As magazine publishers continued their (mostly) aggressive push toward digital last year, they also invested in production and manufacturing, according to FOLIO:’s 2008 Manufacturing and Production Trends survey.

Thirty-six percent of production management professionals surveyed say their company’s investment in manufacturing and production—including personnel and technology—increased in 2007 over the year before, while only 5 percent cited a decrease. Seventeen percent of those surveyed say investment increased by 10 to 29 percent, while 9 percent say it increased by 30 percent or more. Forty-four percent cited no change.

However, most are investing fairly small amounts in production technology. Overall, 34 percent spent under $10,000 on new production technology, while a total of 8 percent spent more than $100,000. Twenty-two percent did not invest in technology at all.

For most, the investment was in, as one respondent wrote, “new technology to streamline the process and ultimately cut costs.” This includes new computers, software and hardware upgrades, in-house proofing systems and other tools of the trade.

For others, investment was restricted to “online and e-media only: Web site enhancements, e-newsletter software, upgrades, etc.”

Decreasing Pre-Press Costs

Publishers are increasingly reliant on digital workflow tools to cut costs. Sixty-one percent of respondents used virtual proofing in 2007, as opposed to 52 percent the year before. Twenty-two percent utilized ad portals, up one percent from the year before, while 24 percent used online insertion order systems, up 6 percent from the year before.

For some, tools like these are leading to downsized staff. Ten percent of survey respondents say they have eliminated pre-press operations altogether.

For the full survey results see the September issue of FOLIO:.

How much did your organization invest in new production technology in 2007?

SOURCE: FOLIO: 2008 Manufacturing and Production Trends Survey