PrintIsBack Podcast

Why Print is Back - using Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP) - an indepth conversation with Jacob Aizikowitz.Effectiveness over Efficiency and agentic commerce.About hyperpersonalisation and its possibilities deploying Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP).• Efficiency vs. EffectivenessIndustry obsesses over workflow automation (efficiency) but often produces commodity outputThe true goal: produce effective content efficiently - not just automate poor output faster.The conversation centres on Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP) — specifically the distinction between traditional/transactional standard VDP and “Modern VDP” and its untapped potential in direct mail, personalized print and the many opportunities for the broader print industry.Print Must Play by Digital’s RulesWe live in omnichannel reality. Brands expect:• Timely touchpoints that reflect live data• Seamless integration between print and landing pages/apps• Personalization without production bottlenecksIf print shows up late or rigid, it loses relevance. If it’s effective, efficient, and timely, it becomes a durable advantage —especially in hot segments like direct mail, labels, and packaging, where print can spark digital journeys (thinkQR-connected experiences).AI Lowers the Barriers — Scale Still WinsAI is reducing the creative burden: generating variants, content, and layouts faster than ever. But mass personalization still needs scalable production pipelines. Without modern VDP and standards-based output (e.g., PDF/VT), the “wow” of AI risks turning into operational delays.What Needs to Happen Next• Raise awareness: not all VDP technologies are equal, and choosing the right approach depends on the application (transactional vs. creative direct mail, packaging, etc.).• Educate the market: panels and cross-disciplinary dialogues (print, CXM/CCM, software, RIP/DFE vendors) can bridge the current “technology void” between great devices and great results.• Make effectiveness a KPI: measure relevance, engagement, and timeliness - not only cost-per-piece or pages-per-minute.The Bottom LineModern VDP isn’t new - it’s a mature, proven path to make print dynamically relevant and commercially scalable. If you’re a PSP, brand, or agency, now isthe time to align your print strategies with digital expectations: effective, efficient, timely.We’ll share Jacob’s upcoming paper on modern VDP as soon as it’s published, and we’re planning follow-up discussions to deepen this conversation. The future of print in the new world is bright - if we build it on effectiveness.

Why Print is Back - using Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP) - an indepth conversation with Jacob Aizikowitz.Effectiveness over Efficiency and agentic commerce.About hyperpersonalisation and its possibilities deploying Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP).• Efficiency vs. EffectivenessIndustry obsesses over workflow automation (efficiency) but often produces commodity outputThe true goal: produce effective content efficiently - not just automate poor output faster.The conversation centres on Modern Variable Data Printing (mVDP) — specifically the distinction between traditional/transactional standard VDP and “Modern VDP” and its untapped potential in direct mail, personalized print and the many opportunities for the broader print industry.Print Must Play by Digital’s RulesThe discussion reveals a vital truth: as the boundaries between digital and print blur, the latter must innovate to stay relevant. Creativity, relevance, and effectiveness are no longer optional; they are imperative for success in today’s media landscape. 

Exploring the Vibrant World of Printing in Austria - mit Peter Sodoma & Christian Handler  (ÖVDM - Verband Druck Medien Österreich) - 𝗗𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝘇𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗵𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗸𝗲𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗜.German spoken, translations available in your app of choice - Peter Sodoma:> „Unser Ziel ist es, den österreichischen Verband (ÖVDM) auf eine serviceorientierte Basis zu stellen und als Katalysator für die Branche zu fungieren.“Christian Handler:> „Jede Region in Österreich hat ihren ganz eigenen Charakter, und wir müssen auf ihre spezifischen Bedürfnisse eingehen.“The episode reveals how the printing industry is adapting to modern challenges while maintaining its rich heritage, blending tradition with innovation for a sustainable future.Peter Sodoma; > “We aim to position the Austrian association (ÖVDM) on service-oriented foundations, acting as a catalyst for the industry.”  Christian Handler;> “Every region in Austria has its unique flavor, and we must cater to their specific needs.” As we reflect on these insights, it’s clear that the printing world in Austria is vibrant and full of potential. To delve deeper into these topics and hear more from our guests, listen to the full episode of Print is Back Podcast.

𝗗𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝘇𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗵𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗸𝗲𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗜.(Exploring the Vibrant World of Printing in Austria ) - mit Peter Sodoma & Christian Handler (ÖVDM).- German spoken, translations available in your app of choice - — Peter Sodoma:> „Unser Ziel ist es, den österreichischen Verband (ÖVDM) auf eine serviceorientierte Basis zu stellen und als Katalysator für die Branche zu fungieren.“— Christian Handler:> „Jede Region in Österreich hat ihren ganz eigenen Charakter, und wir müssen auf ihre spezifischen Bedürfnisse eingehen.“-- ENG --The episode reveals how the printing industry is adapting to modern challenges while maintaining its rich heritage, blending tradition with innovation for a sustainable future.Peter Sodoma; > “We aim to position the Austrian association (ÖVDM) on service-oriented foundations, acting as a catalyst for the industry.”  Christian Handler;> “Every region in Austria has its unique flavor, and we must cater to their specific needs.” As we reflect on these insights, it’s clear that the printing world in Austria is vibrant and full of potential. To delve deeper into these topics and hear more from our guests, listen to the full episode of Print is Back Podcast.

Episode 20b • 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 • 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘝𝘗 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 — 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘐𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 : 19 min.Agentic print buying is around the corner. We came back from BOPE26 - the Benelux Online Print Event - inspired. To understand what it actually means for our industry, we built a working proof of concept.  Here's what we learned. • 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘝𝘗 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 — 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘐𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 *Disclamer ! - offline Demo pricing only - not indicative of actual market rates.Key takeaways : The print industry is on the verge of a paradigm shift driven by agentic AI, which will dismantle the "silos" separating it from the integrated digital commerce world. The traditional sales model is set to be replaced by a fully automated marketplace where AI assistants make purchasing decisions, based on TRUST, compliance, and real-time data. For print businesses, this is a pivotal moment that demands a strategic commitment to becoming a transparent, trusted, and digitally accessible partner.Failing to invest in the data structure and API infrastructure to become "queryable" risks obsolescence. While challenging, this evolution presents a powerful opportunity to redefine print's value, enhance efficiency, and prove its indispensable role in a digital-first world. The time to prepare is now, as this future is expected to materialize within the next 12 to 24 months.💬 Working on this? Thinking about it? Not convinced yet?  Tag someone who needs to hear this! - This conversation is just getting started.© Weber&Michiels