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With greater emphasis on delivering more applications and meeting shorter lead times, operations are reviewing the way they work. Some are moving work from offset to digital. Some are consolidating work on fewer presses. Others are reconsidering their throughput and exploring the flexibility of nearline finishing compared to inline finishing. All of which is drilling down on how to achieve the most affordable cost per copy.

However, the digital transformation of the print industry isn’t just about upgrading machines - it’s also about upgrading the systems that manage those machines. With the right tools in place, software can unify end-to-end production processes, integrate workflows, and empower your business to achieve faster, more consistent results. It can enable you to manage a wide range of short run fast turnaround applications, quickly and cost effectively while also maximising production and assuring consistent high quality.

In fact, the reality across the industry is that only a small percentage of businesses have fully embraced automation and streamlined workflow solutions, leaving significant room for improvement and optimization. The
Drupa Print Horizons Report identified 48% of commercial printers are completing over 25% of their digital print orders with a lead time of less than 48 hours. Just 54% of operations have prepress automation, only 35% have press and post-press automation, and a mere 13% have fully integrated end to end JDF workflows.

Making the connection

Connecting every step in the process delivers a multitude of benefits including:

  • Smooth acceptance of web to print submissions.
  • Onboarding jobs effectively.
  • Planning work efficiently around the identified workload.
  • Ganging similar work together based on similarities – i.e. paper type.
  • Monitoring colour management.
  • Improving operational transparency.
  • Enhancing reportability to enable improvements to be identified.
  • Planning efficient finishing.

All of which drives greater flexibility, versatility, and responsiveness in today’s time precious environment.

The role of Artificial Intelligence

As the focus on ensuring every production second counts intensifies, so too, will scrutiny on what AI can deliver. Operations will explore what data AI can collect, collate, and interrogate, and then use the understanding gleaned from the information to refine practices and approaches in response to defined goals. For example, some operations have already established a designated zone for the day’s paper so the changes can be made faster and issues regarding shortfall or missing substrates can be rectified sooner. In the future reportability can be further enhanced and historical data evaluated in greater detail to shape improvements.

Next steps may see data on the surrounding area, businesses and nearby demand factored in to new ways of working.

Also helping shape connectivity will be greater automation, some of which will be in the shape of robotics and solutions that support operators.

Software solutions

But back to today’s printroom processes. Konica Minolta offers several solutions designed to streamline workflows, automate processes, and maximize productivity.


AccurioPro Variable Data harnesses AI to power the creation of fully automated workflows for variable data printing. It ensures an error-free processing and routing of thousands of data sets without the need for user intervention.


AccurioPro Dashboard provides operators and managers with a comprehensive, real-time view of print production. It delivers fast, accurate and comprehensive data-driven production to reduce costs and increase overall productivity.


AccurioPro Flux is a suite of powerful workflow automation tools that organize, automate, and optimize a company’s entire print workflow. It eliminates time spent on repetitive tasks, arranges your print production in the most efficient, least costly way, using the most suitable output device. It also accommodates requests for late changes from your customers and supports last-minute changes to print job settings to maximize flexibility.

Essential too is assuring colour consistency from one print job. Variations in color can lead to costly reprints and dissatisfied customers. Colors are calibrated, variations are adjusted for, and compliance with industry standards met. By implementing a reliable color management system, you can guarantee that each print job meets the high standards your customers expect, helping you build a reputation for quality and consistency.

Visibility into your organization can be further optimized and control over your operations enhanced with
SAP Business One - a single all-in-one ERP platform that captures all critical business information to help you better manage your business.

Expert team

As well as our portfolio of software we also have a global team of dedicated experts who will work with your business. If solutions created look like they will be useful for other businesses, we will explore introducing them on a wider scale. That way we can be sure that innovations developed are relevant and will make a real operational impact.

For 2025 we also expect to see greater investment in high volume cut sheet B2 and B3 presses with a focus on heavier stock for premium and food packaging applications. Also important will be creative finishing such as varnishing and foiling supported by the
MGI JETvarnish 3D Evolution.

Invest in software that works as hard as you do

Many print businesses are still operating with fragmented workflows and limited automation, leading to inefficiencies that ultimately impact profitability and customer satisfaction. To truly excel in today’s fast-paced print industry, it’s essential to invest in software solutions that work as hard as you do.

The right software investment doesn’t just benefit your bottom line - it also enhances the work environment for your operators, boosts customer satisfaction, and positions your business as a forward-thinking leader in the print industry. So, ask yourself - is your software working as hard as it should be? If not, now is the time to explore the transformative potential of AccurioPro solutions.
Contact us to learn more.

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