Essential for brand management and consistent messaging, collateral materials are designed to promote a product or service, increase awareness, and inform businesses. They may target internal or external audiences. Collateral uses a variety of finishing techniques, from flat, single sheets to folded, stitched multi-page literature. It can take the form of brochures, calendars, postcards, sell sheets, wide-format posters, signage, business cards and catalogs. Collateral may contain static and/or dynamic data such as personalization, and come in multiple versions—whether production is web-based and on demand, or happens through traditional channels (print-buyer, Commercial print CSR).

Category covers digitally printed direct marketing designed to target specific audiences, featuring personalized text or graphics. Includes materials such as postcards, self-mailers, multi-piece flat mailing packages, dimensional mailing packages (including posters in tubes), envelopes and labels, and cross-media programs (including printed elements and Personal URLs), as well as personalized or print-on-demand fulfillment materials.

Digital printing has gone well beyond short runs and personalization pieces. Today’s toners, media and finishing options enable an amazing array of new printed applications, including: photo specialties such as photo books, calendars, and greeting cards; packaging solutions that are ideal for short-runs, versions, or other customization; plus specialty imaging solutions for document security and other challenges.

Category includes all types of customer account statements, especially communications that use unique customer information to reach customers more relevantly with tactics such as targeted offers. Examples are: credit card statements with personalized offers; bank statements that cross-sell additional financial services; mutual fund statements and/or 401(k) reports that graphically depict investment mix and rate of return; telecommunications or utility statements that include retention-building information.

Additional Opportunities to Win

Xerox offers a wide range of substrates that can provide the foundation for memorable, attention-getting applications that create interest in a variety of ways. The Paper/Media category rewards those Xerox customers who develop unique applications using standard or custom paper and media.

In a competitive business that's changing fast, creativity is often needed to stand out from the crowd and achieve desired results. This category recognizes those who push the limits of Xerox digital printing technology, applying it successfully in unique and unprecedented ways.

How green can you go? From looking at the environmental impact of a project right from the drawing board, to finding ways to make it more earth friendly along the way, developing applications in an environmentally responsible manner shows your commitment to sustainability. If that's a priority for you, this award could have your name on it. (Top 10 Green Tips for your print shop)