Is Your Printing Business Falling Behind? See How Inkjet Technology Can Save It.
Production inkjet printing has emerged as a game-changer for the printing industry, fulfilling its promise as a key player in the future of printing. Since capturing the attention of industry stakeholders over 15 years ago, numerous advancements have solidified production inkjet's role as a catalyst for positive change. Innovations in printing technology, substrates, inks, and growing acceptance among customers have all contributed to increased adoption and a wider range of applications.
A recent study conducted by NAPCO Research sought to evaluate the tangible value that production inkjet printing brings to print providers. The study aimed to analyze the shift of print applications toward inkjet presses, understand the factors driving investments in inkjet technology, and explore customer requirements that are shaping demand for inkjet printing. Titled “The Production Inkjet Revolution,” the research gathered insights from 219 print providers, including commercial printers and in-plant operations, as well as feedback from 167 communication buyers and influencers involved in print procurement. The study also included five in-depth interviews with print providers who have made investments in production inkjet.
The findings from this research yielded three key insights that highlight the significant impact of production inkjet printing on the industry.
Key Insight 1: Inkjet Printing Yields Impressive Results
According to the study, production inkjet presses are providing substantial advantages to print providers. Among the 55 respondents from print-for-pay organizations, data revealed that investments in production inkjet led to notable improvements in operational efficiency. On average, respondents reported:
A 9% reduction in paper costs and consumption
A 9% decrease in production waste
An 8% increase in profits
A decrease of one staff member in press operation
Beyond the survey data, the research included anonymous interviews with organizations utilizing inkjet presses. One commercial printer with three to five years of experience shared, “Production inkjet presses boost productivity, minimize waste, and require less specialized expertise to operate—finding skilled offset press operators is a real challenge.” Another printer focused on direct mail noted, “Our inkjet operations significantly enhance our earnings when they are fully utilized.” Moreover, a commercial printer engaged in direct mail reported that the increased productivity from incorporating inkjet technology allowed for the elimination of an entire press shift.
Key Insight 2: Strong Investment Trends in Production Inkjet
More than half of the survey participants (54%) indicated that they operate production inkjet presses. Among these, 25% reported using sheetfed inkjet, 16% utilized webfed inkjet, and 13% operated both types. For those not currently employing production inkjet technology, 23% expressed intentions to invest in it in the future.
Respondents who have already made or plan to make investments in production inkjet identified several compelling reasons for their decisions, including:
Increased productivity due to faster run speeds (45%)
The ability to meet customer demand for shorter print runs (43%)
Shorter turnaround times (39%)
The desire to transition offset print volumes to inkjet (36%)
Equal interest in lower ownership costs compared to toner digital solutions, migration of toner work to inkjet, and the potential for enhanced personalization and variable data printing (35% each)
Key Insight 3: Growing Demand from Print Customers for Inkjet Solutions
Production inkjet printing provides a myriad of benefits for print customers, including enhanced versioning and personalization capabilities, expanded color options, shorter print runs, and improved speed. An integral aspect of the study involved surveying print customers to gauge their awareness of inkjet technology and its benefits for their organizations. Findings revealed that 57% of communication buyers and influencers specify inkjet as their preferred printing process, closely followed by digital electrophotographic or toner printing at 55%. In contrast, only 37% specified offset printing.
The Profitable Advantages of Inkjet Technology
Production inkjet presses are enabling print providers to achieve improved business outcomes, create a diverse range of applications, and meet the evolving requirements of print customers. The survey results serve as a strong endorsement of the profitability and operational advantages associated with production inkjet technology. As the report concludes, the time for hesitation regarding production inkjet investments has passed. Print providers that have embraced this technology are experiencing tangible benefits and a competitive edge in the market.
In summary, the ongoing evolution of production inkjet printing represents a significant transformation in the printing landscape. As technology continues to advance, the opportunities for print providers to leverage inkjet capabilities will only grow, fostering greater efficiency, customization, and profitability. As more companies recognize the advantages of production inkjet, the industry will likely see an even more pronounced shift toward this innovative printing method, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of modern printing practices.