The printing world today is driven by a strong growth in the creator economy, which according to Goldman Sachs already is representing $250 billion in annual value creation, and the expansion of e-commerce. This has put digital printing into a position of strength and catapulted its relevance within manufacturing and global supply chains. As highly personalized micro-orders are growing in demand, new expectations are brought to production platforms and workflows.

Procurement, workflows, and logistics need to be connected and optimized into one single workflow, as online print service providers need to be masters in cost-efficient and fast-turnaround print production spanning multiple sites and production devices. It seems also consequential that online printers develop software and processes to facilitate this, although this is seldom shared. In a remarkable move, Gelato is now opening up its software solution and production platform, GelatoConnect, to all print service providers.

Describing Gelato as an online print provider falls somewhat short. Founded 15 years ago, the company created an on-demand production platform, initially for personalized cards, photo prints, and brochures. Subsequently, the product range expanded considerably, including stationery, textiles, merchandise, packaging, posters, kitchenware, and more. Today, with all of the production partners around the world, Gelato’s total network represents roughly $3 billion in revenue and approximately $1.5 billion in total purchasing power of raw materials.