Interview with Dewald

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Interview with Dewald

Hi Dewald, let's first get a bit of background about you! When and how did you first become involved in the printing industry?

May 2002 I started at Ultra Litho as their IT Manager, not knowing anything about print but quickly found my way around the production floor. I thought a print shop consisted of major big photocopiers and was astonished at the amount of work required to print a simple leaflet but at the same time gobsmacked to see how primitive the industry was when it comes to CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing).

Outline your career so far... where you've come from, what you've done, where you're heading?

Always being interested in what is not asked and why it is not done in a simpler way, I found myself climbing the ladders in all the companies I worked for, started off as a documentation assistant for Frans Telecom in 1995, left them in 1998 as Platform Manager to pursue a rich career in the UK, where I stayed for two years doing various IT contract jobs, returned in 2000 and started working for BJM, one of the bigger stockbroking firms in South Africa; in 2002 I joined Ultra Litho, realising there was a need to be fulfilled within the industry I started my own companies in June this year.

My future plans are to be a major solutions provider to the graphics-art, print and packaging industries of South Africa.

What global trends affect the local printing industry?

The printing industry faces increasing pressure to innovate and streamline its processes. Customers are demanding faster turnaround times and lower prices, and shorter print runs. Another factor is cheaper prints overseas. Most printing companies with non-networked workflows generally consist of island software setups and many think they have a networked workflow but still require manual transfer of production data which results in duplication of data inputs and a lack of transparency throughout the workflow. This results in extra and unnecessary processing and communication efforts, which in turn results in wasted time, resources and a greater impact on costs.

What do you offer through Exell Technologies?

We specialise in coordinating the design effort with the best in printing technologies, publishing and information technology industries, to offer creative solutions to complex integration needs.

How does printingquestions.com fit into your operation?

Printing Questions, although owned by me is completely separate from Exell Technologies. We're building a full print portal that will offer information, services and news to all parties involved in print, this means print buyers, print providers and suppliers to the printers. We're making this the only source of information for any print related queries. We're also offering the newsletter and of course the only local forum where printers can share problems, discussion and even ask major suppliers direct questions.

How do you believe the South African printing industry compares to world markets?

Although we're on a par when it comes to equipment, we're at least five to ten years, if not more, behind other countries when it comes to the business side of printers. Another big concern is that not even ten per cent of the industry has working websites; this will cost companies dearly as the newer generation only do business via the web these days. It is only the old school who still firmly believe and have time for face-to-face discussions and meetings!

Focus on packaging printing... Why are requirements for workflow just as important for packaging printers as they are for commercial printers?

Actually, a printer printing annual reports is not that much different from a printer who prints magazines, and the same for a printer who prints packaging materials, it is still a production process of ink to paper, paper is just thicker... so there is no difference, a packaging printer will benefit just as much from this as a normal commercial printer. Remember, workflow automation is about information to management and clear communication channels internally and externally. It is about running your business more efficiently!

Automated workflow systems are NOT only for larger printers. With new technology being introduced daily, it's possible for any size printer to automate his/her shop floor.

Visit our PRESS OFFICE:

Specialising in software licensing and workflow consulting, mainly focusing on production process automation and supplying all required software and hardware platforms such as Adobe, Quark, MAC and more...- more....

[28 Feb 2008 19:38]