Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Riding the Automation J-Curve: Why the Robotics Revolution Is Your Print Shop's Best Opportunity Yet

Published June 2, 2026

The productivity promises of robotics and AI sound almost too good to be true, and yet somewhere between the trade show demos and your actual production lines, there’s a gap that nobody seems to want to address, but understanding it is the single most important thing you can do right now to position your operation for success over the next decade. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee talk about the J-Curve.

Labels as Data: The Software Stack Behind Automated Label Production

Published May 29, 2026

The smartest operations have stopped thinking about labels as print jobs. Today, they treat them as enterprise data problems. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee explain.

AI Won’t Save Your Workflow: But Fixing It First Will Make AI Work for You

Published May 19, 2026

There’s a phrase that has echoed through prepress departments for decades: garbage in, garbage out. The same principle now applies to AI adoption across your entire operation, and most print service providers are missing it.

How to Attract, Grow, and Nurture Gen Z Talent

Published April 28, 2026

Too often, conversations about Gen Z center on what they lack: experience, patience, or deep technical understanding of legacy systems. That framing misses the opportunity. Gen Z represents the industry’s best chance to rebuild institutional knowledge, modernize workflows, and redefine print as a technology-driven manufacturing career. Doing so requires a shift in how companies recruit, onboard, develop, and retain talent.

The Myth of the Digital Native: A Cautionary Tale for Employers Betting on Gen Z Tech Skills

Published April 14, 2026

Employers in every business segment have been told to expect something extraordinary from Generation Z—they are digital natives, born with a device in their hand, tech savvy from day one, intuitively fluent in software, platforms, and tools that previous generations had to learn the hard way. Core software skills were assumed rather than taught. Today, that assumption is unraveling.

The Real AI Opportunity in Print Starts Before Ink Hits Paper

Published April 7, 2026

The most practical AI wins in print do not happen on the pressroom floor. They happen earlier, where sales, CSR, estimating, and admin teams translate customer intent into production reality. This article explores how generative AI reduces friction, rework, and risk before ink ever hits paper.

From Print Shop to Powerhouse: Five Strategies for Smarter Expansion

Published March 24, 2026

The print industry has continuously evolved through reinvention, but today’s next move requires more than a new press or clever idea. As margins tighten and customers demand new forms of value, many printers are eyeing fresh markets like packaging, labels, or décor, only to discover that crossing segments means rethinking everything from workflow to sales strategy. Here are the five strategic considerations that separate smart diversification from costly distraction, and guidance on how to expand your print footprint with purpose, confidence, and long-term success.

Canva Just Blew Up the Design Playbook…Again

Published March 18, 2026

Canva just redrew the creative landscape again, and this time, it’s aimed squarely at professionals. By merging its 2024 Affinity acquisition into a free, full-featured design suite that plugs directly into Canva’s collaborative ecosystem, the company has built an end-to-end environment for creating, approving, and delivering content across every channel, including print. For designers and print providers alike, this shift isn’t just another software update; it’s a fundamental change in how creative work is produced, shared, and delivered, bringing both unprecedented opportunity and new production challenges in the months ahead.

Acquired, Merged, or Rebranded: Navigating Vendor Shake-Ups in the Print Industry

Published March 10, 2026

Vendor consolidation is reshaping the print industry, as mergers and acquisitions ripple through every corner, from press manufacturers to workflow and consumable suppliers, leaving printers wondering what will change next. Behind every upbeat press release lies a set of practical questions about product support, pricing, and service continuity that can directly impact your operations. Let’s unpack how to read between the lines of vendor deals, identify what questions to ask immediately, and turn industry upheaval into a strategic advantage for your business.

Turning Tours into Sales: Hosting Open Houses the Right Way

Published February 24, 2026

A well-planned open house can turn curiosity into commitment, transforming casual visits into lasting customer relationships and measurable sales. When printers design events with clear intent, authentic demonstrations, and thoughtful follow-up, they give buyers the proof and confidence needed to act. Done right, an open house becomes far more than a tour. It’s a strategic sales accelerator and a showcase of the people, technology, and trust that define a successful print business.

Open Houses Are Printing’s Secret Weapon for Growth

Published February 10, 2026

Across the business-to-business world, companies are rediscovering the impact of opening their doors and showing customers how work really gets done. Research proves what many instinctively know—when buyers see operations firsthand, trust grows, and sales follow. For the printing industry, open houses offer a powerful way to demonstrate technology in real conditions, strengthen relationships, and turn transparency into a lasting competitive advantage.

Beyond the Booth: How Trade Shows Drive Real Business in Print

Published January 26, 2026

Trade shows have roared back to life, proving that no digital substitute can match the energy, trust, and tangible proof found on a bustling show floor. Across industries, and especially in print, attendees are arriving with intent, exhibitors are closing more deals, and the focus has shifted from counting badge scans to measuring meaningful engagement. In a world where technology, relationships, and opportunity converge face-to-face, trade shows have reclaimed their place as the most potent catalyst for progress in the printing industry.

The Real AI Opportunity in Print Starts Before Ink Hits Paper

Published January 20, 2026

The most practical AI wins in print do not happen on the pressroom floor. They happen earlier, where sales, CSR, estimating, and admin teams translate customer intent into production reality. This article explores how generative AI reduces friction, rework, and risk before ink ever hits paper.

AI is Rewriting Print Workflows—Rules-Based Automation is the First Target

Published January 6, 2026

The printing industry has seen every wave of automation, from manual paste-ups to digital workflows to API-driven connectivity. But a new disruptor is here, and it’s rewriting the rules altogether. Artificial intelligence, long seen as just a tool for content creation, is emerging as the next engine of workflow transformation. Its first target? The rigid, rules-based automations that have shaped print production for decades.

Use NotebookLM to Create an Operations Chatbot

Published December 16, 2025

Imagine if every employee in your print shop had a 24/7 assistant that could instantly answer operational questions, from press setup to postal prep, based on your SOPs and documents. With NotebookLM, you can turn your existing workflow guides into an AI-powered operations chatbot that boosts efficiency, supports training, and strengthens business continuity.

Using NotebookLM to Fast-Path Your New SOP

Published December 2, 2025

Are you tired of SOPs scattered across emails, desktops, and dusty binders? What if you could almost instantly create a single source of truth about your print operations? The answer might be Google’s NotebookLM. It can help you centralize your print shop’s operational knowledge, streamline employee training, and provide fast access to business recovery plans when it matters most.

Leaders Are Lifelong Learners—Bring Your Teams Along

Published November 20, 2025

The print industry’s future belongs to companies that learn faster than the market changes. With AI reshaping work and competition from every direction, learning agility has become a strategic advantage, not just a soft skill. Here is what you need to know to build a culture of continuous learning across the shop floor, from quick training habits to hands-on experimentation. Because, in print, transformation has always started with curiosity—and today, curiosity must be a company-wide initiative.

Going Deeper: How Deep Research Reveals Competitive Opportunities

Published November 18, 2025

AI-powered Deep Research is giving print businesses a competitive edge by converting hours of manual effort into minutes of processing that deliver almost instant strategic insights. Acting like a digital analyst, it uncovers trends, competitor moves, and emerging application opportunities. Whether you're exploring smart packaging or new ways to boost direct mail ROI, learning how to use this tool can help you see what others miss—and act faster.

Taming the Inbox: AI-Powered Email Management is the Answer

Published November 11, 2025

In commercial print shops, email is both a lifeline and a bottleneck, overwhelming customer service teams with unstructured job requests and urgent messages. While automation has transformed the production floor, AI is now poised to revolutionize how print businesses manage email communication. Here are some guidelines for how AI-powered tools can triage messages, extract job specs, suggest replies, and eliminate delays, freeing up staff for high-value work. If you’re ready to reduce quoting errors, speed up response times, and boost customer satisfaction, this is your guide to getting started.

From Zero to Automated: The Best Place to Begin

Published October 28, 2025

Operators of print businesses know automation can reduce costs, boost throughput, and improve customer satisfaction, but don’t know where to start. Let’s learn how to kick off your automation journey by walking your workflow, identifying bottlenecks, and building data connectivity across departments. With a clear framework and the right tools, even the most complex print operations can turn automation from a buzzword into a bottom-line advantage.

SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—Building Your Automation Universe: A Practical Guide for Printers Ready to Scale Smarter

Published October 15, 2025

Automation is no longer optional for printers—it’s foundational. From commercial print to packaging, thriving businesses are building Automation Universes that align people, processes, and technology to reduce friction and drive value. Here is what you need to know about how to design scalable automation ecosystems tailored to your goals, budget, and evolving team. Whether you’re buying big or building lean, the path forward starts with strategy, not just software

SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—AI in Print Production: Navigating Fact & Fiction

Published October 15, 2025

The reality check for AI in print production begins with a journey through current tasks, processes, and data to understand the current state. The next step is to look for quick wins where applying AI tools can produce quantifiable results. The challenge is separating the promises from the facts.

SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—Who Uses AI in the Print Industry?

Published October 15, 2025

Some printing companies use AI tools to guide their manufacturing processes and code development, while some embed AI technology, including GPT solutions, into their products for preventive maintenance management, color management, and quality control. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee take a look at some of the tools these companies are using.

LABELS & PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—AI in Packaging Today

Published October 14, 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is a game-changer. It offers opportunities to enhance creativity, efficiency, and precision in the execution of packaging projects, reshaping the landscape. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee show you where to start.

The Goldilocks Guide to Software Connectivity: Not Too Much, Not Too Little—Just Right

Published October 14, 2025

Automation in commercial print depends on more than just software—it relies on smart, secure, and well-timed connectivity between systems. This article breaks down the four most common integration methods—REST APIs, Webhooks, EDI, and JDF/JMF—and explains when to use each based on speed, scale, and workflow needs. If you're looking to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and future-proof your print business, understanding these data exchange tools is essential.

Web-to-Print is So Easy…

Published September 30, 2025

Web-to-Print (W2P) has evolved from a convenience to a must-have for today’s print businesses. With a projected market value exceeding $30 billion by 2028, W2P delivers speed, scalability, and seamless customer experiences across all print segments—from commercial to packaging. But its value isn’t limited to online storefronts. Integrated W2P platforms reduce job onboarding by up to 70%, enable faster sales cycles, and open new revenue channels. If you’re not leveraging W2P as a strategic asset, you’re likely losing ground. This is why now is the time to invest—and make W2P your print shop’s competitive advantage.

Talent is the New Tech: Smart Strategies for Building a Skilled Print Team

Published September 23, 2025

Every print operation, whether in-plant or commercial, depends on skilled people to meet deadlines and deliver with precision. Workforce development is now a strategic necessity, with continuous training across all experience levels a key to staying competitive. Here are practical strategies to build a high-performing team by addressing the unique training needs of new hires, mid-career staff, and employees transitioning into new roles.

Work Smarter, Scale Faster: The Intelligent Automation Advantage

Published September 18, 2025

The print industry faces a complex mix of labor shortages, rising customer expectations, and aging infrastructure; however, these same challenges also open the door to transformation. Intelligent automation provides printers with a smarter way to operate, transforming disconnected systems and raw data into optimized workflows, proactive decisions, and tangible improvements in speed, quality, and efficiency. From predictive maintenance and dynamic scheduling to real-time quality control, this next-generation automation isn't just about doing things faster. It's about doing them better, with fewer touchpoints and more business insight.

Web-to-Print is So Easy…

Published September 16, 2025

Web-to-Print (W2P) has evolved from a convenience to a must-have for today’s print businesses. With a projected market value exceeding $30 billion by 2028, W2P delivers speed, scalability, and seamless customer experiences across all print segments—from commercial to packaging. But its value isn’t limited to online storefronts. Integrated W2P platforms reduce job onboarding by up to 70%, enable faster sales cycles, and open new revenue channels. If you’re not leveraging W2P as a strategic asset, you’re likely losing ground. This is why now is the time to invest—and make W2P your print shop’s competitive advantage.

Navigating Biometric Privacy Acts: Implications for Print Shops

Published September 2, 2025

Biometric technologies—like fingerprint and facial recognition—are used in many print shops for time tracking and access control. Based on how privacy laws are written and enforced, there is a conflict setting up worth knowing. Illinois' BIPA law sets strict rules around how this sensitive data is collected, stored, and shared, with big penalties for non-compliance—even without proven harm. Other states are following suit. If your shop uses biometrics, now is the time to understand the risks, review your policies, and ensure you're compliant. This article breaks down what BIPA means, how it impacts your shop, and how to stay ahead of biometric privacy laws across the U.S.

Revisiting Share-a-Coke: The Power of Personalization

Published August 19, 2025

From buying the world a Coke to sharing a Coke, the Coca Cola Company is a master at building the earworms that get stuck in our consciousness. They are back again with a refresh of the Share-a-Coke campaign from more than a decade ago, but this time it’s targeted to the GenZ consumers who may not remember it!

Unlocking the Power of Direct Mail: Beyond the Postcard

Published August 5, 2025

The postcard. So versatile. So easy to design. Easy to mail. So easy that it may not be the most effective direct mail format for every campaign. Here are some ideas to consider when the next direct mail opportunity comes up!

The AI-Driven Future of Print Management

Published July 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now poised to revolutionize print MIS by enhancing financial intelligence and improving budgeted hourly rates (BHRs). AI can analyze past data to keep BHRs accurate, suggesting adjustments when discrepancies arise. It can also assist in creating estimates for customer quotes by evaluating historical data and pricing conditions. Here is what to expect.

PlanProphet's AI-Powered Tools

Published July 10, 2025

In this Product Spotlight video, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee talk with Lemay Sanchez, CEO of PlanProphet, about the company's new AI-powered Tools designed to automate and elevate print business's front office operations.

Bulletproof Operations for Any Economy

Published June 17, 2025

In the face of a mixed global economic outlook, it’s time to prioritize internal controls to bulletproof operations. Focus on controllable elements to build resilience against economic fluctuations. This article walks you through why turning your attention to your operations is essential, and provides practical advice for how to do it.

5 Must-Haves in Your Next Print Management Solution

Published June 3, 2025

Print Management Information Systems hold a special place in the print industry. When implemented carefully, they can unlock profitability. When poorly or partially implemented, they can hide opportunities for more profit. Here are five things to consider if you are in the market for a new Print MIS.

Packaging Perfected: The Three Pillars of Production Automation

Published June 3, 2025

Packaging automation is not a new idea. Many of the ideas we have about automation in the print industry originated with packaging converters and the printers who work with them. As a mature idea, there are many takeaways, starting with the idea that the best automation starts with an understanding of the converting and finishing needs and works backwards.

AI in Packaging Today

Published June 3, 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is a game-changer. It offers opportunities to enhance creativity, efficiency, and precision in the execution of packaging projects, reshaping the landscape. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee show you where to start.

7 Reasons to Abandon Email in Print Production

Published April 22, 2025

Print Service Providers should transition from email and adopt more structured communication tools. Email is unstructured, time-consuming, complex to share, ambiguous, reliant on specific knowledge, hard to audit, and vulnerable to security issues. It’s time to consider communication methods to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, strengthen security, and improve customer service.

Cost Rates Advisor Adds Insight to Your Print Business

Published April 17, 2025

Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee talk with Profectus president Craig Press about the power of Cost Rates Advisor, the software that makes calculating and maintaining accuracy of the data that feed your costing numbers. Whether you are in print or packaging, Cost Rates Advisor helps companies calculate Budgeted Hourly Rates, which are crucial for generating accurate cost estimates and pricing.

AI in Print Production: Navigating Fact & Fiction

Published March 31, 2025

The reality check for AI in print production begins with a journey through current tasks, processes, and data to understand the current state. The next step is to look for quick wins where applying AI tools can produce quantifiable results. The challenge is separating the promises from the facts.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW—Software Roundup: Atomyx, eProductivity Software, and Esko

Published August 27, 2024

Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee round up three software solutions providers who were showing their products at drupa.

How Data Protection Laws are Reshaping the Print Industry

Published April 9, 2024

Data privacy concerns aren’t new, but there has been an increased focus that impacts not only the people producing regulated communication like transactional bills and statements, but anyone who produces output informed by data, including AI-generated text and images. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee survey the current landscape.

State of the Cloud: Leveraging Professional Services in 2024

Published February 7, 2024

Do you have tasks that are never completed? Is your tech stack out of date? Is software and hardware maintenance on the back burner because no one has time? Trying to get to the cloud, but struggling with your on-premise installations? Are you wondering if you are getting the best advice from your staff and vendor partners? Maybe you need professional services!

State of the Cloud: Training Options in 2024

Published February 6, 2024

In days gone by, we had apprenticeships and vocational training to feed the print industry. Apprenticeships are a wonderful way to grow the talent of new employees and help them along a career path as they master the craftsmanship of print manufacturing. Vocational schools, state colleges, and vendor training also provide important educational resources. A growing option is cloud-based training to meet the needs of on-the-go trainees as they navigate the rigors of print in environments that increasingly rely on cloud services!

A Tangled Web: Successful Print Production Requires a Web of Workflows

Published December 13, 2023

There is no doubt that industry understanding of the power of workflow is growing. As machines get faster, the processes that feed them must be as efficient as possible. To attain efficiency requires a series of integrations to ensure that workflows connect and share data. Here is why that is important for your business growth.

The Artificial-ness of Generative AI

Published July 25, 2023

Have you tried ChatGPT, Bard, or another generative AI technology? They use algorithms to respond to prompts, leveraging available data pools to provide responses. They can be taught to respond to almost anything that can be broken down into steps. And they can make mistakes. Are you ready?

Working Over Your Workflow: 5 Steps to Turn Your Digital Printing Workflow into a Profit Maximizer

Published February 7, 2023

Reviewing your workflow on a regular cadence can lead to continuous improvement. It can also lead to continuous savings! With every new software tool and every new device there will be opportunities for more efficiency and optimization. Here is how to build your profit maximizer.

Plan Prophet’s Lemay Sanchez on the Champion Summit

Published February 2, 2023

In this video, sponsored by Plan Prophet, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee talk with Plan Prophet’s Lemay Sanchez about the company’s growth, feedback from customers, the latest additions and enhancements to the platform, and the company’s annual Champion Summit users event.

Bring Agility to Your Print Business with First Line Software

Published January 17, 2023

It can be challenging for print businesses to be agile, particularly production printing rooted in small-batch, custom manufacturing. To reach the peak of business agility, you may need to be agile using software and software services. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee look at how First Line Software’s custom software and data solutions can help improve print business agility.

Transform Your Print Business with First Line Software

Published January 17, 2023

Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee talk to the team from First Line Software about the services the company provides for print businesses. First Line Software is a provider of software and digital transformation services that fine-tune personalization and create connectivity between disparate print systems.

Focus on Everything But Printing: Your Manufacturing Workflow Is the Ticket

Published December 14, 2022

Putting ink or toner on a vast range of substrates is something PSPs do daily, and the process is getting a bit easier every year. What is not getting any easier are the operational processes required before and after printing. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee explain how job onboarding, proofing and approval, and invoicing are the three most consistent problem areas found during workflow assessments for every type of print service provider.

Technology Outlook 2022—The Art and Science of Data in a Workflow

Published June 9, 2022

In this year’s third annual Technology Outlook, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee look at how to effectively collect and use data to improve production workflows.

Keeping the Pulse of Your Print Operation with Canon PRISMA Tools

Published May 11, 2022

Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee take an in-depth look at Canon PRISMA Tools for data analysis and accounting, which monitor the operational pulse and direction of your a operation. These tools can help staff take quick and decisive actions to keep production running smoothly and make better print production decisions.

Labor Doesn’t Have To Be Laborious: How To Use Observational Platforms To Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

Published February 21, 2022

Two significant challenges are facing the print industry: labor shortages and inefficiency. They are related, and there is a path to manage them, but it takes more than trying to find people to hire and tightening business and production workflows.