‘Print on demand’ is a term that has brought a major difference in two sectors. First, the ‘Production’ sector and second the ‘Distribution’ sector. Most of the people associated with the publishing are confused for what does it associate with- a printing technology or distribution method. Let us understand this term to understand what it means and where the confusion lies.
With the introduction of digital printing, it is possible to print one book also. This technology brought a revolution in the printing methods and changed the mass means of production. Earlier, in the offset printing, the rise in the production volume lowers the price, but with the digital printing, this concept was changed. Now it is possible to get even a single copy printed without paying an extra amount.
On-demand printing has even initiated the new distribution method. As and when required, the copy of the book can be produced and distributed simultaneously. With this distribution method, changes can be seen in economies of scale, enormous warehouses, the endless shipping of paper for various stages of production.
In the print on demand distribution method, it is possible to get the copies printed as & when required and deliver accordingly.
How to avoid the confusion?
As the term, print on demand, is associated with both the printing as well as distribution method, it has definitely brought some confusion. But, by looking at the above explanation, it can now be analyzed that for which sense this term is being used. It would now become easy to understand the intention of the speaker and in which context he is using the term.
Conclusion:
The term ‘Print on Demand’ is referred to both digital printing process as well as distribution model. This distribution model is possible only because of the new era printing process.