Print-on-Demand (PoD)

Print -on-Demand (PoD) is a manufacturing process that has been used in the production of printed products since the 1990s. A frequently used variant of this term is Book-on-Demand (BoD) , which refers specifically to books. However, this term is often mistakenly equated with the self-publishing platform Books on Demand , although the latter is a separate company.

How the print-on-demand process works

The process is based on digital printing technology , in which the print templates are stored digitally. The product - be it a book or another printed product - is only produced when an order is received. This is fundamentally different from traditional printing methods such as offset printing , in which larger quantities are pre-produced in order to reduce costs.

Instead, the print-on-demand process produces individual copies or small series based on demand. This flexibility has made even niche products and publications with low demand economically viable.

Technical Process

1.Digital data set :

Print templates for the cover and interior of a book are usually saved in PDF format.

2nd proof :

Before series production, a so-called mastering takes place - a test print that is checked and approved by authors or publishers.

3. Production on demand :
As soon as an order is received, the inside and cover are printed, finished and bound. This process can be completed in just a few minutes.

4.Delivery :
Delivery times vary. Many providers guarantee a few days, but delays can occur during periods of high demand (e.g. before book fairs).

Advantages of Print-on-Demand

  • No overproduction : Products are only produced when needed, avoiding unnecessary storage costs and waste.
  • Cost efficiency for small print runs : Even works with low demand can be produced economically.
  • Flexibility : Updates and customizations (e.g. conference proceedings) are easy to implement.
  • Sustainability : Resource-saving production reduces the ecological footprint.
  • Long availability : Books are available as long as the digital template is stored.

challenges and disadvantages

  • Higher unit costs : Compared to mass production processes such as offset printing, the cost per copy is higher.
  • Limited quality : With high-resolution images or bindings, quality differences occur in digital printing.
  • Delays during peak periods : Delivery times can increase, especially during peak periods such as the Christmas season.
  • Reputation problem : The flood of self-published titles, which are often published without editing, can negatively influence the perception of the process.

areas of application

The print-on-demand process is used in many ways, especially for:

  • Reprints and reprints : Out-of-print works can be reprinted inexpensively.
  • Specialized publications : Technical books that are regularly updated, such as software manuals.
  • Self-publication : Authors can publish their works independently of publishers.
  • Local bookstores : Concepts such as the Espresso Book Machine make it possible to print books directly in the bookstore.

Relevance for Publishers and Self-Publishing

With the introduction of print-on-demand, not only did self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP or Books on Demand experience a boom, but traditional publishers also benefited. The process has become established, particularly for academic publications, niche literature and unaltered reprints of out-of-print titles.

Trademark Notices

While Book-on-Demand is a descriptive term for the process and cannot be protected by trademark law, the abbreviation BoD is a registered trademark of the German company Books on Demand .

Summary

Print-on-demand has revolutionized book production. It offers flexible, cost-effective and sustainable ways of producing printed products. Despite some challenges, particularly in terms of quality and unit costs, the process has become firmly established among both self-publishers and established publishers. It remains a key process for promoting access to individual and specialized literature.