Did you know that the global large format printer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% to 2030? It’s no surprise when you consider the technological advancements and changing consumer...
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a sharp decline in skilled print workers over the past 15 years.
Pre-press technicians, printers, post-press workers, and print machine assistants have fallen from 112,300 in 2006 to just 30,500 in 2021.
For many print businesses, finding and retaining skilled staff has become increasingly difficult. Rising labor costs, high turnover, and shrinking talent pools put pressure on operations, making it harder to meet customer demands.
Automation is often presented as a solution.
But... Does it actually help?
Or, is it just another overhyped tech promise?
Contents
Where automation actually makes a difference
Automation in printing isn't about replacing skilled workers—it’s about making their jobs easier and operations more efficient. Businesses that integrate automation well don’t eliminate staff; they empower them to handle more work, with less stress and fewer mistakes.
For example:
- Workflow management systems streamline pre-press, production, and finishing processes, cutting out unnecessary manual steps.
- AI-driven quality control reduces errors, minimizing wasted materials and rework.
- Automated scheduling improves job sequencing, preventing bottlenecks and production delays.
The result? Faster turnaround times, better efficiency, and reduced reliance on large production teams.
Adapting to changing industry demands
The print industry has changed—shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and increased customization are now the norm. Businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind.
Nick Benkovich, Chief Product Officer at Print ePS, explains: "Print businesses today don’t just need faster presses; they need smarter workflows. Automation allows existing staff to take on multiple roles—estimating, planning, and customer management—without sacrificing quality or efficiency."
This flexibility is critical. With fewer specialists available, print companies must equip their teams with tools that make complex tasks easier to manage.
Beyond labor shortages: Long-term business gains
Automation isn't just a quick fix for workforce challenges—it’s an investment in long-term stability.
- Increased Productivity – Automating repetitive tasks frees up skilled workers for higher-value work.
- Lower Costs – Fewer mistakes and improved efficiency translate to cost savings on labor and materials.
- Future-Proofing – As customer demands shift toward personalized, data-driven print solutions, automation ensures businesses can keep up without constantly expanding their workforce.
According to an Accenture study, businesses that integrate AI-driven automation could see significant profit increases by 2035.
Balancing automation with skilled expertise
Technology alone isn’t the answer—skilled workers remain vital. The key is integrating automation in a way that complements their expertise rather than replacing it.
Ryan Miles of Heidelberg UK highlights:
"Success in an automated environment depends on skilled staff who can oversee, troubleshoot, and optimize these systems. That’s why training is critical—automation is only as effective as the people using it."
For print businesses, this means:
✅ Investing in staff training to maximize automation benefits.
✅ Ensuring automation tools are practical and solve real production challenges.
✅ Balancing efficiency gains with quality and customer satisfaction.
How Print ePS helps print businesses compete
Every print operation is different, and automation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're running a quick print shop, a mid-sized commercial print operation, or a large-scale production facility, automation should be tailored to fit your specific needs.
Print ePS solutions—like AI-driven analytics, workflow automation, and intelligent scheduling—help businesses modernize operations, reduce costs, and navigate workforce challenges without disrupting existing workflows.
Want to see how automation can work for your business? Download our FREE eBook to explore practical, data-driven strategies for increasing efficiency and profitability in print.
