HP launches virtual warehouse for book publishers

HP has launched ‘Piazza’, a cloud-based platform that enables publishers to build a virtual warehouse for fulfilment of book orders, while holding zero inventory.

“Pearson is undergoing a digital transformation to become a simpler, more efficient business and our UK book supply chain is a key part of this,” said Stephen Jones, Pearson director of global direct procurement. “We are moving from a ‘print to warehouse’ to a ‘print to order, direct to consumer’ model, partnering with our print providers, HP Piazza will support us in managing our print workflow and optimizing our book supply chain to help reduce costs and better serve our customers.”

Rob Hutcheson, managing director of Ashford Colour Press, said: “HP Piazza has enabled us to change the conversation and to offer solutions that have a direct impact on the publisher’s bottom line, improving their profitability and efficiency.

“Piazza is a gamechanger for Ashford in that we can expand our focus on supply chain initiatives and now offer true print-to-order, and book of one manufacturing. For the publishers, this means titles are always available, ‘never out of print’ and for us, exciting new opportunities to further strengthen our client relationships.”