7 Web to Print Software Industry Trends to Look for in 2020

Posted by Pratik Shah on November 27th, 2020

2020 has been the most unpredictable year. While many industries are dealing with downfall, a few industries, such as printing, are growing rapidly. The reason, the technology, and the latest trends in the web to print solutions that help to diversify the products, increase their volume, and expand markets.

Here’s what the printing industry is looking forward to in 2020.

Automation
With the increasing demand of customers, it becomes necessary for businesses to equip their web to print software with the latest technology.

And thus, in 2020, we are all set to integrate our web to print solutions with AI and IoT that would automate the entire workflow. For example, IoT would enable customers to purchase products by interacting with other products.

With AI, printers would automatically know if they run out of ink, paper, or spare parts. Based on it, they can order the supplies without any human intervention.

As these technologies are well advanced, they help to increase customization, personalization, and optimization.

3D Printing Technology
3D printing is the most embraced solution for prototype production. In a few years, technology has brought a lot of advancements, but 2020 would be more about efficient 3D printers. With machine learning algorithms and sensors, 3D printers would be able to monitor in-processes and act more smart-ish.

Now, even healthcare professionals would be able to send their specifications to the web to print solutions and get desired results in less time.

Variable Data Interface
What if you could correct your typo at the last minute?

Well, the latest trend of the web to print software makes it possible to receive information update requirements even after sharing the specifications.

To understand this, consider an example. Your customer has sent a printing request for customized t-shirts. After sending out the details, they realize that there’s a typo in the content, and it needs to be changed. So, instead of changing the entire print job, they can simply edit the file. Web to print software can easily update the changes.

This is all about the Variable Data Interface. With this feature, customers can easily edit their data, and software can automatically update it. Another benefit includes seamless data transfer between requesters and customers.

Personalization
Ecommerce and social media have changed customer behavior and how they shop. More and more customers are now demanding a personalized experience, and the print industry is no exception. In fact, in the coming years, the print industry would have a complete customized purchase process.

For customers who like to design their designs, web to print solutions would provide customization services through templates, QR codes, etc.

Personalization will also enhance the printing services like design, layouts, 3D printing, and more.

Third-Party Integrations
When it comes to the web to print solutions, though the specifications are obtained digitally, the final output, i.e., a printed product still needs to be shipped.

This is why web to print software must have an integrated in-house shipping or fulfillment partner.

When the order gets ready to ship, the system can update the 3rd party shipping partner to export the products. Customers can even track the location of their shipment in real-time.

Voice Command Feature
With Alexa, Siri, and other voice assistants taking over the eCommerce business, it would be no surprise to see printing industries introduce a voice search feature in their solution.

Soon, customers would be able to print out their materials with voice. It would be a fantastic trend to look forward to.

Online Presence
With the emergence of many small businesses and the rise of eCommerce, it becomes vital for your printing business to have an online presence.

Many companies have already moved their physical stores to e-stores for a wider audience and an increase in sales.

All you need to do is go with the flow. This advancement in the digital space is sure to open up new business avenues in the coming years.

The Future is Here!
Something that seemed impossible yesterday is now a reality, all thanks to technology. The web to print solution is existing proof of it.

However, it would be hard to tell the impact of these trends on the industry in the coming years or around the corner.

For now, all we can do is leverage these technological trends to its fullest.

Original Source: https://whattheythink.com/news/103484-7-web-print-software-industry-trends-look-2020/