2022 at 12:00 PM (Noon). Visit The projects must printed between January 1, www.pimw.org/star-awards/ to download the all the 2021 to December 31, 2021 for the 2022 Star forms and to learn more about the program! Awards competition. 2. NOMINATIONS: Recognize your employees and co-workers who have gone above and beyond by www.pimw.org/star-awards/ CONNECT WITH PEERS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE PIM YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NOW ACCEPTING 2022-2023 ARE GOING BACK TO TOPGOLF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS March 3, 2022 • 4:00 PM • Brooklyn Center, MN Priority is given to child of PIM member employees TOPGOLF is a great activity no matter your golf The PIM Education Foundation (PIMEF) experience or the weather. Nothing can stop you from is now accepting scholarship applications coming and enjoying an evening with PIM Young for 2022 – 2023 school year. Please Professionals (YP). Come play three hours of unlimited completed scholarship application and golf with your industry peers. Appetizers along with send to PIM’s office by April 1, 2022. Visit soda, iced tea, coffee will be served and cash bar will be www.pimw.org/scholarship/ to download available. You do not need to be a golfer to have fun. the scholarship form and to learn more. Gather a group from your company and join us for a networking event at TOPGOLF. WHO CAN APPLY? PIM Scholarships are available to students ABOUT THE YP GROUP pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree in Graphic Each quarter, PIM Young Professionals (YP) have Communication related majors. This the opportunity to come together and network with includes: like-minded individuals. The YP group is designed for associates in the print industry who are between the ages • Press Operation, of 22 to 45. To join this group, please email us or reach • Print Management, out to the YP Group at [email protected]. • Graphic Design, • Other degrees involving print www.pimw.org/events/ The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) The applicant must reside in the state of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota or North Dakota. Please direct all questions to Kristin Pilling-Davis ([email protected], 612.400.6208). www.pimw.org/scholarship/ 2

Stay in The Loupe - Connect with us! PIM STAFF MESSAGE FROM PIM PRESIDENT PRESIDENT: NEW MEMBER BENEFIT: PRINT INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) has joined with other regional Steve Bonoff printing associations to produce a quarterly survey called the Printing Industry Performance & Insights (PIPI) study analyzing the performance and outlook of [email protected], 612.400.6203 the print and graphic communications industry. The objective of the quarterly study is to provide leaders like yourself actionable advice on how to more DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: effectively manage your operation. The study is conducted through the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University. Ben Dally You might ask, “What are the benefits of my taking a broad view of our [email protected], 612.400.6207 industry’s outlook as seen by printing firm leaders?” Consider the following possibilities. 1) If you are thinking about investments, such as software or DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: equipment, these outlooks may reinforce or prompt you to reconsider those outlays. 2) If your outlook is not as strong as others’, then you might step back Kristin Pilling-Davis and consider why your perspective is different. 3) If you plan to drive your firm to a larger revenue category, contract to a smaller revenue category, or seek [email protected], 612.400.6208 business from another region, these outlooks may either provide support for your ideas or prompt you to rethink your plan. The reports offer overall findings DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & based on multiple revenue categories and findings per region. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: In addition to the overall industry outlook, our partners at Jones College of Paul Gutkowski Business are doing deep dives into critical issues affecting all print service providers. These 15-page reports examine the overall effects and potential [email protected], 612.400.6205 solutions to some of our industry’s most pressing concerns. In the most recent quarter, we’re examining the workforce shortages in our production facilities, MARKETING SPECIALIST: along with common supply chain concerns facing nearly all industry segments. Sadie Johnson I encourage you to download the reports at bit.ly/printoutlook2022 and take advantage of this newest benefit of membership in Print Industry Midwest! [email protected], 612.400.6204 Sincerely, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & Steve Bonoff, PIM President ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: SAVE THE DATE Cathy Malinowski PIM SUMMER GOLF OUTINGS [email protected], 612.868.6771 Minnesota Golf on August 4, 2022 • Midlands Golf August 11, 2022 PIM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Join PIM and the print industry for an afternoon of golf! PIM hosts two golf outings each summer. The Minnesota Golf Outing is held at Bunker Hills Golf CHAIR: Club in Coon Rapids, MN and Midlands Golf Outing is held at Tournament Club Tom Murphy, CEO, CARDSource of Iowa in Polk City, IA. Each golf outing includes hole sponsors, games, prizes CHAIR ELECT: and awards are presented to golfers at the end of the event. Registration Perry Klein, Vice President, Mittera Group will open Spring 2022. You can register yourself or your team, sign up for VICE-CHAIR: sponsorship opportunities or do both! Come connect with PIM members in Micheal Lane, CEO, Meyers Printing Company the fresh summer air. SECRETARY/ TREASURER: Tim Johnson, CEO, Impact www.pimw.org/events/ PAST CHAIR: John Barnhart, President, Barnhart Press 3 The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) DIRECTORS: Creston Dorothy, CEO, Pro Print Justin Feickert, CEO, Quality Quick Print/Midstates Group Alan Hillmann, CEO, Standard Dynamics John Lynch, CEO, Woolverton Samantha Metcalf, Principal,Clifton Larson Allen Ben Olk, President, NCCO Tim Olsby, President, Graphic Finishing Services Ryan Wenning, President, Priority Envelope Sean Cushing, Vice President,TaylorCorporation John Wallenfelsz, President, Dolan Printing

PIM News NEW MEMBER BENEFIT BECOME A PIM PARTNER COMPETITIVE EDGE NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS - IN HEALTHCARE WELCOME TO 2022 Printing Industry Midwest’s (PIM) newest health What are your goals for this new year? Finding new insurance partner is a first-of-its-kind health plan customers, creating new partnerships, expanding your that provides zero-deductible, zero-copay, and 100% brand awareness? PIM offers resources for you to coverage on most common healthcare services, at use to reach your goals and connect with your target a cost-competitive to most traditional group health audiences by putting your company name in front of plans. Comfort™ by GRAVIE is available to all PIM potential clients, and highlight your commitment to members, with perks you won’t find anywhere the Association. Review all of our programs, then lets else, such as a two-year rate commitment and a discuss how to maximize your PIM partnership. participation minimum as low as ten employees. Two PIM members recently adopted the Comfort by EVENT SPONSORSHIPS GRAVIE plan, one in the Twin Cities and one in Des www.pimw.org/events/ Moines, reducing their costs by tens of thousands of Becoming an event sponsor gives you the opportunity dollars per year while offering enhanced benefits to to increase your business exposure, support the their employees. Download the Comfort by GRAVIE association and gives you the chance to build Overview and Services Guide. Or view case studies relationships with potential customers, suppliers or here. For information or to receive a quote, contact partners. Depending on the event, sponsors are able Drew Engebrecht (dengebrecht@holmesmurphy. to pass out literature to attendees, speak at the event, com, 515.223.6849) or Alex Sandvig (asandvig@ set up an exhibit booth, give away drink tickets and holmesmurphy.com, 515.223.6914). much more. www.pimw.org/pim-health/ EMAIL & MAGAZINE ADS www.pimw.org/loupe-newsletter/ MAKE YOUR LISTING POP PIM produces both printed and electronic newsletters. The Loupe is a printed bi-monthly magazine and the PRINTACCESS WILL electronic newsletter is emailed twice per month. Both HELP YOU STAND OUT reach over 2,000 print and graphic arts professionals. Advertisers in these publications connect with PrintAccess, www.printaccess.com, is the largest a saturation of the Midwest’s largest custom and oldest directory of printing, graphics, design and manufacturing industry, the printing industry! marketing companies in the US. For the past 20 years, PrintAccess has provided ways for PIM members and PRINT BUYERS GUIDE ADS print buyers to get in direct contact with each other. www.pimw.org/print-buyers-guide/ Whether print buyers are looking for a local printer for Be sure to be a part of this award winning book! small jobs or a highly specialized company, your target It’s time to budget for your space in the 2023 Print advertisements will stand out to potential customers. Buyers Guide & Membership Directory. This guide PIM members are able to list their company’s reaches buyers both in print and online—PrintAccess. information for free on PrintAccess. By purchasing com—at the most critical stage of the buying cycle: an advertisement in PIM’s Print Buyers Guide & When buyers are looking for products and services to Membership Directory you can unlock more online meet their specific challenges. Learn more about the benefits. You have access to your PrintAccess Midwest’s printers and suppliers! account 24/7 365 days a year! If you have any questions about PrintAccess please contact Sadie PIM 2022 PARTNERS Johnson ([email protected]). PIM Partners gain visibility in PIM’s publications, websites and social media accounts which will raise Photo Gallery your organization’s visibility among PIM members. PIM looks to our partners to offer trusted access, Video Gallery Social Media resources and information to members. To find the 2022 sponsorship and advertising form visit www. www.printaccess.com pimw.org/sponsorships-advertising/. Contact Kristin Pilling-Davis ([email protected]) with any questions. www.pimw.org/sponsorships-advertising/ The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) 4

PRINTING & PACKAGING ERP Feature Article SOFTWARE BUYER’S GUIDE The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) By Russ Davidson, Software Connect Printing and packaging ERP software is a packaging specific manufacturing software with industry-specific features such as lot traceability, part labeling, and production planning and monitoring. Any business involved in both the manufacturing and distribution of boxes, bottles, containers, and packs can benefit from the advanced features this specific ERP software provides–including serial traceability, UPC labeling, pack-outs, document control, and bill of materials (BOM) specific for dies and inks involved in your packaging processes. Packaging businesses have special requirements when it comes to product configuration and order registration. Whether dealing with paper, corrugated packaging, or folding carton, all flexible packaging environments will benefit from the order entry, price/margin management, and master data management and compliance offered by packaging manufacturing software. Likewise, packaging distributors can benefit from the same business processes offered from an ERP system for the printing and packaging industry. FEATURES OF PRINTING AND PACKAGING ERP SOFTWARE • Bill of Materials: Specifies the raw materials, parts, and sub-assemblies needed to manufacture each specific packaging product. Provides precise instructions on what is needed for each manufacturing job. Takes information from order entry systems, inventory control, and master production schedule modules. Handles your dies and inks to meet the unique needs of packaging production operations. • Inventory Management: Keeps track of all information about the items that your company builds, buys, stores, or sells. Simplifies pricing products and helps maintain the most effective stock levels. Includes lot and serial traceability. • Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Handles production planning, scheduling, and inventory control during a manufacturing planning process. Calculate material requirements, coordinate personnel and machine workloads, and optimally plan purchasing to meet customer demands. Identify capacity constraints and maintain optimal stock holdings in a multi- warehouse environment. • Quoting and Estimating: Generates quotes based on the costs for materials, labor, overhead, and more. Sometimes referred to as cost estimating, this analyzes past estimates and win rates and customize efficiency rates, scrap percentages, and other variables. • Purchasing: Issue orders for services and products by tracking all key order info, including the vendor, purchase quantities, item or service purchased, delivery timeframes, payment terms, and costs. Access exact real-time stock quantities, movement history, seasonal trends, and supplier lead times. • Accounting: Tracks revenues and expenses. Includes modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, a general ledger, and payroll for employee compensation. BENEFITS OF PRINTING AND PACKAGING ERP SOFTWARE Users of printing and packaging ERP software will be able to take advantage of CRM, production management, reporting, and more. But how do these functionalities apply to real-world situations? Below are some of the top benefits of printing and packaging ERP software: 5

Feature Article different needs than a standard manufacturer and will want to implement a software system that thousands of ONE FULLY INTEGRATED SOLUTION printing plants use. A centralized, comprehensive manufacturing ERP software solution for the printing and packaging industry OPTIMIZE THE PROFITABILITY OF YOUR is necessary for the modern business environment. OPERATIONS THROUGH BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE By enabling collaboration and eliminating the need to Integrate your entire workflow, through new job re-enter data into systems, packaging ERP software acquisitions, estimating, CAD and prepress, scheduling, provides a means for better financial tracking and production, shipping, and accounting. The software forecasting. Comprehensive analytics allow businesses eliminates unnecessary touchpoints all while collecting to improve insight and productivity by delivering reliable data from every corner of the company. This will help data in real-time. lower costs and improve efficiency. By enabling sales the ability to access information about Data collected can be used in business intelligence product availability, lead times, order schedules, and (BI) modules, which will provide your decision-makers purchasing, sales employees are better able to manage with enterprise-wide visibility. As your data come the delivery of products and services to customers. to life you can identify trends and simplify complex Packaging ERP software will also maximize economies of decisions to drive your business forward. Due to the scale, highest machine allocation, and supply control. uniqueness of the industry and the roadmap that your customers usually find themselves on during an order MEET EVERY TYPE OF PRINT SPECIFICATIONS process, your customers will feel more comfortable An all-in-one solution that caters to the needs of the when you can better understand their needs. This can printing and packaging industry will undoubtedly need all be accomplished through smart plant optimization to handle every type of printing scenario a customer software. may ask for. This is because the world of packaging includes folding boxes, printing labels, and using different Business intelligence will also consolidate transaction materials such as flexible packaging or corrugated boxes. data and present it in an easy-to-use manner–letting Finishing processes include laminating, perforating, your managers and decision-makers quickly report and embossing, and gluing. Beyond that, there are process analyze on broad enterprise-wide details or down to a stages such as cutting and confectioning. specific criterion you’ve selected. “What-if” scenarios can let you understand the pros and cons of potentially Given the range of finishes, materials, processes, and raising your prices, switching suppliers, and more. even dyes and colors that may be involved, creating the perfect print specification or quote on the first try can FIND INVENTORY EASIER & DON’T FALL BEHIND be complex. A product configurator within printing and ON ORDERS packaging software will allow you to upload all costings An outdated or manual system will slow down your for your catalog–letting you create streamlined quotes inventory process–meaning your employees may be and invoices. This data is also saved for future access walking down aisles looking for what they need. Inventory which can speed up repeat orders. that isn’t properly noted in your stock will create callback problems, as well as slow down your customer’s orders. DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR PACKAGING & LABELING Being able to access up to date inventory data gives you A printing and packaging ERP software is just that– the information at your fingertips customized for your designed specifically for your business. Rather than industry. At every point your job will hit in packaging purchasing an industry-neutral solution and paying will be tracked, and each part, unit, or material that is extra for customizations that will work for your business, involved will be properly recorded with ERP software for many software vendors specialize in providing out-of- packaging manufacturers. box solutions that will meet your needs immediately. This type of specialized vendor will help your business When items are running low, your procurement team will benefit from a development, implementation, training, be notified–allowing them to handle any reorders. New and support team that knows the ins and outs of your contracts and scheduling agreements can be set up and industry. taken care of if needed. Finally, call-off contracts can be used to facilitate bulk orders that will help improve When using software specific to the printing and the long term supply of the same type of goods from a packaging industry, you’ll be using a solution that supplier you trust–ensuring you will never be without the understands your unique specifications, workflows, inventory you require to fulfill orders. and standards that go into label converting and manufacturing packages. Companies that produce labels, folding cartons, and bendable packaging have The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) 6

Member News Chris Bixler Appointed “Chris is an outstanding addition to who have consistently demonstrated to Executive Vice our ENPOINTE team as he brings a commitment to progressive President of Sales, a deep knowledge of our industry sustainability practices across a range ENPOINTE and experience that aligns with of areas. AWT was a winner of the BROOKLYN PARK, MN the direction of our organization. Trailhead Award in 2020. In selecting – November 10, 2021 Chris’s sales leadership and his AWT as the winner of the Journey – On November 9th, Chris Bixler was strong background in building top- Award, the committee considered appointed as Executive Vice President performing sales teams will accelerate the way AWT has expanded their of Sales at ENPOINTE. As EVP, Bixler ENPOINTE’s growth. We are thrilled to sustainability program beyond the level will oversee all sales for the print have him onboard.” which merited the Trailhead Award. This division, will collaborate with the Senior expansion includes customer education Management Team, and will report to ABOUT ENPOINTE tools; an established Sustainability Todd Matuska, CEO and President. ENPOINTE is a privately-owned data- Committee which meets regularly to driven, digital-forward, end-to-end review and report progress; a reduction Having held a successful 30-year marketing agency with full in-house in energy consumption of 50% due career in print communications, print production capabilities, based in to the installation of LED lighting business development, direct sales, and Brooklyn Park and St. Paul, Minnesota. company-wide; and reductions in VOC strategic planning, Bixler has a well- Chosen by clients for its focus on emissions of 25% by integrating a new rounded background in many areas of creative solutions that step outside the solvent recovery system. direct marketing. Focused on driving boundaries, its people-first mentality, long-term, sustainable and incremental and a commitment to exceptional “We are very proud to receive this growth to our organization, Bixler will quality and innovation, ENPOINTE recognition from TLMI,” said Michelle work as part of the Senior Management works with clients spanning Fortune Zeller, AWT’s president. “AWT Team to help develop overall goals and 1000 to small businesses. The has always tried to operate in an direction for the company and will focus company takes a holistic end-to- environmentally-friendly manner. We primarily on providing leadership and end approach to marketing: insights, have made great strides in reducing direction for the print sales team. strategy, brand, content, digital, and waste in all our processes and invested data paired with print production in efficient production technology. “I am very excited to be joining the capabilities, its goal is to accelerate Recently we have added sustainable ENPOINTE team,” said Bixler. “I was growth for organizations. products to our portfolio of labels and very intrigued and impressed with flexible packaging, and we’re positioned the unique agency + print model For more information, visit the well to help customers meet their own and the value ENPOINTE offers to company’s website at www. sustainability goals.” the marketplace. The company’s alwaysenpointe.com and follow it on reinvestment in technology also makes LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, ABOUT AWT LABELS & PACKAGING ENPOINTE a leader in Marketing YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. For over 40 years, AWT Labels & Communications. After meeting the Packaging has been providing high- talented Executive Team joining was an TLMI Honors AWT quality labels and flexible packaging easy decision.” Labels & Packaging solutions for a variety of market with Environmental segments, including: Food & Beverage; Bixler has led sales teams across various Award Healthcare; Personal Care; Industrial/ print and marketing organizations, holding MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OEM; Household Care and Specialty. AWT multiple leadership roles for SeQuel NOVEMBER 24, 2021 has production facilities in Minneapolis, Response, Meyers, PD, and Imagine! - AWT Labels & Packaging is proud to MN; South Elgin, IL; and Hauppauge, Print Solutions. By his colleagues, he is announce the company has received NY. For more information, please visit our known as a team leader with the ability another Calvin Frost Sustainability website www.awtlabelpack.com. to pinpoint and seize new revenue- Leadership Award from the Tag & Label generating opportunities that offer Manufacturers Institute (TLMI). AWT Nahan Announces Investment significant value to customers specializing was presented with the Journey Award in New Technology from Canon in print, technology, design, and retail for companies which have established Solutions America marketing solutions for top brands and sustainability programs and are SAINT CLOUD, MN – November 17, Fortune 500 retailers. Understanding expanding the scope of sustainability 2021 – Nahan announced that it has client needs and pain points are his efforts and goals. expanded its digital printing platform catalyst to creating strategic and creative with the addition of the ProStream ways to impact results. Since 2002, the TLMI Sustainability Leadership Awards have recognized The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) Of Bixler being appointed, ENPOINTE converter and supplier members CEO and President, Matuska said, 7

Member News 1800, manufactured by Canon information about Nahan, please visit things right now to kind of position Solutions America. “This state-of-the- http://www.Nahan.com. ourselves well, and that’s what we’re art continuous feed inkjet press will going to do.” enable Nahan to deliver highly targeted ABOUT CANON SOLUTIONS AMERICA and personalized print at exceptional Canon Solutions America, Inc. provides He is hoping that Midstates is able to grow speeds with award-winning quality and industry leading enterprise, production, sales anywhere from 5% to 10% a year. flexibility, unlike anything we’ve seen,” and large format printing solutions, said Nahan CEO Mike Ertel. supported by exceptional professional Photo: Brother Justin & Matt Feickert service offerings. For more information along with their team and the Aberdeen Speed - With the ability to produce on Canon Solutions America, please Chamber Ambassodors pose in front over 62 million letter impressions per visit csa.canon.com. of their recently installed heatset web month, the ProStream will increase printing press. Nahan’s overall capacity, while reducing Midstates Spends $5M on production cycle times and enabling Equipment Upgrades Case Paper faster speed to market for its clients. ABERDEEN, SD - With a $5 million Launches 2nd investment, Midstates Group is hoping Annual On the Case Quality - Setting a new benchmark that along with new equipment, it is Awards for inkjet quality, the ProStream1800 able to strengthen its workforce and HARRISON, NY – provides a color gamut beyond offset benefit the community. Case Paper is proud to announce the standards on most papers. At full 15 winners of its “On the Case” Awards. speed, the ProStream leverages 1,200 Midstates, a commercial printing Now in its 2nd year, the On the Case dpi resolution with Canon multi-level company, is using the money to expand it Awards recognize companies in the ink drop size modulation for smooth capabilities and create new automations. printing & packaging industries that shadings, striking details in dark tones, share Case’s passion and commitment and sharp fonts. “We’re replacing some aging equipment to exceptional service. With this year’s with new stuff and then modernizing winners, we all can be certain that we’re Flexibility - The ProStream allows for some of the existing stuff with rebuilds in good company! flexibility across a wide range of media, to set us up for the next probably 10 including standard offset coated, to 15 years here,” owner and CEO Matt The 15 awards cover a wide range of areas uncoated, and inkjet optimized papers Feickert said. within the printing and packaging world, from 40gsm to 300gsm. This will allow see the winners and categories here: Nahan to efficiently produce a wider The new equipment includes a web range of formats than ever before, from press, a perfect binder, saddle-stitching, • Advantage Mailing, LLC wins the premium direct mail, to catalogs, self- spiral-binding, digital printing and more. Rain, Sleet, or Snow Award for mailers, and more. Another compelling extreme dedication to making feature of the ProStream is that it can It’s not the first time that Midstates has customer deliveries produce fully variable 4-color catalog made a substantial investment. In 2011 covers in-stream – a new and unique it spent between $3.5 million and $4 • Allen Printing, Inc. wins the advance in capabilities for Nahan. million on a building expansion and new Compassion is Always in Fashion equipment, Feickert said. Award for ongoing support of “We’re proud to partner with Canon their community Solutions America on this investment The $5 million will not go to another in our future,” said Paul Overn, Vice expansion. Instead, Feickert and his • Carlson Print Group wins the President, Operations at Nahan. “Their team are hoping that it will create new Ink Outside the Box Award for constant innovation and support is opportunities They are looking to add consistently providing innovative invaluable as it has enabled us to meet anywhere from five to 10 new staff solutions our customers’ increasing needs for members to the current workforce of speed and personalization.” about 200 employees. • Globus Printing & Packaging wins the All Things Fold and New ABOUT NAHAN “My brother and I are committed to set Award for being masters of their Nahan is an award-winning, privately ourselves up for the future or at least trade and growing for the future owned, direct marketing and print the near-term future here,” Feickert solutions company. Nahan leverages said. “We think we got an opportunity • Hatteras Press wins the We’re the power of omnichannel marketing with the market and the timing of All in This Together Award strategy, creative, data, and analytics for generous work during the coupled with exceptional production pandemic and postal strategies to closely connect brands with customers. For more • The John Roberts Company wins the To Infinity and Beyond Award for offering endless possibilities to customers • JohnsByrne wins Holy Sheet Award for consistent work of the The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) 8

Member News highest quality IWCO Direct Chooses HP and, with the color Quick Vision system, • Menasha Packaging wins In It PageWide Web Presses to they can monitor print quality in real- Accelerate Direct Marketing time to improve turnaround times and for the Long-Haul Award for PALO ALTO, CA — November 22, decrease field errors. having strong sustainability 2021 — HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) and commitments IWCO Direct, a leader in US direct mail “HP web presses will enable us to • Mercury Print Productions wins and other data-driven performance deliver smarter products for our the Full Court Press Award for marketing solutions, today announced customers in offset color quality at constantly expanding press a strategic agreement for the supply of a faster speed, while offering more technology a fleet of HP PageWide Web Presses flexibility in scheduling and mail piece • Plasticard-Locktech to drive the market for data-driven design,” added Ashe. International wins The Green marketing communications solutions. Machine Award for choosing As part of the digital transition, IWCO sustainable solutions The multi-million-dollar investment Direct will be offering clients a digital • Snyder Packaging, Inc. wins the by IWCO Direct in seven high-volume platform that delivers a level of quality, Generations of Generosity Award HP PageWide Web Presses is the speed, flexibility, and relevance that will for decades of kindness and cornerstone of a $50 million investment set their campaigns apart in the market. putting people first being made by the company to • Spectrum Packaging Corporation continue to grow their performance “This bold investment highlights wins the Doesn’t Fold Under marketing business using primarily HP the momentum we are seeing for Pressure Award for incredible digital printing by 2023. The presses digitally printed direct mail that can expansion during difficult times deliver next-level inkjet color quality and be personalized with powerful data • The Standard Group wins the Do speed for a wide range of direct mail capabilities. We are seeing that 1:1 UV What I See Award for setting applications across a broad range of tactile experience delivers significantly the standard in UV Printing substrates such as letters, postcards, higher response rates compared with • Team Concept Printing wins the catalogs, and folded mailers. digital advertising,” said Carles Farre, Think Pink Award for amazing vice president and general manager, work in promoting Breast Cancer “The HP technology upgrades our data- HP PageWide Industrial. “We at HP Awareness driven performance marketing services PageWide are proud to be IWCO • Worth Higgins & Associates wins to maximize the return on marketing Direct’s provider of choice to take their the 24/7 Award for being there investment (ROMI) for our clients, which print business into the future.” no matter what for clients is critical in today’s climate. Our clients value the effectiveness of direct mail, but HP is leading the analog-to-digital “We love to celebrate the inspiring ways want to produce it faster and integrate revolution in page volume with HP in which our partners go above and it with companion channels, so they can PageWide customers, printing 8 billion beyond for their employees, customers, reach their recipients more quickly with pages a month for a total of more communities, and for the industry at personalized, relevant messages,” said 650 billion pages worldwide since the large,” said Simon Schaffer-Goldman, John Ashe, CEO of IWCO Direct. launch of the platform. President, Case Paper. “We’re excited to continue to recognize their stories IWCO Direct, headquartered in ABOUT IWCO DIRECT through the On the Case Awards – now Chanhassen, Minnesota, has been As a leading provider of data-driven and into the future.” adapting its direct marketing business direct marketing solutions, IWCO amid the pandemic in response to a Direct’s Power your Marketing™ ABOUT CASE PAPER shift to targeted marketing based on approach drives response across all Established in 1943, Case Paper is one online ecommerce intelligence. The marketing channels to create new and of the largest privately held distributors presses, including the 42- inch HP more loyal customers. The company’s and converters of paper and board PageWide T490 HD and 22-inch T250 full range of services includes strategy, for the printing and packaging HD models, are being installed over the creative, execution for omnichannel industries. With locations in California, next year in the company’s facilities in marketing campaigns, and sophisticated Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Florida, Chanhassen, MN and Hamburg, PA. postal logistics strategies for direct mail. North Carolina, and a lamination and coating facility in Indiana, we’re High-Definition Nozzle Architecture ABOUT HP INC. committed to being “On the Case” (HDNA) for HP inkjet printing delivers HP Inc. is a technology company that for all of our customers: providing the high quality without compromising on believes one thoughtful idea has the exact paper and board they need, productivity. This, combined with HP’s power to change the world. Its product when and where they need it. For more industry-leading ink formulations, will and service portfolio of personal information, visit www.casepaper.com help IWCO Direct produce a wide, more systems, printers, and 3D printing or, for our laminates division, www. vivid color gamut for their customers solutions helps bring these ideas to life. casemakes.com. Visit http://www.hp.com. 9 The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM)

Solutions Article WHAT IS THE METAVERSE? to become a social platform. Famous historical events AND WHY SHOULD like Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech have BUSINESSES CARE? also been broadcast on the platform. But in reality, the beginnings of the metaverse have been providing new By Colin McMahon, Keypoint Intelligence social opportunities for interaction long before Fortnite became a global gaming phenomenon. In a recent podcast about the digital collaboration platform room, the word “metaverse” was thrown around Players have been meeting romantic partners and even several times. Understandably, this may have caused getting married in massive multiplayer online games some confusion. Just what is the metaverse? Well, while (e.g. Final Fantasy XIV) for years, and it only increased the word is new, the concept is not. People have been during the traditional social lockdowns of the COVID-19 dreaming of cyberspace since the 1980s and, in some pandemic. It is proof that the digital world has been ways, the metaverse is a continuation of this theme. slowly but consistently trickling into our physical one for When we hear tech evangelists discuss the metaverse some time now. today, what they are really talking about is user-driven interactions within virtual realities. I bring up these gaming platforms to showcase an important truth of the metaverse: Form does not While much of the recent metaverse gains have come necessarily dictate function. Neither Final Fantasy nor in the form of gaming and other entertainment content, Fortnite developed as these types of social experiences; businesses should not discount the concept too quickly. they were built for something else. Nevertheless, they The metaverse is nothing less than a new form of found success in their flexibility. By creating developed communication, interaction, and collaboration—a place online digital spaces that allowed user interaction and a where literally anything can happen (provided it’s been certain degree of freedom, both products took on new life coded). and new significance to their users. WHAT THE METAVERSE MEANS FOR These days, the metaverse is more than just gaming. SOCIAL INTERACTION Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, For many, the metaverse (at least a primitive form of it) Snapchat, and Twitter can all be considered early has already come. Tens of millions of fans have recently metaverses. These solutions were built with even less had the opportunity to see numerous live concerts in concrete direction than gaming software—there is no clear Fortnite, a free-for-all competitive game that seems to way to “win” Facebook (apart from maybe deleting it). Yet, have decided to leave its genre and its boundaries behind people stay for the freedom to converse how they chose, The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) 10

Solutions Article be that about a shared passion, a political ideology, or interactions—be it an event, a product display, a location even the hunt for collectable merchandise. And they are all tour. And while it can be accessed from a smartphone, things people choose to do, rather than are forced to do. there is little doubt that the programmers behind it envision the more immersive potential when VR headsets WHAT THE METAVERSE MEANS are more mainstream (at least in the business space). FOR MARKETING & SALES The desire to interact is an important aspect of the And space really is a critical component. That is (in metaverse and why it matters to businesses. If the user part) why investors are already looking into buying and wants to be there, they will be more open to interact— leasing virtual space. Making the metaverse 3D and including with sales and marketing. The Wall Street more immersive will, at least at first, tether it more to Journal reported that Facebook made $25.44 billion in our world—if only so users can understand it. Where a advertising revenue in 2020 alone (again, helped along company is and what their brand looks like in this digital by conditions created by COVID-19). space will matter. It will matter to consumers looking for their next product, and it will matter to how the But metaverses are making money in more creative ways competition views their image. Think of why companies than simple product links. As we’ve already written, the shell out millions for downtown offices—it is the same massively successful Animal Crossing: New Horizons status symbol. is home to a whole slew of branded islands—locations users can visit to see and interact with new product The new metaverse is already taking shape in VR. announcements and displays. In these experiences, no Companies like Facebook are building new VR-first direct salesperson is required. A designer constructs the platforms with an aim of being a dominant player as location to showcase the brands’ appeal, then allows the interfaces transition. Google, Valve, Microsoft, and Apple user to wander and interact as they choose. It is passive are also in pursuit; each is trying to build creation tools to but, as the entire location is the advertisement, it remains help build up the metaverse of tomorrow. effective. I know I may have lost readers by using video game WHAT THE METAVERSE WILL MEAN references in a business-focused blog, but my point is IN THE FUTURE this: The lines are blurring. Yes, I’m young, but I’m only I bring up Animal Crossing: New Horizons because I getting older. There are two generations of digital-natives think it can be seen as a blueprint to how the future of behind me, with more on the way. Video games have the metaverse may look. For starters, there likely will done a lot to inform and influence the rules of digital not be just one metaverse. Think of the internet today: space (positively and negatively). Video games also it is broken into pages. This is to help the user find what represent a fine example of rapid evolution in the digital they’re looking for. The islands in Animal Crossing are akin space. If you were to tell the makers of Fortnite when to this—every user has an island, and this island can be they put their game out that (years later) users could use used to express whatever they desire. it as a way to experience Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, they would not believe you. Nevertheless, As new immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) here we are. shape the modern metaverse, the spatial component is becoming more prominent. Users, administrators, So, what is the metaverse? It is the next evolution in marketers, companies…everyone needs to start thinking the internet. It is a new platform for everything from of the digital world as a 3D space. The metaverse has social interaction to point of purchase sales. It is an area some depth to it now. We see this happening in early VR of tremendous growth and investment. It is the future, online communities. Each app is its own little world, a but it is already here in many forms. What will change in land of curated experiences where like-minded users can the coming years is the level of immersion, the degree meet and perform a variety of tasks. of complexity, and the variety of operations performed within this space. Companies should be aware of the To bring us back to the beginning: rooom is looking to be metaverse—you’ll likely be doing business there one day, part of the metaverse, a digitally constructed environment if you’re not already. where all of the space is built around online business 11 The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM)

Partner Article DEFINING SMART PRINT MANUFACTURING The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) By Jim Hamilton, Keypoint Intelligence Advanced technologies like cloud computing, big data & analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality are having on impact on print production. They are changing the way that print is produced. Print service providers (PSPs) must evaluate and adopt these technologies, or they run the risk of losing out to highly automated competitors. Smart Print Manufacturing (SPM) provides a framework to help PSPs automate their workflows. WHAT IS SMART PRINT MANUFACTURING? Smart Print Manufacturing starts with streamlining inputs (customers, job onboarding, and production resources) to optimize every stage of production, eliminating or minimizing manufacturing inefficiencies and errors while maximizing uptime and execution. It combines manufacturing methods with industrial technologies to optimize all stages of print production. Many PSPs have already implemented lean and just-in- time manufacturing techniques to optimize their supply chain and minimize waste. Mass customization and autonomous production, however, are still bubbling up. These terms can be defined as follows: • Mass customization: Creating customized, and in some cases personalized, products in small quantities without increasing manufacturing costs. • Autonomous production: The use of data and networked communication to connect machines to management and information systems and other machines to decide and execute the most efficient manufacturing process. While these concepts may seem advanced, the first generation of mass customization and autonomous production are already here and in use by online print brands. In addition, SPM is not just for large printers— PSPs of all shapes and sizes must prepare, plan, and take steps to implement their own version of SPM. Although some technologies (e.g., robotics) might be out of reach for some printers due to cost or expertise, others (e.g., cloud computing) are not. Those who wait will find it increasingly difficult to compete as the efficiencies of competitors trickle down to their cost structure and market pricing. CORE SMART PRINT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES Keypoint Intelligence has identified five core technologies that will ultimately lead to mostly—if not fully—autonomous print production. SPM’s five core technologies are: 12

Partner Article • Cloud Computing: When the pandemic forced CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS employers to pivot to a work-from-anywhere The impact of Smart Print Manufacturing technologies model, cloud computing and software-as-a-service is likely to arrive faster and be more disruptive than solutions eased the transition for businesses that those that came before, since each technology can had already adopted the cloud services. amplify the effect of the others. Rather than fearing this transition, it’s more productive to focus on some positive • Big Data & Analytics: If you look beneath the effects that have already occurred. For example, cloud surface of any printing operation, you’ll see that computing displaces the need for local information a lot of data is being generated. Traditionally, the technology (IT) infrastructure and administration, data within the print shop is turned into reports but opens access to the growing hybrid and remote pulled by key staff and management to monitor workforce. In addition, big data and artificial intelligence important operational and financial metrics. Going will disrupt creative and analytical tasks now performed forward, data and interchange standards along by people, but will enable us to make better use of with growth of industry technology platforms will our time for higher value work. The key for PSPs is to allow much broader use of this data. always plan for the future by identifying and adopting transformative innovations to successfully transition • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Our industry is in the from the old to the new. beginning stages of using the vast amount of machine data generated to improve the operation, Here are some specific recommendations: quality, and autonomy of the printing process • Fix your “front of house” processes, including job via machine learning. Examples of AI in printing onboarding: e-mail can no longer be the general- include systems that use visual inspection systems purpose tool for everything. It is not well-suited for and machine learning to identify, classify, and customer orders, file submission, artwork approval, correct issues in print output. or workflow automation. • Robotics: The use cases for robotics in production • Embrace cloud-based software solutions: Hybrid printing are typically related to material movement work styles will continue where some non-operator that larger fulfilment operations have started staff members may split time between the office adopting. Adoption will likely accelerate over and other locations; cloud-based software makes the next decade, led by a desire to increase the transition easier. There are also other benefits productivity while minimizing or shifting labor of the cloud, ranging from security (a growing costs to higher value tasks. concern) to reduced administrative overhead. • Augmented Reality (AR): For SPM, the focus • Focus on ease of connectivity: Start evaluating is on augmented reality that enables or assists your current software solutions, and new ones, print production, not AR that is part of the based on their openness and ease of connectivity. printed product (via QR codes, for example). The This will be nearly as important as the software’s most prevalent use case of augmented reality functionality. For cloud and on-premises software, is to diagnose and service printing equipment. an open set of application programming interfaces This enables the OEM’s service technician or the (APIs) is required in this decade of smart print system’s end-user to identify needed parts as manufacturing. they require replacement. AR could also be used to visually model different scenarios of the print Smart Print Manufacturing might seem like far-off manufacturing process or imagine a new print science fiction, but the transition is coming sooner than shop layout while predicting potential production you think… so be prepared! bottlenecks. 13 The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM)

Mark Your Calendars UPCOMING PIM EVENTS & WEBINARS Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) is always adding and adjusting our events and webinars. Make sure to check your emails and our website for the most up-to-date information. On our website you will be able to find all event details, registration links and information about becoming an event sponsor - www.pimw.org/events/ WHEN: WHAT: WHERE: January 26, 2022 PIM SmartCafe - OSHA is Knocking: What Online Only Webinar 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (CST) You Need to Know Before You Open the Door Zoom Meeting March 3, 2022 PIM Young Professionals at TopGolf TopGolf, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (CST) 2022 Star Awards Banquet Brooklyn Center, MN June 22, 2022 PIM Minnesota Golf Outing Hyatt Regency. Minneapolis, MN August 4, 2022 Bunker Hills Golf Club Coon Rapids, MN August 11, 2022 PIM Midlands Golf Outing Tournament Club of Iowa Polk City, IA October 13, 2022 PIM Women in Print Embassy Suites, Brooklyn Center, MN More information, sponsorship & registration can be found on www.pimw.org/events/ MEET AND EXPLORE  Commercial Printers  Screen Printing Producers  Large Format & Sign Printers  Binderies & Graphic Finishers  Industry Suppliers & Associations  Inspiring Influencers, Educators SAVE THE DATE & Speakers AUGUST 17-19, 2022 Over 200,000 square feet of show floor plus education and break COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER out rooms will offer networking, Join us at Americas Print Show—an exciting new education and a venue to see three-day industry event, focused on creating new technologies, equipment community and col aboration for the greater industry. and solutions from our forward focused exhibitors. AmericasPrintShow22.com JOIN US! The Loupe by Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) Scan for the atest updates & show details 14

Powerful Print. Strong Finish. As your expert provider of equipment, media, and technology, we are on the pulse Perfect your print and finishing game. of the newest technologies in addition to quality equipment that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking to upgrade current or expand to new capabilities, we’ll find the right equipment to fit your unique needs and goals. Request a free print assessment 844-365-4968 • eojohnson.com © EO Johnson Company, Inc. All rights reserved. THE LEADING INDEPENDENT PAPER DISTRIBUTOR since 1859 PAPER CUSTOM DIGITAL SHEETING SUBSTRATES AVAILABLE! ENVELOPES 41 Northern Stacks Dr. | Fridley, MN 55421 | 651.634.0024 Learn more online at Lin15denmeyrMunroTehe.Lcouopemby Printing Industry Midwest (PIM)

Printing Industry Midwest 8085 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 101A Golden Valley, MN 55426 UPCOMING PIM SMARTCAFE OSHA IS KNOCKING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Do you want to be better prepared for that next OSHA inspection? Did you not yet get inspected? Printing companies are targeted for inspections and those fines are increasing. During this one hour Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) SmartCafe webinar on January 26, 2022, attendees will learn about the most common OSHA citations in your area and the steps to take so that you can avoid those citations. This update will be presented by Paul Gutkowski from PIM, who has had over 40 years of experience dealing with OSHA. Following Paul’s presentation, we’ll have an open discussion about any other environmental or safety issue. Paul will also provide a brief update on the current OSHA/COVID regulatory action. www.pimw.org/events/ ONLINE PEER DISCUSSION & INDUSTRY RESOURCE CENTER PIM Connect WHAT IS PIM CONNECT? WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? PIM Connect is your home for industry discussion and Connect communities are open to PIM Members only. resources. This platform provides members with a virtual Members may access all communities and resources, meeting place to learn the latest information, share your but discussion posting requires you to have joined that knowledge and grow your connections. You can offer community. By joining a community, you’ll receive an insight and answers topical discussions questions on email digest of discussions and resource postings. Email PIM Connect connect.pimw.org/. digests may be altered at any time, ensuring you receive no more emails than you want! PIM CONNECT IS YOUR HOME FOR: HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? • Topical discussion from key business leaders • Industry resources and documents, including PIM staff scours the industry for relevant resources and posts to individual Connect Communities. The rest is up COVID-19 resources to you. Share your knowledge with your peers and build • Registration for PIM meetings & events connections to make the most of your PIM networking! • View video recordings of PIM meetings & events If you have a question but do not want to share, send the • Message & connect with PIM members question to PIM Staff and we will post for you. • Announcements, news, and more You must be logged in as a PIM member to access your Connect communities. Manage your member profile & community access at www.pimw.org/login/. Questions? Please contact Ben Dally ([email protected], 612.400.6207). More information can be found at connect.pimw.org/ THANK YOU PIM's The Loupe is brought to you by the generous contributions of EO Johnson Business Technologies. TThhies LmouapgeabzyinPeriwntainsgsIenndtusttorythMeidpwreinstte(rPoIMn)December 15, 2021 16