Technology has transformative power in the printing industry.
The printing industry is undergoing a quiet revolution, not in its products, but in the way its services are managed and delivered. Technology has opened up a range of possibilities, allowing printers and cartridges to connect to the Internet to provide valuable data on their usage and status. How is this technology transforming the printing industry?
Connectivity is a game changer. Printers, unlike other computing devices, require a constant supply of consumables, which is often seen as a burden to customers.
However, for suppliers, this represents a golden opportunity. Thanks to this connectivity, tools such as Nubeprint allow users to monitor ink levels and expected run-out dates from their mobile devices, enabling proactive management of consumables.
One of the biggest obstacles facing the industry is the lack of basic technical knowledge to adopt new sales approaches based on cartridge connectivity.
Despite resistance to change, history is littered with examples, such as Kodak, that demonstrate the risks of not adapting to technological innovations. The evolution since the xerocopy era is a clear sign that clinging to the status quo is a recipe for failure.
The connectivity of printers and cartridges to the Internet opens up endless opportunities to collect and analyze data on their status and usage. While some have already embraced this technology, many still do not understand its critical importance. Monitoring makes it possible to anticipate customers’ refill needs, facilitating repeat sales and improving loyalty.
Manufacturers are already evolving to a subscription-based sales model, creating an installed base of connected equipment that allows them to control the supply and replenishment of consumables, limiting customer choice and ensuring a steady revenue stream.
To thrive in this changing environment, companies must embrace connectivity and data analytics. This will enable them to gain a competitive advantage and ensure their long-term survival.
In this way, monitored printer management technology makes it possible to forecast future demand and adapt production efficiently. However, effectively implementing this monitoring requires in-depth knowledge of the business, time for analysis, critical interpretation and the ability to make courageous decisions based on the data.
On the other hand, the implementation of generative AI in the Cloudprint monitoring system is setting a new course, enabling companies to manage contracts and optimize resources more efficiently. It is not a threat to workers, but a powerful tool for those who know how to use it. Resistance to change and the implementation of technologies that increase productivity and efficiency are crucial for the survival of companies in the sector.
On the regulatory side, over-regulation in Europe, compared to the faster growth in the US, is an additional challenge facing the industry. Automation and the use of industry-specific ERP software can alleviate regulatory pressure, allowing companies to comply with regulations without sacrificing productivity.
Ultimately, the printing industry is undergoing a transformation through the adoption of monitoring and management technologies. This evolution represents a unique opportunity to improve efficiency and gain a competitive advantage. In this connected world, technology is not just a tool, but the engine that drives the future of printing.
Nubeprint has the most advanced printer monitoring software with 22 different functionalities. NubAI, its generative AI assistant designed to boost efficiency in print fleet management, offers personalized recommendations on how to optimize specific areas of your print fleet. It also provides detailed information on Nubeprint Panel functionalities and project-specific data when requested.
