Embracing the cross-media approach
The core competency of n c ag lies in media-specific data preparation for all channels: multichannel publishing. The company offers consulting, solutions and services for publishing and combines print and online. How does a company with an analog lithography and print background set the right course for digital transformation?
A report from Marketing & Kommunikation, January 2019 – Anna Kohler
In 1960, Karl Nilitschka founded Neue Chemigraphie AG, as the firm was known, in Zurich Altstetten. Back then, printing plates were etched to bring images to life. It was all purely analog, so the time and effort involved was immense.
In the eighties, a new generation arrived on the scene in the form of Andreas Nilitschka. The son of Karl learned the craft right from scratch. When the first Mac computers appeared in the early nineties, Andreas decided to digitalize image processing. He was a pioneer in the field and met a lot of skepticism in the process. But he maintained his course. The first media databases simplified processes and streamlined the business. The father stepped back, leaving his son to stride forward. “Neue Chemigraphie” became “n c” – timeless, short and easy to remember.
The offer
Aligned with its motto “publishing at its finest”, the full-service company offers complete solutions in the areas of media services, print and software solutions.
Media services: Once the full concept is in place, n c ag makes it a reality with precision and in line with the customer’s ideas. Digital photographs get the final touch. Image editing specialists use the right tools to ensure the ultimate in sophistication and precision, resulting in a true work of art. Creative retouching reveals even the smallest detail. The layout service ensures that customer magazines, brochures, flyers and catalogs are perfectly presented. And of course, the materials are also proofread in multiple languages.
If an existing print publication needs transferring to a tablet, or if a magazine wants to take off entirely online, this can be done easily, quickly and efficiently. From conception to launch in the App Store, n c ag guides the customer through the entire process. The company also produces web banners, interactive PDFs and MS Office templates precisely in line with customers’ specifications.
Offset printing: The infrastructure must accommodate the print product, not the other way around. n c ag provides all-round service for optimum print results. Thanks to its web-to-print solutions, the creators manage the entire logistics process in collaboration with their service providers.
Digital printing: If something needs to be produced quickly, cheaply and in a small print run, digital printing is a good choice. Its big advantage is that the customer only orders the quantity they need at any given time. Extra copies can be printed in no time at all.
Cross-media approach
Finding a suitable software solution requires time and ideas. n c ag asks the right questions before it offers solutions. Workshops allow potential customers to work with the n c team to find the results that best fit their needs. The following software solutions are offered:
Media asset management: The n c ag in-house media database provides customers with an SaaS (software as a service) solution, including hosting, in a complete package that offers comprehensive flexibility, process and data security. The availability of images, logos, layout and Office documents, video and audio files for users in sales, marketing and administration is guaranteed.
Web-to-print: Most companies have CI guidelines and standardized layouts. This enables automation of the processes for producing and editing print-ready files. Web-to-print suits applications such as business stationery, price lists, product sheets, advertisements and POS promotional materials.
PIM systems: If you want to supply your target group with the right information at the right time, you need to go for a cross-media approach. This is a costly undertaking if you are still relying on conventional publishing processes. The purpose of a PIM (product information management) system or cross-media publishing system is to provide information of any kind, anytime, anywhere, in the right form for the target group and for the user. The system covers the entire digital process chain – from data input to media-specific data output. The features range from digital briefing to connecting to InDesign or to ERP and CMS systems. If required, n c ag can also program custom solutions.
Looking ahead
Mike Spoerri, COO and Key Account Manager, and Roger Kriz, Sales Manager, have the following to say about the future of the company: “Change is the one and only constant. Disruptive technologies continually change our established customer relationships. So, the products and services we offer now will at some time be completely superseded. Exactly where the journey will lead is anyone’s guess, but we’ll certainly be at the forefront of it, actively supporting our customers with services and solutions. We are ready for the future.”