There is no escaping the increasing pressure that faces print service providers (PSPs). With turnaround times getting shorter and printers having to deliver work faster than ever, it is critical that production setups are efficient and reliable. Automation has played a major role in easing the stress on PSPs by carrying out tasks that previously would have required human control or input, thus freeing up staff to take on other work and bolster the overall efficiency of print production. With this in mind, we find out about some of the latest developments and how these will help PSPs in the long run. Crucial Aspect Solimar Systems is a leading advocator of automation and the benefits it can offer to PSPs. Mary Ann Rowan, chief experience officer at Solimar, says automation should be considered a crucial aspect of the modern printing market. Rowan explains automation offers numerous benefits to in-plant printers and PSPs. For the former, this may include improved efficiency as it allows them to complete tasks much faster than traditional printing methods, as well as reduced costs as by automating print production, in-plant printers can reduce labour costs and minimise waste. In-plant printers may also experience more consistent quality across jobs, thus reducing the likelihood of errors and rework, in addition to increased flexibility to handle a wider range of jobs and being able to migrate easier from offset printing and digital toner printing to inkjet and even wide-format print presses. Rowan also says automation can help PSPs better control costs by reducing waste, lowering labour costs, and optimising paper and postal savings. Additional benefits for PSPs include increased capacity as companies can handle more jobs simultaneously in intelligent batches with householding, as well as helping PSPs access new revenue streams by migrating to new technologies. “When investing in new kit, printers should consider workflow automation to fill the gaps where no staff is available,” Rowan says, continuing: “Additionally, digital proofs, approvals, rejections, reprints, job tracking, and reporting are essential options to consider. Workflow automation is a great way to add security to printing and avoid errors that can happen during manual processing and finishing.” AUTOMATION EQUATION Helping ease the pressure on print service providers of all shapes and sizes, how can the latest developments in automation further assist printers in their growth? MARKET TRENDS / AUTOMATION 81 July / August 2023 - Issue 343 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk ▲AM Labels recently added the Epson SCARA T6-B602S robot to its portfolio
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