Talk of automation is at the forefront of many business initiatives. While the need for people in the workforce will probably never go away completely, automation has certainly gained traction in the last few years. All of this driven by customer requests, faster delivery, lower price points, and an on-demand attitude. So, what does this demand for automation mean for the print industry? It means an increased need for reliable production print solutions.

Production print must keep pace with the bigger, faster, cheaper mentality. Print shops face challenges to maintain high-quality while competing with lower costs and the threat of outsourcing. Is automation the solution for becoming more efficient, consistent, and effective?

Into the Web

The Internet brought convenience to production print, primarily in the form of email and improved customer communication. But that didn’t necessarily translate behind the scenes. Most processes like billing, fulfillment and shipping were still being done manually.

With the advent of new production print software, automation could become the new standard for print. Just imagine automating the entire process. This includes everything from acquisition, fulfillment, production, and communication to billing.

Is automation right for all businesses?

Here are just some of the benefits of adopting automation software into your production print program:
* Order acquisition is made easier. No matter how or when a job arrives, it can be processed and managed through one integrated program.
* Automated file conversion, “pre-flight,” and preview options let you review and request changes without leaving the software program. This ensures that jobs are done right and that changes are corrected promptly.
* Post-print automation with accounting and shipping. As part of the program, information is sent directly to the appropriate departments without you having to worry about it. Plus, the client is notified and updated throughout the print process.
* With automated reporting, you always know what is going on with your production print jobs so that you can look for areas of improvement. Easily gain insights such as how long a press is running or the time length of a particular task.

If you think automation might be right for you and still have questions, contact us today and learn more.