By Cassandra Balentine
No matter where you look, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding. While still in its early stages, the technology has unlimited potential. However, its current and future role in workflow and automation within the wide format print industry is worth watching.
“AI is everywhere nowadays and the printing space is no exception. It pushes back the boundaries of what was once thought impossible,” comments Loïc Aigon, PitStop product manager, Enfocus, an Esko Company.
Sacha-Vittorio Paolucci, head of sales, EMEA, OneVision Software AG, believes that AI technology is making a clear and positive impact in wide format. “It enhances productivity, consistency, and accuracy across the workflow.”
It is important to note that AI isn’t about replacing humans, it’s about augmenting human decision making with real-time, data-driven insights, stresses Debra Hobden, global marketing director, PrintFactory.
Early Stages
While Nick Benkovich, chief product officer, Print ePS, admits that it’s currently the early days of AI in the wide format space, there are great gains in estimating, planning, and back office functions like purchasing and payments.
“AI is starting to make a real difference in print production—but only when it’s used the right way. It’s a not a magic fix, and it doesn’t replace the solid workflow systems that print shops have relied on for years. Instead, it works best when it’s layered on top of the logic and automation you already trust,” suggests Matt Crawford, president and CEO, Onyx Graphics, Inc.
AI analyzes factors like job specifications, printer capabilities, and deadlines to create optimal production schedules that minimize downtime. “AI algorithms automatically check for errors in print files and help ensure consistent color accuracy across different print jobs and media types. AI suggests the best layouts and settings, reducing costly waste and maximizing material usage,” adds Marc Raad, president, Significans Automation.
“A key area is automatic quality control, where AI and computer vision technologies verify object placement and overlay compliance based on the original design intent. This is useful in signage, vehicle wraps, or architectural graphics, where precision is critical. AI reduces waste, prevents rework, and helps operators detect issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. It supports staff rather than replacing, streamlining production while improving quality,” says Paolucci.
Hobden points out that AI enables smarter decisions, faster turnaround, and consistent color, “especially in wide format, where media and job types vary. From intelligent nesting and job batching to predictive maintenance and color profiling, AI reduces human error and maximizes efficiency.”
AI is also useful for image upscaling, enabling printers to offer increased image resolution for their customers during file submission, according to Aigon.
AI supports flexible production models and reduces dependence on manual checkpoints. “One example is the use of AI-based mobile job identification. With a simple photo taken via an Android or iOS device at key production stations, the system can automatically identify the job and match it with correct specifications. This simplifies job handling, improves traceability, and reduces the risk of human error,” concludes Paolucci.
Raad insists that when AI workflow software is deployed properly with an experienced integrator to yield maximum results—depending on the wide format shop’s specific production environment—it can automate tasks, optimize processes, and boost overall efficiency to unprecedented new levels. “This includes automated job scheduling, preflighting checks, and even suggestions for design and layout based on analysis of client data.”
The key to AI working is for print providers to choose tools that complement existing workflows rather than disrupt them, cautions Gudron Bonte, chief product officer, SAi.
Tool to Grow
When properly implemented, AI help grow a print business.
“AI can be a powerful and impactful tool to help understand the buyer, identify prospects, drive efficient go to market, and enable faster more accurate estimates,” says Benkovich.
Aigon agrees, noting that the potential for AI is huge and every days brings new possibilities. “We constantly look at how we can introduce innovation into our products for the benefit of our users.”
“By freeing up time and expanding capabilities, AI empowers sign businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and customer service,” adds Bonte. Tools include predictive analyics to help identify trends and customer preferences, variable data printing powered by AI to personalize campaigns at scale, and generative design tools that allow customers to create signage with minimal design experience.
Accessibility
Depending on the use case, AI can be easy to implement and utilize.
Many of today’s AI tools are accessible, especially when integrated into modular workflow platforms. “Still, a successful rollout requires planning. Providers should assess their infrastructure, data workflows, and production needs. AI should not be added for its own sake, but to solve specific bottlenecks,” cautions Paolucci.
Planning and good data habits are a solid place to start. “If your team is still routing jobs by memory or guessing at ink usage, AI probably won’t help much yet. It needs clean, consistent inputs to work well. Start by identifying where your bottlenecks are and where better feedback would help. That is where AI can make a real difference,” says Crawford.
Aigon points out that AI is not an island and will not be successful in isolation. “It must be aligned to the wider goals of a print business and successfully integrated into its activities and operations.”
Take image upscaling as an example. “How useful is it to send an image to an upscaling engine if your PDF file is made of hundreds of them? And how many PDFs are you getting on a daily basis?” asks Aigon. “The good news is that it’s generally easy to connect AI to a workflow by automation.”
Raad cautions that most printers, even those with experienced IT staffers, do not have the in-house expertise to seamlessly and cost efficiently choose which AI workflow solutions are best for their specific production environment. “They should partner with experienced integrators and together, set realistic, affordable goals.”
Do’s and Don’ts
When it comes to AI, Benkovich urges print providers to find the right opportunity and don’t reach for the stars on day one.
Paolucci believes print providers should prioritize AI tools that validate layout and object placement reliably, integrate seamlessly with their existing production stack, enable visual recognition and job tracking via mobile devices, provide explainable, actionable results rather than black box automation, and offer clear return on investment and vendor support for deployment and training.
“AI should always be viewed as a helpful tool. It is never a substitute for a highly skilled prepress employee, press operator, or salesperson,” warns Raad.
Aigon cautions that while AI might sound like a magic bullet, it’s good to keep in mind that it is not always right. “Trying to get 100 percent efficiency can be illusive. AI models often require a prompt or a series of instructions to make the results better. Getting consistent results requires effort upfront and even then, some close follow up.”
“Avoid black box solutions that offer little insight into how they work. Don’t chase trends—focus on tools that solve real problems in your shop,” recommends Bonte.
AI Tools in Action
AI helps print providers process more jobs with greater speed and confidence, but the technology is still in the beginning stages.
Sep2025, Digital Output
