97 September / October 2024 - Issue 350 www.printmonthly.co.uk AUTOMATION AUTOMATE AND ACTIVATE A stand-out buzzword of recent years, automation is becoming increasingly important for print service providers (PSPs) seeking an advantage over the competition. We speak with manufacturers about their latest developments While not really a new concept for the print sector, with elements of the technology having been around for some time now, automation has really come to the fore in recent years, with manufacturers and suppliers alike keen to spread the word about the benefits this can offer to print companies. With automation, it is becoming apparent in technologies across the whole print production process, with the benefit of working with automated machinery being felt from the actual print phase right through to finishing. In other words, life is becoming easier for those staff working with equipment. In this feature, Print Monthly speaks with several manufacturers that are hammering home the message of automation, introducing new features to machines, and easing the strain on operating personnel. Efficiency and Productivity Among those manufacturers taking advantage of advancements with automation is Vivid Laminating Technologies. Director Lewis Evans says automation can be seen not only in physical technology but also across workflows and systems – with all offering benefits to the print service providers (PSPs). “Automated workflows help streamline efficiency and productivity by reducing manual labour, leading to faster turnaround times without compromising on quality or profits,” Evans says, adding: “Automation technologies allow for greater customisation of print jobs and meet the increasing demand for personalised products. “Additionally, automated systems can handle larger volumes without an increase in labour, helping businesses keep up with demand and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.” Evans goes on to say PSPs that do not adopt automation risk falling behind competitors that can offer faster, cheaper, and higher-quality services. He explains manual processes are labour-intensive and prone to errors, leading to higher costs, and as demand grows, businesses relying on manual processes may struggle to keep up, limiting their growth potential. “Printers should look for systems that seamlessly integrate with existing software and hardware to streamline the workflow,”
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