The print industry is in transformative times. Over the past decade, advancements in technology have transformed production workflows, turning once labour-intensive processes into streamlined, data-driven operations. Automation, cloud-based tools and smarter workflows are now at the heart of print productivity.
As well as requiring businesses to work faster to stay competitive, these innovations are changing how businesses think about efficiency, sustainability and customer experience. The question is: as the industry moves forward, is your company adapting to keep up – or being left behind?
Revolutionising print with workflow tools
What are some of the key tools and technologies that are underpinning rapid change in print productivity? One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the introduction of AI-driven workflow automation. According to forecasts from GlobalData, the AI market is set to reach over $1 trillion in value worldwide by 2030, up from $103 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39% over the period. As with many sectors, the impact of this growth is already being felt in print. “Tools like Kodak Prinergy Workflow and Prinergy Business Solutions employ AI and Machine Learning to streamline prepress operations, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce human intervention,” says Erik Holdo, VP of Pre-Sales Software and Equipment at Kodak. “This has marked a significant advance over old methods, which were labour-intensive and prone to human error.”
Novel platforms are also enhancing the ability of disparate teams to collaborate. “Platforms such as Kodak InSite Prepress Portal and Microsoft Teams, which can be integrated into Prinergy Business Solutions, allows for real-time collaboration and approval processes, reducing the need for physical site visits,” explains Holdo. “This accelerates the production timeline and enhances communication among stakeholders. InSite Prepress Portal allows designers and prepress to communicate, tracking every modification and change to a job.” For print businesses, it means that a job can move from conception to completion much faster, with all stakeholders remaining aligned without ever having to leave their desks – whatever their geographical distance from one another.
Holdo also cites Variable Data Printing (VDP) as a technology that has boosted the ability of printers to provide ultra-personalised results for customers over recent years. “Once a domain reserved for digital toner or low quality inkjet transactional printers,” he says, “inkjet imprinting heads – such as the Prosper S series – can be mounted on high speed presses or mail tables, providing customisation, versioning, and eliminating black-plate changes, at speeds up to 3000 feet per minute.” Offset or flexo operations can incorporate the power of VDP while maintaining high quality levels for clients. Customer-specific materials like direct mail and targeted marketing campaigns, can be printed at scale – all without compromising efficiency or the end-product.
Finally, the adoption of digital print solutions such as the Kodak Prosper Ultra 520 – which Holdo described as a “new era in digital inkjet presses” – has further streamlined print operations. By providing superior print speeds and quality, these modern inkjet presses offer a compelling alternative to traditional offset printing, particularly for short-run jobs that require quick turnaround times. For businesses trying to meet tight deadlines, the speed and efficiency of digital presses are indispensable.
Sustainability gains from productivity tools
While the focus on workflow optimisation is largely productivity-driven, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. The integration of digital tools into print production workflows has played a major role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
For instance, the move towards cloud-based platforms has reduced the need for physical meetings and site visits, cutting down on travel-related emissions. Moreover, automated workflow tools make it easier to manage resources efficiently, ensuring that materials are used sparingly and waste is minimised. Rules-based automation, for example, while not new, is a hallmark of Prinergy, enabling the automation of manual events, business processes and print production steps to help businesses optimise productivity and crack down on errors. Integrated with KODAK COLORFLOW Pro Software, ink optimisation features can minimise ink consumption without compromising print quality. And as AI technology continues to improve, it is helping companies optimise energy use. As Holdo points out, AI “ensures optimal use of materials, reduces touchpoints and minimises waste” – all of which directly dampens the environmental impact of print production.
And the design of modern printing equipment is steeped in the principles of sustainability. “Modern digital presses are designed to be more energy-efficient compared to traditional offset presses, further reducing [print firms’] environmental impact,” argues Holdo. Investment across the print industry in new, greener presses is just one dimension of the push towards sustainability – inks, such as water-based alternatives used by inkjet presses, and sustainable papers are also playing a crucial role in helping firms shrink their carbon footprints and contribute to cross-industry global efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon output.
Adapting to automation
While the benefits of these new tools are clear, the transition towards automation presents its own challenges. For some businesses, especially those that have long relied on manual processes, embracing automation requires a significant cultural shift. Employees accustomed to traditional methods may resist change, and companies must invest in comprehensive training programmes to ensure that their workforce is equipped to handle the new systems.
Moreover, integrating new technology with existing legacy systems can present compatibility issues. Some businesses may find their older equipment or software doesn’t align with modern solutions, leading to inefficiencies and frustrating delays. To overcome this, companies need to ensure they select future-proof tools and invest in scalable solutions that will evolve with their business needs.
However, the efficiencies that automation brings far outweigh the difficulties of implementation. By automating prepress and production workflows, companies can reduce costs, improve quality control, and speed up their operations. And, as automation handles more repetitive tasks, employees can shift their focus to higher-value activities such as creative problem-solving and client engagement.
The future of print production
As technology continues to advance, the print industry will only become more automated, streamlined and connected. One area poised for significant growth is personalisation. For Holdo, this is a major burgeoning trend: “The demand for personalised print products will drive further advancements in variable data printing and customization capabilities.” These advancements, he suggests, will enable businesses to offer ever-more tailored solutions to their clients; personalisation’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Sustainability will remain a core focus. As environmental concerns increase, print firms will need to continue adopting eco-friendly practices and invest in energy-efficient technologies to stay competitive. Automated workflow tools and digital printing solutions are already contributing to these efforts, but future innovations will likely push the industry even further towards greener operations.
“By embracing these advancements, companies can enhance productivity, reduce their carbon footprint, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world,” concludes Holdo. For businesses looking to keep up, the key is to remain adaptable. By investing in scalable, future-ready solutions and prioritising training for staff, print companies can maintain a competitive edge. Collaborating with industry leaders such as Kodak can provide valuable insights and guidance. Doing so will become an imperative for those hoping to navigate an evolving landscape in the coming years.
