Personalised mailings and other variable print products require data that is precisely aligned with the production process. Trebbau prepares your data for variable data printing, positions variable content and generates the required output files for internal or external printing systems.
This brings together data, design and defined rules to create processable print output for personalised communications.
What is print data preparation?
Print data preparation connects data with print templates so that personalised or variable content can be automatically placed in the correct position.
This can include:
- Names and addresses
- Individual texts
- Variable prices
- Different images
- Transaction information
- Other recipient-specific content
Trebbau prepares this information for the relevant printing and output process and generates the required production files.
What can variable print data be used for?
Personalised mailings
Address and customer data can be integrated directly into a mailing. In addition to the postal address, other individual content can be included using defined rules.
Variable content in flyers and brochures
Prices, texts and images can also vary depending on the recipient. This allows different content to be generated from a single print template.
Transactional documents
Data-driven documents containing individual information can also be generated through variable printing processes.
The appropriate level of personalisation depends on your communication goals, available data and production requirements.
How print data preparation works with Trebbau
Review the print template and data structure
We start by reviewing the existing print template, variable content and underlying data.
This establishes which content remains static and which elements should vary depending on the individual record.
Define variable elements
Placeholders and rules are set up for personalised content.
Trebbau uses tools including GMC Inspire Designer personalisation and address management software. The defined rules determine which data or content is output for each recipient.
Generate print data
The template, data and rules are used to generate production files for the intended output.
Trebbau can provide print data for both its own production facilities and external production partners.
Which output formats does Trebbau support?
Depending on production requirements, Trebbau creates print data in formats including:
- AFP
PDF/A files can also be generated for long-term digital archiving.
The required format depends on the individual production or archiving process.
Document logic programming and output management
For more complex applications, simply inserting individual fields into a print template is not enough.
Document logic programming defines rules that determine how different data, texts or graphic elements are output. This enables content to vary according to customer group, product or other attributes available in the database.
Output management then ensures that the generated files are made available for the intended production workflow.
This allows print data preparation to be integrated into more complex data and production processes.
Consider print data preparation and data quality together
Variable printing processes are only as reliable as the underlying data.
Incorrect field values, inconsistent spelling or improperly structured records can directly affect personalisation and print output.
It may therefore be useful to check, update or structure the data for its intended use before preparing it for print.
Why choose Trebbau for print data preparation?
Trebbau combines data processing and technical print data preparation with practical experience in lettershop services and mailing production.
This allows the data structure, personalisation logic, print files and subsequent production processes to be coordinated.
The generated files can be provided for both in-house production and external production partners. Trebbau is therefore not restricted to a single production workflow.
Have print data prepared for your project
Are you planning personalised mailings, variable print products or a data-driven production process?
We work with you to establish the required data, rules and output formats and prepare the print files for your intended production workflow.
Speak to , Key Account Manager for Data Processing at Trebbau, or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions about print data preparation
Variable data printing automatically changes individual elements of a printed product according to the corresponding data record. These can include names, addresses, texts, prices or images.
Depending on production requirements, Trebbau generates formats including PDF and AFP. PDF/A files can also be created for long-term digital archiving.
Yes. Trebbau creates print data for both its own production facilities and external production partners. The required output format is aligned with the relevant production process.
Yes. In addition to names and addresses, variable data printing can output other content, such as prices or images, according to the individual data record. This requires appropriately structured data and corresponding personalisation logic.
