The future is now!

There is no doubt that print is exciting, and the latest tranche of innovation and technology launches highlights the way the graphic arts industry is moving forward for the future.

When Johannes Gutenberg made the momentous leap forward of printing with moveable type, I guess he was more than pleased to be able to bring books to the masses at last; and it caused a huge sigh of relief from the host of scribes and monks who could recover from repetitive strain wrist injuries from having to copy manuscript upon manuscript upon manuscript.

That invention shook the world. It wasn’t just the fact that things could be printed –?but what those printed products could do. The fact that books, and therefore knowledge, were now readily and easily available to everyone, really started a revolution in almost every sector of life, from the way countries were run to leisure time, from business operations to medical care and science, from law to innovation.

Certainly, the printing press is considered one of the greatest inventions ever –?and just look what has happened! However, back then the idea of the creativity of variable data (personalisation of pieces of print or packaging, so that each is specific to an individual recipient) would have seemed like magic. The fact that presses can now run at more than 18,000 sheets per hour would have been pure fiction. And, the ability to go straight to press without having to spend ages in a repro?–?well, that would be just a crazy idea!

Whilst times have certainly moved on and print has evolved, and the machines used today are now ultra high tech, that first tenet still remains true –?it isn’t just the fact that things can be printed –?but what those printed products can do; and that is so vital in print not only today, but going forward into the future.

So, what is the future of print? Where is it going? And, is there still life in what may be seen as the ‘grandfather’ of communication in an ultra switched on, electronic world?

The future is…green

By far the biggest issue today –?in business and outside of it –?is sustainability. To have any chance of success, businesses of all shapes and sizes have to have an eco friendly attitude.

Eco conscious companies do have much to gain, as the need for sustainability and environmental ethics becomes an increasing must not only with brands, but with consumers too?–?and importantly with employees, who are increasingly being drawn to more ethical businesses.

The future is…automated

Increased automation will definitely be a continuing trend way into the future, because it quite simply leads to better, more cost effective and efficient working, and can have a hugely positive impact on business.

Automation in technology itself will continue apace.

This will sit alongside increased digital transformation within all areas of a company –?from order input to invoicing, throughout production and into every area of running a business. Although this may seem to some as complex at first, the efficiencies gained really help with productivity, so it is well worth the effort.

The future is…clever

Print simply has to be clever.

Clever concepts must continue and must lead the way in the communications, promotions and packaging markets –?whether that is gamifying packaging or making a story book come alive, whether that is adding 3D elements to a report or interacting with the label on the shelf to find out how that product works in a recipe. Or, simply producing beautiful print with various techniques and more unusual papers that make it really stand out. Print can be used as a sound platform to really make the clever stuff shine – but many of these clever ideas still need print as the carrier.

Print is amazing –?and that is not hard to achieve. So, why are we still offering static business cards, when we could have those that link back to more information on a website –?for no extra cost? Why are we still offering static reports, when they could be personalised to each recipient – for very little extra cost? Why are we still delivering packaging in bland kraft when that space could be used for messaging or marketing?

We have a huge heritage of innovation within the graphic arts industry and there is plenty of clever tech out there –?everything from software and presses right through to finishing, but also exciting new papers, inks, coatings and special effects.

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The future is…hybrid

The future is definitely hybrid, not only in the way we work, but in the processes and technologies we use.

Savings in time and cost are essential, and the ability to do things in a more efficient manner –?to worker smarter –?with employees taking more responsibility for their own work segment. They will be empowered to perform. Business models will change, not only to please the company and the customer, and to optimise technology, but to make the most of invigorated and motivated employee power.

We will continue to see printing technology – both offset and digital –?that allows more flexibility and more agility when it comes to production, but we will also see the emergence of ever more ‘hybrid’ technologies that mix and match the best of all worlds.

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The future is…now!

Well, now you are a creative and forward thinking lot, so I’m sure you will agree, it is an exciting, dynamic and thrilling time to be involved with the grapic arts industry. The technology is exciting, but what you can do with it is what makes print really dynamic.

Working hard and having the right knowledge, connections and creativity is vital in?today’s market. Investing in the best technology simply makes good business sense. Working with inspired and enthusiastic partners helps success. But, more importantly, being inspired to create better, more exciting, more creative print that adds value, is where the future of print lies.

Solutions magazine and sister publication Green Solutions are published by Earth Island Publishing. If you want to find out more about the environment or the positivity and creativity of print, design and packaging, please see?www.earthisland.co.uk and register for our magazines – they are free!

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