| Information Age Publishing - Transforming the Publishing Business Model |
About Information Age Publishing Information Age Publishing (IAP) was founded in 1999 by George F. Johnson, a seventh generation publisher. IAP is a social science publisher of academic and scholarly book series and journals. Its goal is to develop a comprehensive list of book series and journals that serve specific niches that lack high-level research material in the fields of Education and Management. In keeping with its name and the new demands of the Information Age, IAP operates in a virtual environment with a blend of employees and home-based workers and without a physical warehouse.Seeking EfficienciesWhen IAP started operations in 1999, the company was using offset printing to produce runs of 500 to 600 units. According to Johnson, “The problem with this model was the need to pay for all of the printing up front and store books in inventory against the time they might be purchased. That turns out to be a heavy expense for a small company.” Johnson wanted to find a different way to operate that would cut costs and allow the company to run more efficiently.Reversing the Production WorkflowIAP began using the services of Lightning Source and other POD printers in 2003 after Johnson was approached by a former colleague who was working for Lightning Source at the time. Johnson was intrigued by the model and felt it might be the answer for him. In working with Lightning Source, Johnson’s aim was to eliminate the need for a physical warehouse, and to reverse his production workflow—manufacturing books only when there is an actual order for them.The Value of VirtualTwo years into the relationship, IAP has closed its warehouse and is benefiting from a virtual workflow enabled by Lightning Source. Johnson has been able to move his 500-title backlist completely to print on demand. His customers receive the same excellent service they always received from IAP. Johnson says, “Working with Lightning Source has allowed me to operate with a completely new model. Operating a virtual warehouse allows a small publisher to be more dynamic and more versatile. It simple creates a better business model.”For the complete Information Age Case Study, please contact: Lightning Source UK Ltd. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 0845 1214567 |
| Next > |
|---|