Cloud print adoption has surged over the past year, with 69% of respondents now using a cloud print management solution - up from 55% in 2023. But despite this growth, a surprising trend is emerging:...
Cloud print adoption has surged over the past year, with 69% of respondents now using a cloud print management solution - up from 55% in 2023.
But despite this growth, a surprising trend is emerging: businesses are still hesitant to go all-in on the cloud. Quocirca research reveals that print server deployments are actually increasing, signalling that companies are taking a hybrid approach rather than fully committing to cloud-only environments.
What's holding them back?
Data protection concerns top the list (32%), followed by functionality (25%) and cost (24%).
So, what does this mean for your business?
Whether you run a quick print shop, a franchise network, or a small-to-medium commercial printing operation, cloud-based solutions offer the flexibility and control you need to stay competitive in an industry that’s rapidly evolving. The question is - how can you leverage the cloud while addressing these concerns?
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The Power of Cloud-Based Print Management
"Cloud technologies provide the capability to scale up and down easily with demand. This is not something that would have been possible with a traditional data center model.” - Louis Ormond, VP and GM, digital solutions at Toshiba America Business Solution
Cloud-based print management solutions offer a host of benefits that simplify operations and enhance business performance. These platforms integrate automation, remote accessibility, cost-saving measures, real-time tracking, and scalability, positioning print businesses for success in the digital era.
1. Enhanced Efficiency Through Automation
Traditional print management methods often involve manual processes that are time-consuming and prone to human error. Cloud-based print management software, such as Print ePS Nubium, eliminates inefficiencies by automating key workflows, including:
- Job estimation: Instant, accurate cost calculations for print jobs.
- Order processing: Seamless online and offline order management.
- Scheduling and workflow automation: Optimized print job assignment based on machine availability and priority.
- Invoicing and billing: Automated, real-time invoice generation and payment tracking.
By integrating Management Information Systems (MIS) with real-time data tracking, cloud solutions minimize production delays, reduce waste, and improve turnaround times, allowing businesses to fulfill orders faster and more accurately.
2. Remote Access: Work Anytime, Anywhere
Cloud technology enables users to access their print management system from any internet-connected device, offering unprecedented flexibility. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Franchise networks: Business owners and managers can oversee multiple locations remotely, ensuring consistency across the brand.
- Small print shops: Owners and staff can check job statuses and approve estimates without being physically present.
- Customers: Clients can submit orders, track progress, and receive updates in real time.
With cloud-based access, team members can collaborate effortlessly across different locations, responding quickly to changes in customer demand and ensuring smooth business operations.
3. Cost Reduction Without Sacrificing Quality
Maintaining traditional, on-premise print management systems often requires expensive servers, IT staff, and ongoing maintenance. Cloud-based solutions eliminate these overhead costs by offering:
- Lower upfront investment: No need for costly hardware infrastructure.
- Automatic updates: Ensuring businesses always have access to the latest features and security enhancements.
- Subscription-based pricing: Flexible pay-as-you-go models that allow businesses to scale up or down as needed.
- Reduced IT dependency: Less reliance on in-house technical teams for system maintenance and troubleshooting.
By leveraging a cloud-based platform, print businesses can allocate resources more efficiently, improving profitability without compromising service quality.
4. Real-Time Tracking for Smarter Decision-Making
According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 79% of organizations that have embraced real-time analytics reported improved business outcomes, with revenue growth averaging 15% over just a year.
Access to real-time data is crucial for print businesses to optimize production and improve customer satisfaction. Cloud-based print management software provides comprehensive analytics and reporting, including:
- Live job tracking: Monitor the status of print jobs from start to finish.
- Material usage insights: Track paper, ink, and other supplies to optimize inventory management.
- Machine performance monitoring: Identify potential maintenance needs before they cause downtime.
- Cost and profitability analysis: Understand which jobs are most profitable and where cost reductions can be implemented.
For franchise networks, this level of visibility ensures consistency across multiple locations, streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.
5. Scalability for Growing Print Operations
Unlike traditional print management software that requires costly upgrades and infrastructure expansion, cloud-based systems grow seamlessly with your business. With a cloud-based solution, businesses can:
- Easily add new users or locations: Scale operations without significant setup costs.
- Integrate with web-to-print platforms: Offer customers an online ordering experience with instant pricing and job tracking.
- Handle peak seasons efficiently: Increase production capacity without investing in additional infrastructure.
- Connect with third-party applications: Seamlessly integrate accounting, shipping, and marketing tools for a more comprehensive business solution.
This scalability ensures that businesses can expand without operational disruptions, keeping them competitive in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Why Print Businesses Are Making the Switch
The printing industry is more competitive than ever, and adopting cloud technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses that implement cloud-based print management solutions experience:
Greater productivity through workflow automation and reduced manual tasks.
Remote accessibility, enabling flexibility and seamless collaboration.
Cost savings with a subscription-based model and reduced IT expenses.
Data-driven decision-making with real-time analytics and reporting.
Scalability, allowing businesses to grow without operational bottlenecks.
For quick print shops, franchise networks, and SMB commercial printers, Print ePS Nubium delivers a powerful, intuitive cloud-based solution designed to modernize print workflows. With AI-driven automation, seamless integrations, and remote accessibility, businesses can adapt to the demands of a digital-first market while maximizing efficiency and profitability.
Is Your Print Business Ready for the Cloud?
If your print business is still relying on outdated, on-premise software, now is the time to upgrade. The benefits of cloud-based print management are undeniable—improved efficiency, lower costs, greater flexibility, and real-time insights that empower smarter decision-making.
Want to learn more?
Book a demo today and see how Print ePS Nubium can transform your printing operations or take our QUIZ to discover if your print business is ready to thrive in the cloud!
