Looking Forward to 2025: How In-Plants Can Prepare for the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As we enter into another new year, it’s time to look ahead and predict the challenges and new developments that will exist in the months to come. In other words, how will 2025 look for the printing industry and how can we prepare for it? 

Emerging technologies, evolving customer expectations, and shifting market dynamics present both issues and opportunities. And to navigate this landscape effectively, in-plant printers must prepare to think outside the box, leveraging advanced tools that enhance efficiency and streamline operations.  

In this blog, we’ll explore some of those out-of-the-box solutions and advanced approaches — and hopefully start to prepare in-plants everywhere for what’s to come.  

Cost Cutting, Automation, and Workflow Optimization 

With more online commercial printers offering low prices and fast turnaround times, market competition has significantly intensified. As a result, in-plant printers face mounting pressure to match these competitive offerings, while also managing rising material costs. To remain viable, in-plant operations must focus on increasing automation and optimizing workflows to drive efficiency and reduce costs. This starts by: 

• Leveraging automation tools: Automation plays a vital role in streamlining in-plant operations, reducing manual errors, and enhancing efficiency. The right automation tools can increase productivity, lower costs, and improve the customer experience — all without the need for additional staff.   

• Measuring productivity and KPIs: Accurately measuring performance with key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for driving productivity and identifying cost-saving opportunities. By implementing well-defined metrics, in-plants can make data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency.  

• Cross training for operational flexibility: By cross training staff to be proficient in a range of skills, in-plants can ensure seamless continuity, enhance collaboration, and adapt more easily to changes in production demands. Cross-trained employees offer greater operational flexibility, reducing downtime and ensuring that production remains smooth, even during periods of staff shortages or increased workloads. 

Optimized workflows and increased productivity promise to go a long way to helping in-plants meet the challenges of 2025 head on — but there’s more they could be doing to stay competitive too.  

Introducing Value-Added Services 

In-plant printers need to stay competitive and relevant in an evolving industry marked by declining demand for traditional print, increased competition, and changing customer expectations. Several factors are driving the decline in traditional print products, including electronic alternatives, sustainability efforts, and budget cuts. 

Adding more value-added services addresses competitive needs and builds resilience against fluctuating demand. Some of these services may include: 

• Wide-format printing: This caters to sectors like retail, events, and advertising by allowing in-plants to offer large-scale materials like banners, posters, and signage.  

• Personalized experiences: Consumers increasingly expect personalized experiences, including customized marketing materials and tailored packaging.  

• Mailing services: Direct mail solutions — including addressing, sorting, and postal optimization — streamline the distribution process for clients.  

• Contour cutting: Precision techniques create custom shapes and designs, adding a unique dimension to printed products.  

• Fleet management: Managing and maintaining a fleet of printing devices for clients ensures optimal performance and reduces downtime.  

• Insourcing: Insourcing offers printing services to external companies, leveraging existing capabilities to generate additional revenue. 

Services like these can help in-plants set themselves apart in a competitive market. And there’s another service that can also help them stand out: inkjet production printing. 

Preparing for Inkjet Press Adoption 

Inkjet production printing is gaining traction due to its efficiency and quality. That means that inkjet production presses are not only becoming mainstream but poised to grow quickly in 2025. The pricing, capabilities, and buying cycles we’re currently seeing all align for increased adoption in the months ahead.  

Part of the reason why are the declining prices for sheetfed devices, as well as the notable speed and quality advantages over toner-based systems. Inkjet presses offer enhanced efficiency and print quality, enabling the replacement of multiple toner machines. This reduces the physical space requirements and minimizes staffing needs. The faster printing speeds can also lead to increased productivity and cost savings. 

However, a significant number of in-plant printers have yet to adopt inkjet presses. Simply by evaluating the benefits and challenges — including workflow integration, quality, and space requirements — they can take a step forward in keeping up with the new market demands of 2025. While challenges such as workflow integration and upfront costs need to be addressed, the benefits — including enhanced efficiency, print quality, space optimization, and expanded service offerings — make inkjet presses a valuable investment. 

Using AI to Gain a Competitive Advantage 

Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively reshaping the in-plant printing sector, offering numerous opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.  

For instance, AI systems can be used for predictive maintenance — taking breakdown information and dropping it into an AI solution with dates, to provide a preventative maintenance schedule. Sensors embedded in printing machinery can also collect continuous data on variables such as temperature, vibration, and operational speed. AI algorithms process this information to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate potential failures.  

By predicting issues before they occur, AI facilitates timely maintenance, thereby reducing unexpected downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment.  

Stay Ready for What’s Next with RSA 

RSA’s suite of software solutions can help in-plants stay ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead — in 2025 and beyond. Through optimized workflows, increased automation, and enhanced personalization, these solutions allow print businesses to empower productivity and improve the customer experience. For example: 

• WebCRD, a comprehensive Web to Print software solution, automates the entire ordering process to help save significant time by reducing manual interventions and ensuring smooth and error-free order handling. An integration with Print MIS systems can also jumpstart data collection for better insights, while 24/7 accessibility allows clients to submit and track orders anytime, boosting customer satisfaction.  

• QDirect, an output management solution for enterprise in-plants and commercial printers, can consolidate and route production jobs to the most suitable printers, maximizing printer utilization and preventing bottlenecks. 

• ImpactVDP, a full-featured variable data printing module, allows in-plants to leverage data analytics for hyper-personalized products like customized marketing materials and tailored packaging.  

RSA’s solution set empowers in-plants to stay proactive, giving you the tools you need to overcome obstacles, maximize efficiency, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. All of which that can help you make 2025 your best year yet.