We have recently lost our programmer who does out custom programming for variable data. Now we are face with replacing him. We are not having much success.. Any suggestions on how to find a programmer to do variable applications.. This is for higher end variable projects that fusion pro or printshop mail can not do... Need someone with VB, Access, excel, SQL type knowledge but how do you find such people? They seem to more home grown, the problem is we don't have time to grow one...

THanks!


Dale

I'd try craigslist if they have a local area section.

Of course you could always outsource the coding for a time being until you find someone. Xerox will code for you for a fee, but I am sure there are others on this site that might do it for a bit less.

This is the problem with VI printing, no one is training kids in schools to code variable. The best bet is find a good programmer, give them the reference manual and a simple app, ask them to code the app, review the code, execute the code and if it all works, give the coder the job Then get a separate DBA to handle the database side of things... FInding all this in one person is very, very difficult, and once you do, hang on to them, because if they leave, you could be stuck.

Dale,

I agree with Patrick's advice about hanging on to them. Finding VI programmers that are good is very difficult. You are looking for an odd combination of skills. Database management / data manipulation, programming and production planning / design. If you think about the offset print equivilent, this would be a planner, prepress, scheduler and in some cases enough of an operator to do testing and understand machine limitations and characteristics.

I would look for someone without true application development backgrounds but rather someone who has filled a the need as a utility programmer in an organization. Specifically with data skills. Some of these people hide in business analyst positions.

I do think that depending on the types of applications you are developing it is a good idea to consider outsourcing development. The success of that really depends on details of your work. My only advice when considering outsourcing is that though it is not what you want, the only programmers out there will initially setup an arrangement where they own the application and license you to use it. You will usually be able to pay more to actually own the application, but the only developers I have ever worked with that have been worth anything have operated that way. I realize that is unfortunate because you probably want to own the rights to your application and cost is always a factor in variable programming / print.

Good luck with your search.