When we began 2020, I made three recommendations. It was essentially the list of things to stop doing in 2020, and it went like this:

That list generated some discussion, but the consensus was that it was sound guidance for 2020. Then 2020 turned into a different type of year. There were more requirements to work remotely while trying to handle either too much or too little business. The folks who had already invested in comprehensive job onboarding solutions and significant workflow automation were better positioned to roll with partial and full lockdowns, remote working, and limited access to print facilities. Many who resisted steps toward automation found it harder to sell and deliver.

The take-away from the end of last year is that those who built internal- and external-facing digital storefronts and paired them to some automation for preflighting, prep, and production were better set up to survive the uncertainty the year brought. Clearly, some print companies did not survive. Some in-plants had to send their work out and close and may not know when they can re-open. Other in-plants and PSPs were able to survive, and still others thrived. Regardless of where you are on the continuum, if you are looking at thriving in 2021, here are three things to start doing now: