On demand printing is a form of just in time inventory management. The term on demand printing refers to the concept of printing documents only when they are needed, as divergent to printing large quantities of documents and storing them on a shelf until they are needed.

The concept of creating documents on demand has been extended to include non -paper documents known as online documents. Online documents are usually in PDF format or HTML format. The term on demand printing encompasses both paper documents and online documents.

On demand printing is changing the traditional graphic arts process to deliver documents when, where, and in the quality and quantity required by the customer. Printers and equipment providers need computer systems and graphic arts expertise to provide integrated solutions for this very dynamic market.

As industry experts offered their views on the ins and outs of on demand printing. Some companies are taking on demand printing to a new level in healthcare with diagnostic imagery. On demand printing is popular where forms are commonly used, as in government and HR applications.