Variable Data Printing

The Variable Data Printing (VDP) subcommittee works on issues related to generating reliable variable data printing documents. It focuses on improving interoperability, consistency, and correct implementation of VDP standards across different workflows and software solutions. By identifying technical challenges and developing best practices, the subcommittee helps ensure that personalized print jobs are produced accurately, efficiently, and reliably.

Mission

VDP is a technology that makes it possible to personalize all or part of a printed document according to the person it is intended for.
For many marketing departments, variable data printing is the first step toward cross-media and multichannel communication. The most common use of VDP is to personalize first and last names on printed documents sent as part of a prospecting process by mail.

Tombola tickets, show tickets, personalized invitation cards, personalized catalogs, business cards, advertising brochures, flyers, magazines, leaflets, book covers, labels, packaging and envelopes are all ideal for the use of variable data.

VDP combines a series of fixed elements common to different copies of a document with a series of variable elements that change from one copy to another according to rules that determine the selection of content and its location in the documents.

Who we are Our impact

Chairs

Frank Vyncke

Member + Chair Packaging subcommittee

Frank studied at KU Leuven and immediately started as a developer for Barco Graphics (now Esko) in 1989. There he learned the needs of Packaging indus...

Frank Vyncke

at GWG

Member + Chair Packaging subcommittee - Ghent Workgroup

In 2016, he joined the GWG, becoming highly active in the Packaging Subcommittee. We like to call him “Patch Man” for his knack for finding practical solutions and improving specifications. His hands-on approach and technical expertise have made him a valued contributor to the group’s work on packaging workflows and standards.

outside GWG

CLOUDFLOW Development Manager - HYBRID software

Frank studied at KU Leuven and immediately started as a developer for Barco Graphics (now Esko) in 1989. There he learned the needs of the packaging industry, and grew into the position of technical product manager. After moving to Artwork Systems in 2001, he took the lead in developing a PDF-based workflow solution, and PDF editing tools. Currently at Hybrid Software (since 2011), he is responsible for the workflow engine in Cloudflow, the most versatile and robust workflow system for the packaging industry. Over the years, he has also contributed to the development of Adobe Illustrator plugins – some integrating high-end functionality into the software operators use in their day-to-day work, others bringing packaging features to Adobe Illustrator. His long experience has taught him all the specific details of the tools, file formats and protocols used in modern prepress for the packaging industry. In 2016 he joined the GWG, becoming most active in the Packaging subcommittee. We like to call him “Patch Man”.

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Andrew Bailes-Collins

Co-chair of the Variable Data Printing subcommittee

Andrew graduated from what is now the London College of Communications and went on to serve an apprenticeship as a Compositor. He has worked for a num...

Andrew Bailes-Collins

at GWG

Co-chair of the Variable Data Printing subcommittee - Ghent Workgroup

Andrew Bailes-Collins is an active member of the Ghent Workgroup and serves as Co-Chair of the Variable Data Printing (VDP) Subcommittee. In this role, he helps drive the development of best practices and specifications that support reliable, efficient variable data printing workflows. His expertise and collaborative approach contribute to advancing innovative solutions for personalized print production across the industry.

outside GWG

Head of Product - Ultimate Tech

Andrew graduated from what is now the London College of Communications and went on to serve an apprenticeship as a Compositor. He has worked for a number of vendors in the printing and publishing sector, including Scangraphic, Apple, and DuPont/Crosfield. He has been Prepress Manager for several high-quality printing companies in London, managing the change from conventional production techniques to digital. An early adopter of computer-to-plate and PDF workflow. Andrew switched from production to the software side of the industry in 2001, working at OneVision Software and rising to the role of Head of Product Management based in Germany. In 2010 Andrew joined Enfocus in Belgium as Senior Product Manager responsible for the PitStop family of products and joined the GWG. In December 2021 joined UltimateTech as the Head of Product Management for their Imposition, Nesting, Ganging and Finishing Automation software.

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Participation

Join the GWG and help shape the future of print and packaging workflows. Collaborate with industry experts, contribute to internationally recognized specifications, and make a lasting impact on the industry.