Top Trends For In-Plant Production Print in 2024 And Beyond

With the recent advancements in in-office printing technology, many businesses have opted to bring their high-volume print operations right into their own facilities. This move to in-plant production printing can give companies a competitive edge with far greater control over the cost, quality, and timely completion of all their printed materials.  

Whether you’re managing a college print shop, a corporate marketing press, or any other large-scale printing operation, it's important to understand these top trends for in-plant production printing to help keep your home-field printing advantage in play. Game on! 

One of the most significant trends for production print in 2024 is the growing adoption of water-based inkjet printing. This technology is gaining popularity due to its cost efficiency, sustainability, and versatility. Water-based inks are not only more environmentally friendly than traditional inks that use chemical solvents, but water-based inks also tend to offer a higher-quality output across multiple media types. With an increased focus on eco-friendly solutions, many organizations are turning to water-based inkjet printing as it reduces harmful emissions and minimizes the negative environmental impact of their printing operations. 

This shift to water-based ink is especially important in industries that require high-quality color reproduction and durability, such as marketing and publishing. The rapid development of inkjet technology means that it is now more capable than ever of competing with traditional toner-based laser printing in both speed and quality.  

For in-plant facilities, this trend presents an opportunity to enhance their printing services while reducing their environmental footprint. That's two steps forward, and no steps back! 

Automation continues to be a game-changer in the production printing industry. In-plant facilities are increasingly adopting automated workflows to streamline their operations, reduce manual labor, and minimize errors.  

Automation tools such as end-to-end workflow solutions, remote maintenance capabilities, and automated finishing processes are helping in-plants boost company productivity while ensuring a consistently high-quality output. 

As labor costs rise and the demand for faster turnaround times increases, automation becomes more and more impactful. By automating repetitive tasks, companies can free up their staff to focus on more strategic activities, such as optimizing workflows and exploring new business opportunities. It's all about working smarter, not harder. 

Wide-format printing is no longer a niche service. You could even say that it's gone wide. ;) From banners and posters to floor graphics and wall murals, the demand for wide-format printing continues to grow. In-plant facilities are expanding their capabilities to meet this demand, investing in new equipment and exploring innovative applications such as vehicle wraps, rigid signage, and even 3D printing. 

The growth in wide-format printing is driven by several factors, including the need for eye-catching marketing materials, the rise of personalized and customized products, and the increasing post-pandemic popularity of large-scale events and exhibitions.  

For in-plant production print shops, offering wide-format services not only opens up new revenue streams but also positions them as a one-stop shop for all of their in-house printing needs. These days you can go big and stay home (with expanded in-office printing capabilities).  

With increasing pressure from regulatory organizations, as well as the public at large, many businesses are exploring ways to lessen their environmental impact in 2024. Within their print operations, many companies are focusing on the eco-friendly benefits of using energy-efficient printers, sustainable materials, and waste reduction strategies. These efforts not only help the environment but also enhance the reputation of the in-plant as a responsible and forward-thinking operation. 

Key Sustainable Printing Practices: 

• Energy-Efficient Equipment: Investing in printers that use less energy and have a lower carbon footprint, contributes to overall cost savings and environmental conservation. 
• Recycling Programs: Implementing comprehensive recycling programs for paper, cartridges, and other materials, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. 
• Water-Based Inks: Using inks that are free from hazardous chemicals and are more than 90% water-based, making them safer for both the environment and the end-users. 

The EPA’s guide to sustainable printing offers additional valuable insights into how organizations can reduce their environmental footprint.  

Variable Data Printing (VDP) is becoming increasingly important in 2024, especially in sectors like education, marketing, and direct mail where personalized communication is key. VDP allows in-plant facilities to produce customized print materials, such as personalized brochures, direct mail pieces, and certificates, at scale. This ability can help your company achieve higher engagement rates and better ROI on your marketing campaigns. 

The key is in being able to tailor your printing to the individual needs of your customers, whether they're current clients or future ones. This customization elevates your marketing materials from boring old junk mail to something actually memorable. People truly enjoy a personal touch, so make them feel like a VIP by integrating VDP into your company's print operations.  

As in-plant production print demand decreases, with the rise of digital proofs and sustainability initiatives, the need for high-quality finishing options has increased. If you're going to be printing fewer items, you want to make sure that the projects you do produce can deliver premium results with such flourishes as foil stamping, embossing, and UV coating. These finishing touches add value to printed materials, making them stand out and enhancing their overall impact. 

Finishing options are no longer just about aesthetics; they are also about functionality. For example, UV coating can protect printed materials from wear and tear, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for reprints. By offering a wide range of finishing options, in-plant production printers can cater to the specific needs of their clients while helping their company achieve their goals. Want to really stick the landing? Go with high-end finishing options. 

With the rapid pace of technological advancements in the printing industry, ongoing training and skill development have become absolutely essential. What use is having the newest high-tech printer, if nobody in your company knows how to use it?  

In 2024 and beyond, in-plant production print shop managers are placing greater emphasis on ensuring that their staff are well-trained in the latest printing technologies and techniques. This education not only helps in-plant printing operations stay competitive but also ensures that they can fully leverage all those new technologies to their advantage. 

Investing in employee training is not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it is also about improving overall productivity and efficiency. Well-trained staff are better equipped to operate complex printing equipment, troubleshoot issues, and deliver the best results.  

In addition, these ongoing learning opportunities will help you retain top talent, as employees are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their professional development.   

Want to go deeper? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines on training programs that can enhance workplace safety and efficiency. 

In 2024, print security is a vitally important concern, particularly for companies that are handling sensitive or confidential information, which is pretty much everyone at this point. To keep the valuable information of their company and clients private, many in-plant facilities are using robust data protection measures, such as encrypted print jobs and secure print release systems to help prevent unauthorized access to printed or pre-printed materials. 

Delivering the highest level of print security is especially important in industries such as healthcare, finance, and education, where confidentiality is paramount. By adopting advanced security protocols, in-plant production printers can protect their clients’ data, while maintaining their trust and their business. In a competitive market, offering the most secure printing services possible can be a great advantage in securing your company's continued success. 

For more on securing sensitive information, consider exploring the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

Data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in in-plant production printing. Facilities are using data to make informed decisions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. In addition, companies are also using these analytics to gain insights into customer preferences, identify trends, and develop new services to offer the marketplace.  

This proactive approach allows businesses with in-plant printing services to stay ahead of their competition while continuously improving their operations for their customers AND employees. 

Data-Driven Benefits: 

1. Optimized Workflows: Identify bottlenecks and streamline processes for faster turnaround times, improving overall productivity and customer satisfaction. 
2. Cost Management: Track expenses and identify areas where cost savings can be achieved, allowing for more efficient allocation of resources. 
3. Equipment Monitoring: Use data to monitor printer performance, predict maintenance needs, and schedule repairs before issues arise, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your equipment. 

As we navigate 2024, staying ahead of these important industry trends will be crucial for in-plant production printing facilities to achieve their fullest success. By embracing new technologies, expanding service offerings, and prioritizing sustainability, in-plant printing operations can continue to provide exceptional value to their organizations.  

The future of in-plant production print is bright, and those who adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape without getting burned.  

At Flex Technology Group, we're committed to helping businesses with in-plant production printing thrive in this ever-changing environment. With our expertise in production printing and our dedication to continuously optimizing their operations, we'd make a solidly reliable partner to help you navigate the future of your company's own in-plant printing operation.  

Ready to increase your home field business advantage?  

Contact us today for a consultation.