Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been part of the print industry vocabulary for decades. They are sophisticated approaches to developing activity automation that now encompasses content development, design, heuristics-based profiling, legacy print file regeneration and other valuable developments. ML and AI are based on improving performance and automating tasks but are only two aspects of building workflow automation that brings efficiency to print operations. Integrating diverse threads is an essential element in building an automated print shop. That process requires deep knowledge of the current workflow.

Intelligent Automation leverages technology to automate tasks based on what subject matter experts know. It does not need to be a single effort; the process lends itself to creating automated modules, though the end game is arguably full end-to-end automation. Intelligent Automation can simplify the production of accurate output so the organization can focus on growing the business. It applies in every print segment and type of print organization and can be your first step into bringing efficiency to workflow tasks.

At its heart, Intelligent Automation is the gateway to efficiency. The journey begins with carefully assessing the current workflows, focusing on every task, especially those completely or partially automated. In an ideal situation, you would develop a flow that shows the ways a job can come into your shop, the paths a job can take, the people who touch it, the loops and turns it may take common bottlenecks and the most common places for mistakes to enter the flow. Who is involved in each task and who is their backup? How much job management is done in hallway conversations, emails and online chats? These are the guideposts.