Do you often defer questions about the latest technology to your younger colleagues? As a 26-year-old, I’m often asked if I know about the latest AI tools.
However, even though I’m almost half the age of some of my customers and co-workers, I still argue that I’ve seen technology accelerate at an alarming pace. Which can be tough to keep up with.
I’ve seen CDs replaced by the iPod, the iPod replaced by the iPhone, the demise of Blockbuster and the rise of Netflix.
I remember being impressed by the realistic graphics when playing Tekken 2 on the PS2, which now seems pre-historic when compared with the capabilities of a PS4.
Fast forward to today, and the tech I grew up with feels almost ancient. CDs are relics, streaming is king, and AI – once a sci-fi fantasy – is now shaping industries in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Including print.
AI is already here (and you’re using it more than you think)
AI isn’t some far-off, futuristic concept. It’s already embedded in our daily lives. Predictive text, voice assistants like Alexa, and Netflix recommendations are all AI-driven. Even in print, AI is quietly working behind the scenes.
A 2023 Print week survey found that:
9% of print businesses are already using AI
12% plan to implement AI in the future
70% still prefer the human touch
Clearly, AI is far from taking over the industry but those who embrace it early could gain a serious competitive advantage.
How AI is changing the print game
While some fear AI could eliminate jobs, others see it as an opportunity to work smarter, not harder. Here’s how AI is already transforming print workflows:
- Faster file processing – What takes a human day to review, an AI tool can analyse in minutes — flagging resolution issues, colour inconsistencies, and missing fonts before a job even hits production.
- Next – level personalisation – AI can analyse customer data and generate tailored print materials for marketing campaigns, ensuring every piece resonates with its audience.
- Automated design & layout – No more endless back-and-forth with customers. AI-driven design tools suggest layouts, correct colours, and even generate personalised content based on customer preferences.
- Predictive maintenance – AI can detect early signs of printer malfunctions, preventing costly downtime before it happens.
- Instant customer support – AI chatbots are already helping customers get instant answers, reducing friction and improving service.
But is AI in print all good news ?
Like any game – changing technology, AI isn’t without risks. Our white paper covers concerns like:
- Job displacement – Will AI take over repetitive tasks and put people out of work? Possibly. But it also creates new roles — just like automation did in the past.
- Privacy & data risks – AI thrives on data. But how is that data stored? Who has access to it? And what happens if it’s hacked?
- The AI divide – Not all print businesses can afford AI. Will the biggest players pull even further ahead while smaller businesses struggle to compete?
So, what’s next ?
Like it or not, AI isn’t going anywhere. The real question is how you use it. Companies that see AI as a tool for innovation rather than a replacement for people will be the ones that thrive.
Harvard Business Review even put it bluntly: “Companies that replace people with AI will get left behind.”
AI can’t replace creativity, strategy, or human connection. But when used the right way, it can help print businesses work more efficiently, reduce costs, and deliver better results for customers.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, our white paper breaks down everything you need to know; from the AI-powered tools already in use, to how web-to-print platforms like Infigo are leveraging AI responsibly.
AI isn’t the first tech shift I’ve lived through, and it won’t be the last. But if there’s one thing, I’ve learned from growing up in the digital age, it’s this: The future belongs to those who adapt.
Download the full white paper here and discover how AI can transform your print business.
Thanks for reading,
Louis
