Email has been the go-to communication tool for decades, but in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, it’s quickly becoming a liability—especially for print service providers (PSPs). The inherent inefficiency of email creates bottlenecks, slows production, and introduces unnecessary risks. As the industry moves toward automation and streamlined workflows, it’s time to rethink how printers—both in-house and PSPs—communicate internally and with clients.

While there are dozens of reasons to decommission email for print production, consider these top seven compelling reasons to adopt more structured, efficient communication tools.

One of the biggest challenges with email is that it lacks structure. Unlike a well-defined project management system or order intake platform, email allows senders to provide as little or as much information as they choose in any format—often leading to missing details, unclear instructions, and crucial information lost in the back-and-forth. The consequences can be costly in print production, where missing file specifications, color requirements, or delivery details can lead to expensive mistakes and significant delays.