A year ago, I began to write a series of articles for Newspapers & Technology on process improvement for newspaper production. Midway through the first article, I noted that each of the three primary steps of newspaper production is different and noted how each has different characteristics:

• Prepress is an engineering function that produces manufacturing specifications. For example, a printing plate is a template that carries image placement, inking specifications and other instructions to the press. A proof is a prototype that shows estimated product performance for color, image placement and other metrics. A press imposition is a manufacturing plan to set up the press.
• Press is a manufacturing function where sections - or a complete newspaper - are printed. Consumables converge at this point. Another way to look at it is that newsprint and ink are transformed into a product of intrinsic value to the readers (or consumers) and advertisers (or clients).
• Postpress is an assembly or collating function where printed components are put together for consumers. This includes on-site printed products, along with multiple formats of inserts.

Each of these operations requires a specifically tailored process improvement effort. An approach that works in one area may or may not be appropriate in another.

If you work for either a publication or a printer, I would like to get your thoughts and comments on that?