The Uses, Operational Methodologies, and Benefits of Variable Data Printing

Variable Data Printing (VDP) refers to a form or type of digital printing encompassing the involvement and use of elements like graphics, texts, and images. They can change from one printed piece to another. The process is also known as Variable Imaging (VI) or Variable Information Printing (VIP). It does not encompass any stops, halts, slowing down, and utilization of information from the same database.

Uses of Variable Data Printing

VDP harnesses computer databases and digital print devices, acting as a direct outgrowth of digital printing. Done using a Variable Data Printing Press, this process yields high-quality and full-color documents that can compete with conventional offset printing.

The examples of variations that VDP can incorporate include:

• Barcodes
• Serial No.
• Answer sheets
• Order No.
• Lottery tickets
• Dates, MRP
• Texts, Images.

VDP allows mass customization of documents so that each can deliver unique content to the target audience. It gets done for direct marketing, advertisements, invoicing purposes, and customer relationship management. It finds application in brochures, self-mailers, and postcard campaigns.

Operational Methodologies for Variable Data Printing

In total, VDP can operate via three methods. They include the following:

1. A static document gets uploaded into the printer storage memory. The device receives the instruction through the raster image processor (RIP) or print driver to continually print the content. It does so when sending any page out to either of the two. Individuals can then print the variable data on top of the static document. This methodology is the easiest way to perform VDP. However, its capability is inferior to that of a typical mail merger.

2. The static and variable elements get combined into print files, before the printing process, with the help of standard software. It produces conventional content with each image merged into each page. Its only drawback lies in the fact the several large pint files can overwhelm the processing capability of the RIP, decreasing the printing speed to a great extent. In specific cases, it can even slow down to the point of being unusable.

3. The static and variable elements get combined into print files, before the printing process, with the help of specialized VDP software. It results in optimized content such as PostScript, PDF/VT, or PPML that maximize the print speed. It comes about because the RIP merely requires processing the static elements once.

Benefits of Variable Data Printing

VDP has numerous advantages associated with it. A few of them include:

• Custom Fonts: VDP allows the use and application of a colossal number of font sizes and styles in and for the print. It permits the font to match and suit the recipient, purpose, sender, and design of the sent content.
• Color Variations: Colors can catch the attention of people than what the written content means to convey. Since a colorful assortment can attract more than black and white print, VDP proffers a broad color palette to match the needs and preferences of the sender.
• Images and Maps: VDP permits the change and customization of pictures and maps to send the appropriate and required content to the different and distinct recipients using the same base template.
• Response Rate and Time: VDP increases the response rate and time significantly owing to its personalization ability. It creates the print file in a way that instantly catches the recipient’s attention, allowing them to respond faster.