Discover the Surprising Ways the Graphic Industry is Revolutionizing Business with the Power of Data!

What is my data trying to tell me?

I started my career as a lithographer in 1992, spending four years perfecting the manual process of creating impositions using film and tape. However, upon graduating, I was given a shiny new Mac connected to a Linotype film setter 4up, (BTW - do you remember COAX ??)? On day one I nicknamed it "The Beast."?

My task was to build a workflow and reduce imposition time by 75% by creating 4up impositions with a very interesting and limited software tool. Despite some initial hesitation from my colleagues, who feared being replaced by technology, the company had to continue to improve the system. We added more automation through preset data and eventually, we were able to move from 4up to 8up, then replace more manual processes with more technology like hot folders, then JDF/JMF, EDI calls, automation engines, and more. All new investments were made by gut feeling without knowing the real TCO or ROI since we had no data upstream or downstream from the solution. But back then - it worked.

Fast forwarding to 2023, the industry has undergone a revolution, and print service providers have had to evolve into technology-based entities.

Now, data plays a significant role in print manufacturing. With IoT and AI knocking on the door, we have too much data available. It is important to recognize that not all data is of equal importance or value.

PSPs may be a risk of information overload if data is not managed effectively, and it is important to distinguish between useful data and noise. Additionally, while automation can indeed improve efficiency and provide data on output, it is not a panacea for all print manufacturing challenges. There may be limitations to automation, and it may not always be the best solution for every workflow or process. Rather than relying solely on automation and data, it is important to take a holistic approach to print manufacturing that considers the unique needs and challenges of each organization and workflow

Print organizations may face significant challenges when attempting to implement a big data strategy. While there may also be some variation in data readiness and experience among different organizations, and different segments of the industry may have varying needs, it is nevertheless an important discussion that must be addressed.

In my upcoming newsletter series, I will explore this topic by examining the key challenges that print organizations may encounter when implementing a big data strategy, and offer potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.

How do we make sure that we apply the right filters to focus AND UNDERSTAND the data that will bring our business forward?

It should be noted that there may be limitations in generalizing this topic, and some organizations may require customized strategies to address their unique challenges.

Sincerely, Jacob Hummel