AI was once viewed as a distant-future disruptor, but it’s now making its way into real-world deployments. Instead of completely revolutionizing the print production process, AI is facilitating incremental improvements. This article explores how savvy businesses are using the technology to refine their print production processes. Read More
The print and packaging industry has been using IA (intelligent automation) in the form of pipeline automation for decades. Now there is a way to integrate a new AI tool with Enfocus Switch to bridge AI with IA. Read More
If you have spent any time experimenting with AI tools in your print operation, you have probably noticed something unexpected. You are not working less. You might be working more. Before you chalk that up to a failed technology investment, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee offer a counterpoint: that is not a bug. For print service providers, it is the feature…the whole point. Read More
The production inkjet market continues to mature at an impressive speed. Vendors are delivering genuinely capable platforms, and the hardware argument has never been stronger. And yet print providers continue to miss due dates, chase customer inquiries, untangle billing disputes, and absorb remake costs that have nothing to do with the press on the floor. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee explain how money is leaking from the workflow that surrounds the equipment. Read More
Print businesses are done with limitations. PrintFactory works on Mac and Windows, supports any device, and delivers one powerful platform to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and boost productivity. Learn More
AI was once viewed as a distant-future disruptor, but it’s now making its way into real-world deployments. Instead of completely revolutionizing the print production process, AI is facilitating incremental improvements. This article explores how savvy businesses are using the technology to refine their print production processes. Read More
The print and packaging industry has been using IA (intelligent automation) in the form of pipeline automation for decades. Now there is a way to integrate a new AI tool with Enfocus Switch to bridge AI with IA. Read More
If you have spent any time experimenting with AI tools in your print operation, you have probably noticed something unexpected. You are not working less. You might be working more. Before you chalk that up to a failed technology investment, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee offer a counterpoint: that is not a bug. For print service providers, it is the feature…the whole point. Read More
The production inkjet market continues to mature at an impressive speed. Vendors are delivering genuinely capable platforms, and the hardware argument has never been stronger. And yet print providers continue to miss due dates, chase customer inquiries, untangle billing disputes, and absorb remake costs that have nothing to do with the press on the floor. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee explain how money is leaking from the workflow that surrounds the equipment. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a close look at LiftERP, part of Durst’s Smart Factory portfolio that targets the mid-to-enterprise segment of the print industry. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
On February 15 of this year, Paul Brainerd—the father of desktop publishing—passed away at the age of 78. WhatTheyThink contributor Alan Darling takes a first-person look at Brainerd’s life and legacy and the early days of the technology that transformed the printing industry. Read More
With 14 tracks and 152 sessions, 40 of them focused on packaging, attended by over 518 attendees and 16 partners, this 26th year of CONNECT continues to be a unique and valuable users conference. Product roadmaps along with industry trends, automation, and AI were at the top of mind for the enthusiastic crowd. Read More
In this Product Spotlight, David Zwang takes a deep dive into Fiery JobFlow Pro, a new and innovative workflow platform based on intelligent automation. Read More
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. Read More
HiFlow Solutions brings decades of experience from packaging plants, building technology around real-world workflows. In this interview, CEO Mariusz Sosnowski explains how HiFlow’s strategy centers on Operational AI—using automation and intelligence in estimating, scheduling, and order processing—to transform MIS and ERP from a traditional “system of record” into a true “system of decision.” The discussion highlights HiFlow’s independence, its Microsoft AI Cloud partnership, and its role in addressing industry challenges such as workforce shortages, sustainability compliance, and integration between legacy EDI and modern APIs. Looking ahead, HiFlow envisions ERP as a decision-support platform that augments human expertise with AI-driven insights for smarter, faster operations. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Many companies have been creating solutions to enhance the printing and packaging production plant. Hybrid Software is unique in being the only full-stack provider of all the core technologies required for industrial inkjet printing from printhead electronics to high-performance digital front ends (DFEs) and workflow automation systems. They do this through an interesting collection of very targeted solution acquisitions and continuous development, which can be confusing to understand to some, but knowing the principals I know there is a plan. Read More
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 Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Pat McGrew takes a close look at PlanProphet’s new AI-powered Tools, designed specifically for print businesses, aiming to automate and elevate front office operations. Read More
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. Read More
The 1835 “Moon Hoax” made ridiculous news stories credible. The USPS is issuing the 2026 Route 66 Centennial Stamp Collection. Highlights from the recent Sustainable Brands Conference. Researchers have created what might be the most accurate mathematical representation of color perception ever. When in North Dakota, visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens tomorrow, July 4. An Etsy gardening scam features AI-generated plant images and fake seeds. Good grief: corneal tattooing is a thing. Graphene radar-absorbing coatings for defense use. If you missed Monday’s Strawberry Moon, more moons are coming. Answering the burning question: “do bug zappers still exist?” Turn any water bottle into a water vessel for dogs. Is there any advantage to “alkaline water”? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
