How, when and where do a publisher’s products reach people’s fragmented attention? Friederike Schultz, creative director of Exozet Group says the answer is quite clear: “anytime, anywhere, anyhow and anyline”.

Readers like to consume news exactly when they have time to, irrespective of where they are, so access must be possible anytime, anywhere. The cross-media approach was also recommended by Chiratas (Jim) Nivatpumin.

The Bangkok Post managing editor was one of three customer representatives taking part in ppi Media’s 2013 open days in Kiel. Thai publisher Post Publishing is in the process of installing ppi’s InDesign-based Content-X editorial system, which was launched in 2011.

At Nordkurier, head of media services Marica Verjaal says the publisher will will have more workplaces and more channels, but lower costs. Thanks to an integrated InDesign server, only 40 of the 120 Content-X workplaces need a full version of the Adobe layout application, with editors working viewing a live preview via the DC-X digital asset management system. A further contribution came from business magazine Impulse, this time on the advantages of crossmedia text creation in its cloud-based version of the editorial system.

Dirk Frädrich, head of CRM advertising services at Sudkurier Medienhaus demonstrated how software could optimise a large number of worksteps, using booking processes for online banners as an example. A process which lasted about 40 minutes from order entry to booking in SAP IS-M/AM has been reduced to ten minutes.

Markus Feldenkirchen, chief executive of ppi Media US emphasised the importance of diversity for media companies in his presentation on the strategies and approaches of American publishers. And Jens Nicolaisen, digital director of Jyllands-Posten – presenting the mobile strategy of Denmark’s largest publisher – said change management is a central issue, focussing on adjusting to customer needs and preferences.

“The central issue that all publishers should ask themselves is, how well do we know our readers and what do they want,” he says. Danes love ships and are proud of their maritime industry, so JP/Politikens Hus has created a premium platform which reports on maritime issues only.

Karin Hilbert, advertising publishing director at WAZ Media Group, presented two successful multichannel advertisement campaigns which were published in the daily press, in free advertisers, in web and mobile offers and on the radio, and which are measurable and “make customers happy”.

WAN-Ifra chief executive Vincent Peyrègne showed just how measurable a media company’s success is with an extract from the group’s World Press Trends 2013 report, which collates data on the more than 70 countries.

“The future of the news industry depends on how people become involved and participate in society,” he says. Participation of advertising firms is becoming increasingly important for the news industry." It is of fundamental importance to create attractive offers for everyone.

ppi Media chief technology officer Martin Ruhle and sales manager Hauke Berndt presented the host’s new and enhanced cross-media solutions, stressing its role as a system service provider for publishing companies, whatever their size and specialisation. Chief operating officer Norbert Ohl announced that next year’s open days will be held from June 23-24, 2014.