The Future of Print is Here: How Web to Print Technology is Revolutionizing the Industry

The print industry is undergoing a paradigm shift. 

People, processes, and profits are being impacted by this issue for every professional printer, from flexible packagers to quick print companies. A step back from your production processes and technology is the only way to stay on top of trends and stay competitive in the overcrowded market.

It is a hoax to say that printing is dead. It is impossible to imagine how advanced print technology will transform media and communications in the years to come.

As digital platforms experience oversaturation and privacy concerns, print is set to expand over the next few years.

As a result of the pandemic, printing businesses are realizing the necessity of:

  • Access to information remotely
  • An online presence
  • & a significant reduction in operating costs

To become future-proof and secure, most printers are now investing in web-to-print solutions.

Looking for more information on Web to Print Software? We've got you covered!

Milople offers custom software development services providing Web to Print Storefront Solutions to small businesses and individuals.

As the web-to-print industry is sure to revolutionize in the years to come, read on to find out what the most important trends will be.

Major Trends in the Web to Print Industry

3-D Printing

The printing business is being impacted by 3-D printing in recent years. Any print business owner can start providing 3-D printing services in a variety of industries, including healthcare, robotics, education, automotive, and more.

In addition to its high value in several industries, 3-D printing facilitates mass customization through Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS).

Personalization Options

Printing businesses must maintain their brand image in the face of fierce competition. It is common to confuse customization with personalization. There is a slight difference between these terms, even though they are quite similar. The concept of personalization encompasses more than just customizing designs.

In addition to the format, specifications, and other details of the final product, each detail is customized to the customer's preferences. As a result, offering personalized services will increase customer engagement and sales.

There are certain online product design tools/software that store owners can use to allow their customers to customize their products online.

Automation

Brand image can sometimes be damaged by even a small delay. If you cannot meet deadlines or meet the demands of your customers, you may lose them. To automate print workflows despite online orders, print businesses are increasingly integrating web-to-print solutions. 

A web-to-print ERP solution can simplify and automate many tasks, from order management to quotation management to print job management. Streamlining custom workflows and automating processes reduces the need for manual processes. Print businesses are seeking solutions that automate various stages of the printing process to streamline the printing process and manage bulk orders efficiently.

Online Printing Portals

Due to its many advantages, web-to-print technology has gained popularity among small printing entrepreneurs and businesses. Rather than going to individual solution providers for their printing needs, print business owners prefer a comprehensive online printing portal. Online  store owners want all the functionality they need in one place, whether it is automated print job management, live tracking, automatic cost calculation, etc.

Partnering with a Shipping Company

Many store owners value the services of a reliable shipping partner. In addition to being able to accept payments online via multiple payment gateways, you must be able to deliver your order on time. 

A shipping request needs to be sent by the printer to the third-party supply/shipment partner immediately after the customer completes the check-out process. Assuring real-time connections with shipment partners can streamline and engage business owners' delivery experience.

As well as this, live tracking has grown in popularity with more companies offering it to let customers know how their orders are progressing.

Voice Control and Command

The web-to-print industry is also becoming increasingly popular with voice-enabled support.

Customers would otherwise have to type print specifications manually, which adds time and effort to their workflow. All printing specifications can be entered via voice command, making the process faster and easier.

Print job orders will become more customer-focused with this next-generation technology.

Variable Data Interface

It is imperative to have a variable data interface. To accommodate run-time changes in print orders, store owners want to adopt a web-to-print service provider. 

Your customer, for example, requested invitation cards to be printed. They realize, however, that the address of the venue was incorrect after a short while.

They simply need to update their files if you offer a variable data interface. As soon as the edits are acknowledged, the web-to-print software updates the venue address automatically. You will save your customers the trouble of going through multiple channels to fix the mistake, and you will be able to avoid unnecessary back and forth between you and them. 

Furthermore, customers will be able to update their information quickly, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, you will save time and effort.

Wrapping Up!

The printing industry has benefited greatly from the development of Web-to-Print technology. Printing will be dominated by it as more businesses adopt it.
Have you considered integrating a web-to-solution provider with your print business? For your needs, Milople Web to Print Solution can be of great assistance.