The 10 Hottest Trends Transforming the Production Print Space

As a reseller of production print hardware and software, it's not just about the products you sell but also about the industry you operate in. Understanding the latest trends in the production print industry is key to positioning yourself as a valuable resource to your customers and prospects. This knowledge not only helps you to better serve your customers but also keeps you ahead of the competition. So, while it's crucial to have in-depth knowledge of your hardware and software offerings, it’s equally important to understand the bigger picture—the trends transforming the production print space and how they impact your customers and prospects. 

 We’ve curated a list of 10 trends shaping the world of production print and commercial printers and in-plants. While some may not be surprising, they are all crucial to monitor and share with your customers. 

1. Inkjet Technology Moves Upstream: This technology has evolved significantly from its origins in low-end personal printers. High-speed inkjet printers are gaining popularity due to their ability to handle large volumes at lower costs and with less energy consumption. While the print quality may not match toner and offset printing, it's often sufficient for many of the print jobs your customers’ customers require, making it a cost-effective and energy efficient solution.
     
2. UV Inks Shining Bright: UV inks are versatile and can adhere to various substrates, including non-porous materials such as plastics, metals, and glass. This makes them ideal for diverse applications, including packaging, labels, signage, and specialty printing. UV inks cure almost instantly when exposed to UV light, significantly reducing drying time compared to conventional inks. This leads to faster production speeds and improved workflow efficiency. Prints produced with UV inks are highly durable and are resistant to scratching, fading, and chemical exposure. The inks also provide vibrant colors and high-resolution quality, enhancing the visual appeal of printed materials.  
   
   
3. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Consumers and certain businesses are becoming more environmentally conscious and are demanding sustainable products and services. This pressure is trickling down to commercial printers and in-plant operations to adopt eco-friendly practices. Think eco-friendly inks (UV) and paper, energy-efficient equipment, and software that allows for more efficient printing and less waste.  
   
   
4. Automation and Workflow Optimization: Here’s an opportunity for a reseller of RSA software to make a difference in their customer’s operations, especially with integrated workflow solutions like WebCRD and QDirect. As you already know, workflow software integrates all stages of the printing process, from order intake to delivery, helps streamline operations, and reduces turnaround times. This is a trend that your customers should already know about, but it doesn’t hurt to keep them updated on the latest enhancements to workflow software. Let’s not overlook automated prepress processes either, such as automation in file preparation and color management, which can reduce errors and increase efficiency.  
   
   
5. Web to Print Solutions: The emergence of online platforms that allow customers to design, order, and track print jobs can’t be ignored in this e-commerce era. These solutions enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency. Again, here’s where you can stand out as a reseller of RSA software, especially with a solution like WebCRD.  
   
   
6. Enhanced Print Quality, Special Effects, and 5th Color Redefining Print: The print industry is moving towards higher DPI (dots per inch) capabilities for sharper images and finer details, with some devices printing at 2400x2400 or 2400x4800 dpi. This is particularly useful for fine arts and photography, medical and scientific imaging, packaging and labels, and any output incorporating intricate security features that prevent counterfeiting. Similarly, specialty finishing techniques, such as embossing, foil stamping, and spot UV coating, add value to printed output. Hardware OEMs are now introducing a 5th color that enhances the printed output beyond the traditional CMYK. Some of the colors that are part of this trend include gold, silver, clear, white, neon yellow, neon pink, and invisible red toner.  
   
   
7. Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud computing allows for remote management of print jobs, collaboration across different locations, and infrastructure savings by eliminating the need for on-premises servers and IT infrastructure. The cloud also has the potential to enhance communication while also providing enhanced data storage and security.
     
8. Augmented Reality (AR): This is another example of how print is being redefined. Integrating AR with printed materials to create interactive experiences for end-users is not new but is still a trend worth watching. 
    
9. Data Analytics: Using data analytics to understand customer preferences, predict trends, and optimize production and marketing strategies is helping businesses of all kinds, including printers increase their bottom lines and better serve their customers. Thanks largely to AI (Item #10), expect to see more data collected throughout the print process.  
   
   
10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: We’ve saved the biggest trend of all for last—a trend that is impacting virtually every other trend on this list. It’s only a matter of time before AI is commonplace in the print industry. By leveraging AI, commercial printers can significantly enhance their operational efficiency, improve print quality, and offer more personalized and innovative services to their customers. This makes AI a crucial trend for resellers of production print hardware and software. Here’s a few examples of how AI is and will make a difference in the world of print.  
    1. AI-driven workflow automation can automate prepress tasks such as file preparation, imposition, and color correction, reducing manual intervention and speeding up production.  
    2. AI tools can identify and correct errors in print files before they go to press, ensuring higher quality and fewer reprints.  
    3. AI can enable predictive maintenance by analyzing data from print machines to predict maintenance needs, preventing downtime, and extending the life of equipment. By predicting and addressing issues before they cause disruptions, AI helps maintain consistent production schedules.  
    4. AI can enable supply chain optimization by optimizing inventory levels of inks, papers, and other supplies, reducing waste and ensuring materials are always available when needed. AI also helps predict future demand for different print jobs, allowing printers to plan more effectively.  
    5. AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, take orders, and provide support 24/7, improving customer satisfaction and reducing workload for human staff. AI can also analyze past orders and browsing behavior to suggest relevant products and services to customers.   

By staying abreast of these trends, production print resellers like yourself can better support your customers, ensuring they meet current market demands and capitalize on new opportunities.