DS Graphics | Universal Wilde Choose Canon Inkjet
Believing “inkjet is the future,” DS Graphics | Universal Wilde chose the Canon ProStream 1800 web-fed inkjet press. See how its high speed, high quality, and highly dynamic application capabilities have “opened a lot of doors” and expanded the range of customized communications the company produces for its diverse customers.
Revolutionizing Production: Canon’s Workflow Solutions Power DS Graphics | Universal Wilde
In the fast-paced world of commercial printing, efficiency and precision are not just goals; they are requirements for survival. DS Graphics | Universal Wilde (DSG|UW), a leader in the printing industry, recently faced the challenge of scaling their operations to meet the demands of high-volume direct mail while maintaining the strict quality standards their clients expect. By partnering with Canon and implementing their cutting-edge workflow and production technology, DSG|UW has transformed its operational capabilities.
Balancing Volume, Quality, and Cost
For years, the high-volume direct mail market—specifically self-mailers and postcards—was dominated by a few large players. These companies often relied on static inkjet printing, which offered speed but limited customization. When clients required variable data (highly personalized content for each recipient) at high quality, they were often forced to use cutsheet devices.
According to Chris Wells, Executive VP at DSG|UW, this approach was far from ideal. Cutsheet variable data printing was often five to ten times more expensive than standard methods. For companies with massive mailing lists, this cost barrier made high-quality personalization practically impossible. DSG|UW needed a way to offer the speed of high-volume production with the quality and customization of digital printing—all while keeping costs competitive.
The Solution: Canon’s Integrated Workflow and ProStream Technology
To help bridge this gap, Canon provided a suite of solutions designed to help automate the printing process and maximize output. The cornerstone of this implementation was the Canon ProStream 1800, supported by PRISMA workflow software.
Automation with PRISMA Workflow
One of the most significant shifts for DSG|UW was the move toward an automated workflow. In many traditional environments, a job is tied to a specific type of technology. If that printer goes down, the entire job must be reworked from scratch to fit a different machine—a process that could take hours and involve middle-of-the-night emergency sessions.With Canon’s PRISMA software, the data and files are "hubbed." This means a job can be prepared once and then routed to whatever machine is available, whether it’s in the same facility or a different plant miles away. This flexibility help ensure that strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with financial and insurance clients are always met, even if a specific piece of equipment requires maintenance.
Precision Estimating
Cost accuracy is vital in high-volume printing. Canon’s estimating tools allow DSG|UW to analyze a file as soon as it is received to determine the exact ink usage and production costs.The Power of the ProStream 1800
The ProStream 1800 has allowed DSG|UW to handle a wider variety of paper stocks—including heavy stocks and wider webs—at incredible speeds. The technology offers both inline and offline finishing options. While inline finishing (where the paper is cut and folded as it comes off the press) is great for repetitive tasks, the offline solution allows the ProStream to run at its maximum speed without being slowed down by the mechanical limits of finishing equipment.
Speed, Reliability, and Partnership
The implementation of Canon technology has yielded several key benefits for DSG|UW:
- Market Expansion: DSG|UW can now compete in the high-volume direct mail space, offering variable data personalization that was previously too expensive for many clients.
- Zero Rework: The "hub and spoke" data model means files are ready to print on any compatible Canon device, helping to eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming file conversions.
- Maximum Uptime: The ProStream is one of the fastest pieces of equipment in the industry, running up to three shifts with minimal downtime.
- Proactive Support: Beyond the hardware, Canon’s technical support team provides a preventative program. Canon technicians often monitor systems remotely and drop in to address potential issues before they cause a shutdown
A New Standard for Print
By integrating Canon’s workflow solutions and high-speed inkjet technology, DS Graphics|Universal Wilde has redefined what is possible in the world of direct mail. They have successfully combined the big-box volume of traditional mail with the boutique quality of digital personalization, ensuring their clients get the best possible return on their marketing investments.
Interested in learning how Canon production printing technology can help your business grow? Contact us today to explore our workflow solutions and high-speed digital presses.