By Melissa Donovan
Part 2 of 4
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a derivative of automation, in the sense that the graphic arts is turning to AI as a tool to streamline the entire print process from design to file capture and scheduling, running through the printer and connecting to the correct finishing device.
“Whether it’s marketing, design, estimating, or prepress, AI is influencing workflows at many printers today. AI, while still very emergent, is playing a major role in helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency within the industry,” admits Erik Norman, president, swissQprint America.
According to Marc Raad, president, Significans Automation, “AI reduces errors, enhances production efficiency, helps manage inventory, and is used for estimation.”
While this eliminates the many manual errors that can arise, and addresses labor shortage issues, AI does not replace the importance humans bring to the print equation. Utilizing AI is how print service providers (PSPs) will reduce costs and create efficiencies.
Customer Service and Design
The way in which print shops interact with customers is changing thanks to AI.
Customer service is going the way of AI, we see this growing in online chats for big box retail stores, and print shops are not immune. “In customer service, AI-driven chat and support tools are improving how printers interact with end users,” states Tobias Sternbeck, CEO, Beaver Paper & Graphic Media, Inc.
Content creation benefits from AI. “AI enables the creation of personalized print products by analyzing customer data and preferences. This capability allows for tailored marketing materials and products, enhancing customer engagement. AI tools assist in generating marketing content, optimizing sales campaigns, and automating repetitive tasks. This reduces the time spent on content creation and allows companies to focus on strategic initiatives,” says Nick Dinunzio, director of business development, Alpina Manufacturing, LLC.
AI is used for design purposes. “Increasingly, users want the ability to upload files directly to a platform, have them automatically placed into a print queue, and proceed to production with minimal manual intervention. AI is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, enabling end users to design high-quality graphics without the need for professional graphic designers,” explains Bobby Cagle, NA sales director, SAi.
“Automation and AI allow for extreme efficiency during the design phase of a graphics project, giving a user the ability to generate multiple design options from prompts or concepts. Automation also allows for a more clear visual of the end product, through platforms such as product visualizers, which aid in decision making for the end consumer,” adds Alex Wixted, commercial innovation platform manager, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.
While AI is an excellent tool, according to Jay Kroll, director of product education, General Formulations, it shouldn’t replace the human element of the business. “Personally, I think the best approach is frequent, creative interaction with AI—not blind trust, but also not hesitation. I wouldn’t advocate handing over creative control, but AI can be valuable in a support or advisory role—analyzing data, generating ideas, or assisting with repetitive tasks. It’s a tool, not a replacement for human judgment.”
Pre- and Post-Press Data Collection
AI anticipates machine behavior. Collecting data helps in the prepress process, minimizing if not eliminating machine downtime. It also works on the backend, for post-process finishing.
Information obtained includes managing color and then calibrating the color automatically, printhead data that leads to predictive maintenance, and recognizing substrates automatically, lists Adam J. Tourville, channel manager, Fluid Color.
“As AI continues to advance in graphics, data from existing printer fleets is increasingly being utilized to predict customer needs and personalize experiences, as well as to understand machine behavior. This information helps us anticipate print profile requirements and enables predictive and proactive maintenance to minimize machine downtime,” explains Thomas Giglio, segment manager, large format Latex production business in NA, HP, Inc.
“AI has a very wide definition. We offer it so users can enhance their business and get the most from their system. For example, our iPC systems include detailed databases that guide users on cutting systems and tools based on the substrate being cut,” explains David Preskett, VP EMEA & APAC, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (PCS).
Kongsberg PCS’ latest iPC 3.1 operating software is developed exclusively for Kongsberg tables and designed to maximize uptime and versatility. iPC 3.1 introduces an intuitive user interface and powerful new features like dynamic nicks, which allow operators to add and modify nicks directly within the software.
More to See
We are just at the beginning of AI’s influence in the print industry. “It’s early days, but the potential is significant. The integration of AI and automation is transforming print from a manual, reactive process into a proactive, intelligent one—unlocking new levels of efficiency and customization,” admits Lieven Bertier, CMO, Summa.
“As AI develops specifically for the print industry we will see decreased labor on time-consuming jobs and more time focused on running the business and billable hours,” foresees Tourville.
The next article in this four-part series about the state of the industry looks at sustainability and ways its being achieved in the graphic arts.
Jul2025, Digital Output
