Marketing Assistant
Publish on: 28 November 2023 at 15:38
4 Artificial Intelligence Predictions in the Print Industry
Manual processes will sooner or later be replaced by automated processes and through the use of artificial intelligence. With the commercial printer industry experiencing many disruptions over the recent years such as COVID-19, rising interest rates and most recently the developments in AI, this transformation is closer than some may think. All these events create an opportunity for innovation to emerge. A study by Quocirca showed that 84% of people agreed that COVID-19 significantly disrupted the print industry, whilst 77% agreed that this event opened an opportunity for innovation. The same is happening with AI’s emergence, as we speak.
AI is a disruptive force, revolutionising processes, and driving efficiency. The technologies are transforming traditional print operations and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. From streamlining pre-press operations to enhancing personalisation and generative images, AI is reshaping the landscape of commercial printing. In this article, we will explore the predictions that will influence the commercial print industry using AI and the benefits these predictions could bring to those who adopt early.
Automated Pre-Press Operations
What Problem Could This Solve?
Pre-press operations in the commercial print industry usually include manual processes such as file verification, file preparation, colour separation, imposition, proof, plus quality control, which can be time-consuming and error prone.
The Prediction
AI technology could automate all pre-press tasks such as file preparation, colour management and layout design, by pre-checking that every single document is correct before it is sent to the printroom. This AI system will be programmed to follow a certain rule book but as it works, it will intelligently learn and develop based on the previous work it has produced. The technology will be able to assess work in real-time and decide on changes, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
The Benefits
- This will help reduce excess materials waste as it will eliminate errors.
- Resulting in cost savings and higher customer satisfaction.
- Significantly improving efficiency and accelerating turnaround times.
- Allowing higher volume of print orders, while maintaining consistent quality.
Personalised Print Materials
What Problem Could This Solve?
One of the challenges for commercial printers is catering to the increasing demand for personalised print materials.
The Prediction
We predict that the need for personalisation will be fulfilled with AI-powered variable data printing. Variable data printing will grow hugely to the point where the AI technology will use customer databases to produce multiple versions of designs in seconds, based on customer preferences and customer order history. AI will simply analyse customer data, choosing the best personalisation method for each customer, generating custom designs plus variable content, and then based on the best-chosen design AI will support the production of the print material.
The Benefits
- Will produce highly targeted print materials tailored to individual customer preferences.
- Increased customer satisfaction and improved marketing effectiveness.
- Improving the engagement and response rates of customers.
- Cost-effective customisation, allowing individualised print solutions on a large scale.
- Ensuring the most efficient utilisation of resources and creating minimum waste.
Predictive Maintenance
What Problem Could This Solve?
Equipment downtime and maintenance issues can negatively impact the productivity and profitability of commercial printers.
The Prediction
AI technology will provide commercial printers with proactive maintenance strategies, by analysing real-time data of each printing equipment. AI learning technology will watch all equipment usage, their history usage, sensor reading and historical maintenance records, allowing them to immediately notice any potential future failures. Engineers will be automatically notified of any errors before the company even realises that there is an issue, rectifying the problem quickly. In addition, augmented reality will allow advanced predictive maintenance. It will allow your staff to scan their machine to get real-time checks of their printer. This system will automatically connect to the printer, picking up on any future problems and reporting them back to the staff.
The Benefits
- This will help minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
- Reducing the risk of costly long-term unresolved equipment failures.
- Leading to increased productivity, improved operational efficiency, and cost savings.
- Optimised equipment will ensure consistent print quality and customer satisfaction.
Data-Driven Image Generation
What Problem Could This Solve?
Creating visually appealing and unique print materials can be very time-consuming for commercial printers.
The Prediction
We predict that generative image AI will hugely take over the commercial print industry. Generative images will create powerful personalised images within seconds, that highly target and cater to individual customer needs. The customisation will be based on all customer data saved in the company’s database, customer preferences, market trends and other reliable data sources. Reducing the process of manual Photoshop, reducing time and cost of human interaction. Generative Image AI will be able to provide multiple designs and choose by itself the best-fitted one for each customer. By using generative models, AI will create uniquely new and visually appealing graphics and artwork for print materials.
The Benefits
- Commercial printers could offer unique and customised print materials.
- Competitive advantage in the market.
- Enhancing brand identity and improving customer engagement.
- Increasing the perceived value of printed products.
- Saving time and resources by automating the image creation process.
In conclusion, AI is expected to significantly transform the commercial print industry, whether it will be by the predictions listed above or other AI inventions, it all depends on the market environment. However, it is important to strike the right balance between automation and human intervention, as AI is not meant to replace human expertise but to enhance them. By embracing AI technologies, commercial printers can improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance print quality, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.
Take the stress out of your commercial printing operations by harnessing the power of AI today: +44 (0) 330 043 2408
