SfEP Annual Conference 2014
Evolution of workflow tools:stasis and change
John Pettigrew (CEO and Founder, Cambridge Publishing Solutions)
Workflows of the past two decades
Workflows of the past two decades
Workflows of the past two decades
Other tools
• CMSes
• XML
• Online collaboration
• Writing and development
• Communication
• Sharing
What is better now?
• Focus on core skills
• Automation of repetitive tasks
• Fewer barriers imposed by old technology
• Workflow speed
• Communication speed
What is worse now?
• Focus on ‘digital’ skills and de-emphasising editorial skills
• De-skilling of in-house teams
• Abuse of tools that aren’t ‘fit for purpose’
What is missing now?
• Clear vision of the importance of content
✤ (and hence editors)
• Tools designed for the work we actually do
• Complete workflows
Where are we going?
• Digital-first content
• Destination-agnostic content
• Static and interactive content
• Raised expectations
• Google Docs
• Twitter, LinkedIn
• Medium
Where are we going?
✤ Iterative development and continuous deployment
✤ Post-publication editing
• Commercial-model change
• open access
• self-publishing
• free content
Where are we going?
• Industry change
• mergers and acquisitions
• new entrants
• increased outsourcing
• de-skilling
• learning
The end of publishing
Again... ?
John Pettigrew www.wearefutureproofs.comImages © ducu95us / Shutterstock, MorphArt / Shutterstock, panco / Shutterstock,
Heath Robinson, ducu95us / Shutterstock, randall30 / Shutterstock