Printing technology is getting more accessible than ever, and that’s a mixed blessing for print houses and graphic design companies in Ohio. Major retailers are innovating to deliver more convenient printing services, which makes business seem to dry up for smaller companies. Also, entry-level production print hit the market in late 2019. Now, beautifully printed collateral is readily available to most businesses.
However, the advancements in printing technology have unlocked many opportunities for print houses, too. The industry faces an unparalleled level of options and capabilities just waiting to be explored.
Ohio print houses have more professional printing solutions available than ever. Here’s a closer look into what entry-level production means, how printing houses can thrive with the printing industry, and how Blue Technologies can help these professionals find their perfect device.
At one point, production printers were reserved only for companies with major printing environments – such as those in the graphic design or marketing industries. Production printers are large, powerful devices with a cornucopia of features that extend far beyond the offerings of a mere multifunction printer. From complex variable data to advanced finishing options and even automation, there is very little a production printer can’t do. Traditionally, they’ve also come with the price tag to match.
However, as printing technology has advanced, it’s also gotten more affordable. Last year, several major printing manufacturers unveiled production print capabilities bundled into entry-level machines. For example, Konica Minolta’s AccurioShine 101 now makes it possible for companies to enjoy the same advanced finishing options and embellishment effects as a desktop solution. That means more professionally printed, beautifully embellished printing done in-house.
That may leave print houses or professional presses wondering. With this technology becoming accessible to everyone, how will they survive?
Production print isn’t just getting cheaper and easier to use. While printing technology becomes more advanced and more accessible, the sheer level of sophistication is still increasing. That means there are now more opportunities for creative expression than ever before, and print houses can take advantage of this.
For example, the industry has seen substantial developments in ink technology. For instance, HP’s ElectroInks, designed for its Indigo digital presses, unlock a whole new realm of possibility when it comes to color, finishing options, and even covert security features.
The availability of advanced printing capabilities to a broader market doesn’t mean that everyone is going to rush out to adopt it. While it might make sense for some organizations to invest in upscale production print, the reality is that many companies don’t have the time or desire to master these new capabilities. A need for quality printing by skilled professionals will always exist.
Print houses interested in investing in some of the latest print technology available on the market can benefit from Blue Technologies’ extensive partnerships with leading print manufacturers. Select from:
HP is a leader in office technology, and for good reason! Their portfolio spans from printers to cloud solutions – and even both of those combined. With a production printer from HP, print houses can deliver high-end printing with significant cost savings.
KIP is well-regarded as a specialist in the wide-format and production print industries. When it comes to industrial printing, it’s hard to beat them. Blue Technologies will recommend KIP devices for print houses with demanding environments, where other production printers just won’t do.
While other manufacturers are just getting started with entry-level production print, Konica Minolta first rolled out theirs in 2014. Since then, they’ve remained a leader in high-touch printers designed with a sleek appearance that matches its professional output.
Lexmark is known around the business world for delivering reliable and compact printers that pack a punch. For smaller printing houses, their enterprise-level MFPs perform the same as a production-level device. Blue Technologies recommends their enterprise color laser printers for companies that would benefit from a more versatile printer than a specialized production press.
Production print is one area of the printing world seeing rapid developments in terms of affordability and accessibility. This technology has finally matured, and manufacturers are creating ways to make it more accessible and affordable than ever. Print houses are increasingly relying on ever more advanced technology and their own skills to remain competitive. While major retailers and small, in-house solutions can provide some services, they’ll never rival the quality delivered by a skilled and dedicated professional.
Blue Technologies works with print houses to unlock their full creative potential with the right technology. Get started now with a specialist to find the best fit production printer.