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"I
really cannot afford for this to go wrong..."
...and with the correct planning and preparation
there is no reason why it should.
We are often confronted with jobs where the timescales
have been compressed or the end client has moved
the goalposts so many times our customers are forced
into pressure situations. There are a number of
steps that can be taken to help minimise the risk
of problems resulting in late deliveries.
Below are some points worth bearing in mind when
looking at a project involving the production of
CDs or DVDs.
a) What is the design going to look like?
It is useful for us to see your initial design concepts
for the artwork of the disc and packaging, even
if those have not been signed off. This enables
us to advise firstly whether the desired effect
is possible, and secondly the best method for producing
the desired effect. We are also able to advise on
things like print techniques, what is possible and
will look good, how long it will take etc..
b) What packaging is suitable and will achieve
the goals of this project?
This can sometimes be overlooked but, particularly
on marketing campaigns, packaging is very important.
There are a multitude of different alternatives,
each has its own merits, each has its own production
time and cost! We have found that if you speak with
us early in the production process we are able to
provide packaging alternatives and samples which
can help you to make an informed decision.
c) What is the deadline?
It is crucial to understand what the final deadline
is as this can impact on the production method (duplication
or pressing) and the type of packaging (DVD wraps
can be printed in a matter of days whereas a Burgopak
can take six weeks) and in some instances the artwork
is available well in advance of the data. So, understanding
these criteria enables us work with our clients
and to plan accordingly.
d) How tight is the budget?
Increasingly we are seeing budgetary considerations
having more of an influence on the production processes
used. However, it is important to consider that
if a deadline is tight and the correct planning
is not made, it could cost you more than you budgeted
for, just to get the job done.
When planning, it is essential to consider the various
benefits of pressing and duplication and which best
suits your requirements.
If you are intending to have your discs pressed
you need to allow at least 2 weeks at the end of
the development and testing process. It is good
practise when pressing to have part numbers pre-determined,
artwork (for both the disc and the packaging) designed
to specification that has already been approved
and a production space booked, in advance of the
master disc being made available. All parties need
to be aware of when the master disc needs to be
with the pressing house because if that production
space is missed then deadlines will inevitably slip.
Duplication of the disc can provide more flexibility.
As discussed in previous issues of DISClosure, recordable
discs can be pre-printed, therefore enabling the
duplication of the master to be completed as the
last element of the production process. If we are
aware that the master is going to be near the deadline,
or data that needs to go on the CD is not going
to be available until the last minute, then we are
able to plan the production around this.
So, with careful planning, deadlines - even tight
ones - can be met.
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