The print industry is undergoing profound changes as a result of digital transformation. Data has become an important part of these changes, and companies need to ensure that they use it responsibly to be successful. In this article, you will learn what data ethics means in the print industry, the benefits it offers, and how companies can put it into practice.
What is data ethics in the print industry?
Data ethics in the print industry means that companies handle data responsibly and ensure that its processing is ethical. In print, this includes the creation, storage and processing of data, especially personal data. It is about ensuring that customers’ privacy and data are protected and that data processing is transparent and traceable.
Benefits of applied data ethics
Data ethics offers numerous benefits for companies in the print industry. First, it fosters customer trust. When customers know that their data is being kept and processed securely, they are more inclined to work with the company. This can lead to higher sales and a better reputation. In addition, compliance with data ethics also helps companies comply with legal requirements and thus avoid legal consequences.
Example of successful data ethics in the printing industry
Personalized print products are an excellent example of how companies in the printing industry are putting data ethics into practice. By collecting and using customer data, it is possible to create individual print products that are precisely tailored to the customer’s needs and interests, such as personalized greeting cards, calendars, or photo books.
However, using customer data for these personalized products also involves risks. Print shops must ensure that they process their customers’ data securely and ethically. There are various measures for this, such as compliance with data protection regulations, the use of data protection tools, and training their employees in data ethics.
One example of a print service provider that successfully implements data ethics in practice is Cewe, one of the leading providers of photo products in Europe. Cewe has developed a data protection strategy to ensure the security of customer data. To this end, the company uses various technologies, such as the encryption of customer data and the use of firewalls.
In addition, Cewe has established transparent data processing so that customers always know what kind of data is collected and how it is used. Users have the option of consenting or rejecting the use of their data. Cewe also works with data protection authorities to ensure that all relevant data protection regulations are complied with.
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Thanks to these efforts, Cewe is not only able to gain the trust of its customers, but also to retain it – and to comply with legal requirements.
Overall, the example of the Oldenburg-based photo service provider shows how important it is also (or especially) for companies in the printing industry to actively implement data ethics in practice.
How can companies implement data ethics in practice?
There are various measures that print service providers can take to implement data ethics in practice. Here are some examples:
- employee training: companies should ensure that their employees are aware and/or trained on the importance of data ethics. Employees should know how to process and protect data ethically.
- Data privacy compliance: Companies must ensure that they comply with all relevant data protection regulations, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They must take all necessary data protection measures to keep customer data secure.
- transparent data processing: companies should inform their customers about what kind of data they collect and how they use it. Users should be able to consent or opt-out of the use of their data.
- use of data protection tools: Companies should always use up-to-date data protection tools. These include, for example, encryption, two-factor authentication and firewalls.
This article is the second part of a series on data literacy. To read the first part, which focused on data visualization and improving charts, click here.
About the author:
Dilyana Bossenz is the founder of Data Literacy Online and a lecturer in Data Visualization & Communication at the Digital Business University of Applied Sciences (DBU). She has worked for several years as a BI consultant focusing on data visualization and analysis. You can find more about Dilyana Bossenz on Data Literacy Online.
