AI 101: Understanding the Basics and Its Importance for the Print Industry
An article by Anne Valaitis - Keypoint Intelligence
The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have reshaped industries far beyond tech, creating opportunities for innovation, automation, and efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, print vendors, providers, and resellers are beginning to recognize its relevance in transforming their operations, products, and customer interactions. This article serves as an introduction to AI, providing a foundational understanding of the technology and explaining why it is crucial for the print industry to adapt now. Future articles will explore practical AI applications, but for now, let's explore the basics and why print professionals should take notice.
What is AI?
At its core, AI refers to the ability of machines and software to mimic human intelligence, learning from data and improving over time without direct programming. AI systems use algorithms, machine learning, and deep learning to analyze large datasets, recognize patterns, and make decisions or predictions based on that data.
In the print industry, AI's potential is just beginning to unfold. According to a recent U.S. AI Readiness Survey by Keypoint Intelligence, 61% of companies are already using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google, or Claude, or have AI embedded in their software tools. This highlights the growing prevalence of AI adoption across industries. For example, AI-driven automation can significantly streamline printing processes by monitoring equipment performance in real-time and alerting operators of potential issues before they result in costly downtime. These systems can learn from historical data, enabling printers to improve over time, much like how AI in other industries continually enhances efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
Why AI is Important for Print Vendors and Resellers
AI is not just a technology for the future—it is already transforming industries worldwide, and the print sector is no exception. Print vendors and resellers stand to benefit from AI in several ways, particularly when it comes to operational excellence and predictive analytics. By integrating AI into printing processes, companies can optimize production, reduce waste, and ensure high-quality output with minimal manual intervention.
The potential for AI to drive operational excellence is significant. Our survey also uncovered that 58% of participants that have implemented AI initiatives have observed increased efficiency and productivity as a top benefit. For print vendors, this could translate to streamlined workflows, reduced waste, and improved turnaround times.
For example, AI can automate quality checks, allowing systems to detect and correct errors in real-time. This kind of precision reduces reprints, saves resources, and improves turnaround times. Moreover, by leveraging predictive analytics, vendors can optimize inventory management, anticipating supply needs and minimizing overproduction or stock shortages.
The introduction of AI into the print industry can be compared to tackling a multifaceted challenge, much like the ongoing pursuit of sustainability. Both AI and sustainability present intricate yet crucial opportunities. While AI may seem daunting due to its technical nature, the benefits—similar to sustainability initiatives—are both practical and achievable. By gradually understanding and integrating AI, print vendors can leverage its potential to enhance efficiency and support more sustainable operations.
While the complexity of AI can be daunting, taking incremental steps toward understanding and implementation is key. The first step is to grasp its foundational value: AI enables better decision-making by processing vast amounts of data far faster than any human could, leading to more efficient workflows and customer satisfaction.
How AI Affects Your Customers
Customers now expect more than just high-quality prints. They seek personalized, timely, and responsive solutions. AI enables print vendors to meet these demands by offering more tailored services. For example, AI can analyze customer preferences and data to suggest personalized printing solutions, such as customized marketing materials or tailored product packaging designs.
Additionally, AI helps improve service delivery through predictive maintenance and automated support systems, ensuring that customers receive consistent, high-quality service. Whether it's identifying patterns in customer behavior or predicting future print orders, AI helps companies stay competitive by enabling more proactive and data-driven customer engagement.
By leveraging AI, print vendors can enhance their customer relationships and service offerings in several ways:
Personalized recommendations: AI can analyze a customer's printing history and preferences to suggest relevant products or services.
Automated customer support: AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human staff for more complex issues.
Predictive order management: AI can forecast customer needs based on historical data, ensuring supplies are always in stock.
Quality control: AI can detect printing errors in real-time, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.
Efficient pricing: AI can optimize pricing strategies based on market demand and customer behavior.
Understanding AI is no longer optional for print vendors and resellers looking to stay competitive. By integrating AI into operations, print companies can achieve greater efficiency, operational excellence, and improved customer satisfaction. As we've explored, AI's ability to predict, optimize, and personalize will play a critical role in shaping the future of the print industry.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll dive deeper into AI's practical applications and explore some regulatory considerations that print vendors should be aware of as they adopt AI technologies. In the meantime, consider how AI might already be impacting your operations and customers, and join our upcoming webinars for more in-depth discussions.
For further information on any of the content in this article, please get in touch with Anne Valaitis
Anne Valaitis - Keypoint Intelligence