With the business challenges of COVID-19 finally starting to ease, many digital print companies are looking ahead to 2023 with cautious optimism.
Yes, it’s still a jungle out there – especially with inflation driving costs higher and businesses battling to lower expenditure as a result. However, as the new year upon us, there are set to be some big trends to capitalise on – which also have significant benefits for customers.
We’re here to outline our favourite five…
1. Automation
When it comes to return on investment, automating print workflows is one with a big pay-back promise.
Automation is a process which uses technology to perform tasks with minimal human involvement. It has drastically changed the way businesses are conducted, making operations more efficient and effective.
When in place, print shops need fewer personnel to manage each job. This allows them to take on more projects, provide higher-quality results that aren’t blighted by human error and – critically – spend less money.
Fewer overheads, coupled with the ability to maximise hardware for 24 hours a day, creates significant cost advantages for companies leaning on automation in 2023. Of course, this means big savings that can be passed on to customers, too.
2. Quick Delivery
For consumers, anything less than lightning-fast delivery is considered a drag (we’re living in the age of Amazon Prime, after all). This is a trend that’s only set to intensify.
High expectations put increasing pressure on business and, by association, anyone who supplies them. In addition, on-demand print services (such as companies using an online platform to send personalised cards) need to turn around orders in a flash, lest they disappoint their patience-poor customer base.
Fortunately, technology is helping print shops to keep up with demand. Digital print offers the versatility needed to keep pace with fluctuating requirements, while automation remains key to completing projects at speed.
The result? Customers have their orders completed efficiently, correctly and within the desired timeframe.
3. Sustainability
Reams of companies in 2023 will be mulling over their sustainability objectives and how best to meet them. This includes looking at how suppliers can help.
Fortunately, there are numerous benefits for printers who endeavour to provide an eco-friendly service.
As sustainability is such a pertinent issue, the latest print hardware is being developed with this in mind. For example, the Mimaki UJF3042 UV Digital Inkjet Printer uses LED UV curing technology, helping to reduce energy consumption while producing high-quality results.
Using less energy and waste is good for the planet, of course – but it’s also good customer budgets, especially when utility costs are higher than ever. Making energy savings that can be passed on to patrons, therefore, is nothing less than good business sense.
4. Design Innovation
More than ever, we’re seeing print professionals offer additional services to help customers get the best design outcomes.
This includes collaborating and advising them of when adjustments could be made to create a more impactful piece. For example, rather than using standard fonts, a print specialist might recommend tweaking existing letters to make a unique statement – or perhaps using a different print medium entirely to better meet a brief.
In 2023, it’s all about being a trusted advisor, rather than just a service provider.
5. Increased Profit Margins
Really? During a global wave of financial uncertainty?
It’s true.
However, let’s be clear – you can’t grow without planting some seeds first. Increased profit margins are certainly on the cards for savvy print shops, but only if they pay attention to the advantageous trends we’ve been discussing.
Automation is an extremely cost-effective process upgrade, which enables better prices to be passed on to customers. Meanwhile, design support offers a new avenue for increased services.
By thinking about how the big trends for 2023 can be incorporated into their work, print shops have a greater opportunity to attract and keep customers – leading to an increasingly prosperous future for both.
Keen to discover how Evans Graphics could assist your print needs in 2023?
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR DIGITAL PRINTING SERVICES
