Digital Printing Growth Slowed by Awareness Challenges

Digital Printing Growth Slowed by Awareness Challenges

The print industry is steadily transitioning from analog offset printing to digital technologies, primarily driven by the increasing demand for shorter print runs and customized solutions, according to a recent blog from Keypoint Intelligence. However, the shift has been gradual, leaving many questioning whether the full potential of digital printing is being realized.

Current Landscapes of Offset & Digital Printing

Offset printing, a constant cornerstone of the print industry, remains dominant due to its cost advantages for high-volume jobs. Consumables like ink and the ability to achieve economies of scale make offset particularly economical for longer print runs. These cost dynamics, deeply rooted in the fundamental differences between offset and digital processes, have slowed the adoption of digital printing.

Yet, digital printing has gained momentum as market demands evolve. The ability to produce shorter, customized runs efficiently makes digital printing increasingly appealing, especially as personalized print communications grow in popularity. Despite its decline, offset printing continues to play a significant role, with many print service providers (PSPs) hesitant to make the full leap to digital.

Why Businesses Are Transitioning

Several factors have accelerated the shift towards digital printing:

1. Changing Cost Dynamics: Rising costs associated with offset processes—such as make-readies, plate production, and paper waste—contrast with the steadily declining total cost of ownership (TCO) for digital presses. Over the past decade, advancements in digital printing technology have halved the TCO for large production equipment, while also boosting average monthly print volumes.
2. Labor Challenges: The expertise required to operate offset equipment is becoming scarcer, prompting businesses to consider digital solutions that are easier to manage and maintain.

These shifts have not only highlighted the practical advantages of digital printing but also positioned it as a viable alternative for a growing range of applications.

Barriers Hindering Full Adoption

Despite these advantages, significant barriers remain. A major hurdle is the lack of awareness among PSPs about the cost crossover points—the thresholds at which digital printing becomes more cost-effective than offset. According to a recent Keypoint Intelligence survey, nearly 30% of US-based PSPs do not calculate their crossover points at all, while another 26% rely on outdated methods.

Key obstacles include a lack of necessary data and the time-consuming nature of the calculations. Without a clear understanding of these crossover points, many PSPs miss opportunities to optimize production processes and improve profitability.

For digital printing to reach its full potential, the industry must address these knowledge gaps and streamline decision-making processes. By overcoming barriers to cost analysis and fostering greater awareness of digital printing’s advantages, print service providers can unlock new opportunities and drive the industry’s evolution toward a more versatile and efficient future.

Related:

• Global Printer Shipments Rebound After Five-Quarter Declines
• Microsoft Advances Toward Driverless Printing Future
• Print Data Gap Hinders Corporate Progress To Sustainability
• Quocirca Highlights AI’s Role in Print Industry Sustainability

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