Printing and Converting Research Center
Variable Data Printing (Outline)
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Day 1 - Begin 8:00am

8:00     What is Variable Data Printing: Developing a foundation to allow all participants to develop a common language and perspective to build on for the two days of training. Samples and examples of VDP programs from the industry round out this opening presentation.

8:45     Creating a Database—planning a database from square one and/or adapting an existing database for a planned project. The question is really planning for how the data will be applied in the final piece.

10:15     Break

10:30     Working with Databases—reformatting, merging and transferring database files between programs.

11:30     Database Prep for Postal Requirement—CASS certification, merging/purging records prep (cleansing the database)

12:00     Lunch (provided)

1:00     …continue with Postal prep and database cleansing. Then assign database triggers in Post-postal sort/prep of the database.

2:30     Break

2:45     Producing a VDP Printed Piece—using an entry level VDP software program working as a PDF plug-in. This will be a complex postcard mailer with variable data and variable graphics on both sides, interacting with each other.

4:00     VDP Project Number Two—a variable data marketing brochure with using a VDP application that is a plug-in to InDesign.

5:03     Adjourn for the day
Day 2 - Begin 8:00am
8:00     VDP Software Discussion—this will covers the various options for software programs designed for VDP and the strengths and weakness of the programs at it relates to VDP implementation and use of design features incorporating VDP. Putting all of the elements together to work with the VDP option that fits your needs the best.

9:00     What the Printer Needs to Know—to make sure they ask the right question when they are working with the USPS or “How to avoid getting hit with a mail surcharge or penalty.”

10:15     Break

10:30     Data Mining—where are you going to find data and how to you decide what is a good source of data (this will be a live on-line demo of searching for company databases)

12:00     Lunch (provided)

1:00     Hands-on Mail Prep—computer work with a high volume mail prep programs.

2:30     Break

2:45     Creating a Relational Database—for prepping data for mail sorting. Discuss the advantage of working with relational databases and the future use of scripting to improve productivity of prepping VDP data.

4:00     Mail Prep-Round Two—Working with a second mail prep program to prep the data for the best postal discounts—showing people the true cost of mailing.

4:47     Adjourn (Dr. Leininger will not leave if there is anyone in the room with questions).

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