AccuLink Re-defines High-end Marketing with HP Indigo

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2012-02-23

Trade printing firm’s HP Indigo 5500 and Scodix 1200 production line yield award-winning work

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 – AccuLink, one of the top 100 trade print service providers (PSPs) nationwide, creates superior marketing materials using an HP Indigo press 5500 installed with a Scodix 1200 digital UV curing solution from Scodix Ltd.

The Greenville, North Carolina-based company, which also operates HP Indigo 3050 and 7000 model presses, invested in the HP Indigo 5500 to build a competitive advantage while moving production from offset to digital printing.

“The quality of HP Indigo presses is by far the highest and most consistent of any digital press on the market,” said Lindsay Gray, co-owner, AccuLink. “With such high quality and the ability for variable data printing on a digital press, we have no plans to ever buy offset equipment again. We are consciously moving offset to digital with great success and without any negative ramifications from customers.”

Tackling new applications
The new digital press and UV coater allow AccuLink to create premium products that help its customers achieve better marketing results than standard printed materials. Delivering an unparalleled range of enhancements for special effects, the Scodix 1200 has the capacity to produce up to 99 Gloss Units and a polymer height up to 70 microns for tangible dimension.

AccuLink recently produced a personalized, tri-fold mailer for a professional football team that was sent to 1,800 prospects encouraging rentals of skybox seats. The front features a football that appears to be autographed by the addressee. The football image also has dimples creating a pigskin texture and a raised grip. According to Gray, team officials were very happy with the 4.4 percent response rate to the mailer, which helped sell out the team’s skybox seats for next season.

Since installing the press late last year, AccuLink has seen additional evidence of the superior quality of its new printing and coating installation: three early jobs the company produced on its new equipment have won awards.

Simplifying workflow
Designed to produce marketing collateral, direct mail, photo merchandise products, books and manuals, the HP Indigo press 5500 is a versatile production device allowing for continuous printing with multiple feeders and stackers enabling seamless switching between jobs, proofs and media types. The added versatility gives AccuLink the ability to run a variety of applications on one press with little disruption in between jobs.

“With HP Indigo, we have so many capabilities and can complete a variety of complicated processes under one roof,” said Gray. “We might have one vanity published book followed by 1,000 personalized postcards followed by a table tent followed by a two-color management book – not many systems can be that versatile.”

AccuLink financed its new Indigo and Scodix purchases using HP Financial Services, the company’s leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. By choosing HP Financial Services, AccuLink received competitive rates and flexible terms, and was able to preserve capital.

More information about HP Indigo technologies is available at www.hp.com/go/indigo, through the HP Graphic Arts YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and through the HP Graphic Arts Twitter Feed at www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts.

About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

AccuLink Buys Scodix Digital Coating Press

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CHICAGO—Sept. 11, 2011—AccuLink has purchased a Scodix1200 digital coating press at GRAPH EXPO 2011 from digital enhancement leader Scodix to expand its services portfolio with the innovative Scodix Sense printing experience.

It was the first Scodix1200 order at the show where Scodix announced the Scodix Sense offering at its booth (#4422).

AccuLink decided to buy the Scodix1200 Digital Press after seeing and feeling the impressive Scodix Sense experience at GRAPH EXPO, said AccuLink owner Tom O'Brien. “This technology acquisition will differentiate our business from the others by offering a high-quality, innovative product for our customers,” said O'Brien.

“A top tier PSP in the US that produces high-end printing jobs, AccuLink is a prime owner for the Scodix1200 that enhances applications with the value-creating Scodix Sense,” said Scodix VP Global Sales and Business Development Dror Danai.

The Scodix1200 Digital Press produces Scodix Sense by registering clear polymer with pinpoint accuracy to printed images using a patented optical guidance system. Delivering variable levels of thickness and texture on single- or double-sided printing, the Scodix1200 has the capacity to produce up to 99 Gloss Units (GU), polymer height up to 70 microns, and density capabilities from 1-100 percent, for an unmatched range of enhancement.

Scodix Sense is a new digital printing experience that touches the senses with a high-quality look and tangible dimension, bringing true differentiation to print service providers, their clients and products.

“We are very happy with the Acculink decision to purchase the Scodix1200 and we look forward to see how they support their business and their customers by creating many new jobs using the Scodix Sense,” said Scodix CEO Kobi Bar.

About AccuLink
AccuLink, located in Greenville, NC, has been in business since 1980, serving clients in all 50 states as well as many international accounts with a broad range of services. Its mission is to continue to add value to its communication solutions with superior service, technology and expertise. AccuLink manages, produces and distributes even the most sensitive projects for its clients, meeting the tightest deadlines, and its goal is to exceed their highest expectations. For more information please visit www.acculink.com.

About Scodix
Scodix Ltd. is the leading provider of digital print enhancement for the graphic arts industry, offering the breakthrough Scodix Sense experience in North America, Europe, Middle-East, Asia and Africa. Founded by veterans of the Graphic Arts industry in 2007, Scodix has partnerships with global IT leaders such as HP Indigo and DSCOOP.


Source: Scodix.

Nostalgic thoughts after 30 years

Tweet As a tribute to anyone who has ever started their own business I believe we entrepreneurs can all agree that there is much more than a paycheck that drives us to suit-up before battling the unknown every day. Every business has its unique challenges, but in my wildest dreams I could not have imagined what a wild and strange trip it would be 30 years later after opening the doors of our 600 sf copy center across the street from the campus of East Carolina University.

My business partner and I first met during rest time while lying on our respective bath mat rugs in Mrs. Gay's kindergarten class for five year olds. Neither of us understood at the time that our destiny would lead us to spend the greater part of our adult lives foraging through a tumultuous business environment together with the responsibility of sustaining not only our own families but the families of our 70 employees as well.

Many stories come to mind, some humorous and some tragic, but collectively the memories weave a meaningful tapestry symbolic of lasting friendships, talent and plain old hard work.

From the very beginning, Tom and I shared the belief that EVERY customer was important and that the goal of EVERY transaction was to insure a repeat order. This strategy embraces the concept that people choose to do business with folks they like, trust and have confidence in. Luckily, we live in eastern North Carolina where business is informal and a handshake still means something. These principles mean as much today as they did in 1980 (a recession year, by the way).

My first pick-up and delivery vehicle was a Raleigh racing bike I had in college that maneuvered wonderfully around the sidewalks of campus and downtown. As the first “copy center” in the region to compete with traditional commercial printers, it took awhile to convince locals that our “print-on-demand” service made sense. Initial orders were placed by compassionate secretaries feeling sorry for the sweaty kid with the red hair and a bicycle. Eventually, persistence, tenacity and execution won the day, allowing the knapsack and bike to be replaced by a combustible engine and hand truck.

Speaking of “firsts,” it is amazing to look back and recognize that Tom and I have a legacy of introducing new technology to our customers. Imagine these firsts for Greenville & the surrounding area:

1. 1st high volume analog copier – print for pay – (Xerox 9200 @ 21% interest)
2. 1st fax machine (unfortunately there was no one to fax to)
3. 1st Apple MacIntosh (made phototypesetting obsolete within a couple of years)
4. 1st color copier (ours operated with thermal ribbon film)
5. 1st engineering copier (no more blueprint/ammonia fumes)
6. 1st scanner (truly amazing technology)
7. 1st digital print for pay service (5 Xerox Docutechs!)
8. 1st adoption of Adobe postscript & pdf (pdfs now both improve and threaten print)
9. 1st online storefront integration with print production (transition to online printing)
10. 1st 7-color Indigo & Heidelberg DI (variable printing that revolutionizes mail campaigns)
11. 1st Trade bindery & Lettershop for the region (nice to have competitors trust us w/their work)
12. 1st to introduce PURLs, QR Codes, cross media & mobile campaigns

Our business has customers in all 50 states, with our largest accounts in areas as far away as Chicago and Bermuda. Wow… talk about adapting to CHANGE! This business has been a far cry from my early expectation that all one had to do to create a nickel was to load paper, a document handler and push a green button :).

AccuLink resides on 12 acres of prime real estate, with a state-of-the-art 75,000 sf production facility as well as two satellite copy centers in the nearby cities of New Bern and Goldsboro. We have continued to grow because of our work ethic and dedication to our customers, employees and environment. We have received numerous awards of excellence within our trade associations and recently were recognized with the prestigious “Industry of the Year” award. We believe in being stewards to our communities by giving back to local nonprofit organizations, having contributed well over $150,000 to worthy causes. We are one of the county’s largest recyclers of paper and adhere to a strict chain of custody standards for socially responsible and sustainable forests.

When asked about my proudest achievement I can’t help but respond that it is the knowledge that our fellow employees and customers continue to stand with us. We truly are a collective family now. Satisfaction comes from living by The Golden Rule and surrounding yourself with others who do the same.

How true it is that “everything you need to succeed in life is taught in kindergarten”. Thank you for all of your support through the years as we celebrate our 30 years of business together!

News Release Suggestions

Tweet Ever wondered what the best way to format a news release is? Well here are some excellent suggestions from Bill Doehler (doehler@e-consortium.com) at E-Consortium:

Article Link

It is important that you call each publication prior to faxing the PR to find out exactly who to direct it to, and equally important that you call again after you send it to follow up and make contact with the publisher. The content of the release should be presented in the context of a real human interest story that people would be interested in hearing about (“Local business overcomes adversity…”), and should also speak to your intention to grow your business, and imply that the growth will create jobs for example.

Finally, you should consider buying an ad in a couple of the publications. They are more inclined to pay attention to news coming from a customer. If you are lucky, you might wind up having a feature story done about your business (which would be a definite HOME RUN!).

Great tips worth sharing! Thanks Bill!

AccuLink wins PICA Awards

Tweet PRINTING EXCELLENCE IN THE CAROLINAS RECOGNIZED

March 6, 2010 (CHARLOTTE, NC): The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, Inc. (PICA) recognized AccuLink of Greenville as a 2009 PICA Awards winner. Since 1966, the PICA Awards have been the premier symbol of excellence for the graphics industry in North and South Carolina. The PICA Awards demonstrate a company’s commitment to excellence in graphic communications.

AccuLink received four Best of Category Awards in Business Cards, Combination Finishing Techniques, Digital Printing: Booklets, and Foil Stamping, as well as two Special Judges Awards in Digital Printing: Books and Printer's Self-Promotion: Campaigns.

Winners were announced March 6, 2010, at the 43rd Annual PICA Awards Banquet, held at the Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina. The PICA Awards program is open to all printing companies in the Carolinas.

The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, Inc. (PICA) is a trade association representing the graphic communications industry in North and South Carolina. North Carolina ranks as the 14th largest state print market in the United States with $4.4 billion in sales, 889 total printing establishments and 25,709 employees. South Carolina ranks 31st in the nation with $1.8 billion in sales, 337 establishments, and 10,208 employees. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, PICA has been serving the print industry for over 75 years. For more information, visit http://www.picanet.org/.

AccuLink Announces Another Milestone

Tweet AccuLink announces another milestone with the first installation in the southeast of the HP Indigo 7000 7-color digital press. AccuLink bolsters its competitive advantage in the marketing communications and publishing fields by adding the high productivity of this new press to the existing Indigo, Heidelberg and Kodak fleet of digital printing presses. AccuLink’s multi-million dollar investment in digital imaging represents an ongoing commitment to on-demand and short-run book printing, personalized color direct mail, high-value transpromotional statement printing and other custom printing applications. AccuLink has consistently ranked in America’s top 100 trade printers since 1994.

The HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press, with its powerful combination of offset quality and productivity generates 120 letter size pages per minute in full color or 240 ppm in either monochrome or two colors. This press has an image format of 12.48" x 18.26", and the ability to run IndiChrome and/or PMS specific colors to match the most stringent corporate color matching requirements.

In keeping with AccuLink’s mission of being Chain of Custody certified by FSC and SFI, the HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press has many features that make it an excellent choice in being environmentally important to that mission as well as helping to reduce costs:

• Power consumption reduction of 25% per printed page (compared to other presses we looked at).
• An imaging oil recycling system, enabling us to have a reduction of approximately 50% in consumption and waste.
• Longer lifespan consumables result in the generation of fewer waste materials.

AccuLink’s mission is to continue to add value to customer communication solutions with superior service, technology and expertise, as well as being environmentally sound in our business practices. AccuLink has been at the forefront of innovative printing technologies since 1980, and are true pioneers in the advancement of integrating traditional printing services with the need for multichannel communications. AccuLink is recognized nationwide for its investments and leadership in the world of variable printing as well as many other capabilities. Through the addition of this new equipment, we hope to continue expanding our offerings to our clients and our distributor partners.

Selling “Print” in the “Digital” Age

Tweet Bringing today’s technology to your clients can be rewarding and profitable. Selling technology can be daunting and difficult due to many hurdles that must be overcome. If printers are to survive and succeed we must tackle this challenge. With everything in our industry becoming commoditized it is very difficult to maintain profitability selling print alone on such thin margins. Don’t just sell print. Sell solutions. Technology is the key.

Print is the necessary evil all business people must buy to communicate. The first challenge is to get beyond what they think they need based on their understanding of print. You must also get beyond their perception of your role in their business as a printer. You must become a communication solutions provider.

The next step is to introduce and help them understand how technology can cut some of their internal expenses associated with buying print or gain better ROI in a marketing campaign. With that you can justify a higher margin because what you offer is an overall better solution that achieves the goal. The question shouldn’t be “what print items do you need?” It should be “what are you trying to accomplish?” What obstacles are you encountering along the way?” these are the types of questions that can get you an entire body of business rather than just an order for business cards, forms or envelopes.

Probing questions help you to understand the client and gain a larger perspective on what benefit you may be able to offer them. Through this you are better prepared to recommend solutions to minimize their pain and achieve their goals more quickly. It is no longer just selling ink on paper. You must sell yourself as a knowledgeable, trustworthy business partner in fulfilling their business communication needs and objectives. Do this well and you will also succeed in your objectives.

Now for more about the technology part. Maybe you don’t feel you know enough about how to use it to help your clients. PURLS, Storefronts, QR Codes, oh my. Perhaps you feel a bit overwhelmed yourself. What do you do? You must educate yourself about Industry trends and new technologies constantly as these things are changing daily.

Relax though and remember, it is more important that you learn the benefits of these technologies than the details of how it all works. There are many great resources available to assist you with the details so you can sell the benefit and the print. One great place to start is this blog and our website www.acculink.com.

Embrace technology as the powerful tool it is. Be creative or look to those that are and learn from them. Learn all you can. Demonstrate the benefits to your clients of working smarter and more efficiently. The value you bring and the savings you show your customer in these new solutions allow you to increase your margins justifiably. You will no longer be selling commodities. You will be selling solutions.

R.O.I. Case Studies - Part 2

Tweet Today we bring you part two of a four-part series highlighting
successful cases from our portfolio of client work.

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Consultant Focuses On Niche, Avoids Moving:

Challenge: A sales management consultant to the insurance and financial industries competes with national publishers by customizing his sales activity planner books with his customer’s unique training tools. Some large accounts have thousands of sales people in the field while others may have only hundreds. There are instances when the consultant needs to produce custom books “on-demand” in order to test market a new concept or impress a prospect. Selling over 40,000 planners in various editions and quantities grew to be a logistical nightmare for his small staff and limited space.

Solution: AccuLink coordinates all print production and distribution for the client, thereby leaving him free to focus on his strengths of designing and selling his services. With over 25 years in the printing industry AccuLink manages the printing, bindery and fulfillment services in the most efficient process possible. Longer runs get produced on large sheet fed presses while short runs print digitally as needed. All orders are linked via the internet to the customer’s accounting system, enabling the customer to track in real time the shipment of every order placed.

Result: The sales consultant avoided a costly move to a new warehouse office complex and significantly reduced the labor, time and turmoil associated with managing 40,000 orders. In addition to reducing inventories with “just in time” printing services, the client has reduced delivery time and shipping expenses by 1/2.


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Tune in Monday for part 3: Large Employer Saves Time and Postage with Benefits Mailer.

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