Automation is changing print fast. And we’re ahead of the curve.

Automation is changing print fast.

Have we said automation is changing print fast? Have we? Because the pace of change in the print industry has really picked up over the last few years. It’s moving quicker than it ever has – shorter deadlines, tighter budgets, more channels, more data, and higher expectations right across the board. So if you want to keep up and want to remain relevant, that means you constantly have to rethink how you work.

For us, that means automation.

Print industry bodies like BPIF and FESPA both highlight automation, integration and data-driven production as key to the future of print. And according to the The Future of Global Printing report from Smithers, digital integration, workflow automation and smarter production are now key drivers shaping the future of print as customers demand faster turnaround and greater efficiency.

We agree. But more importantly, we’re already investing in it. Have been for years. We don’t like standing still you see, it makes us twitchy.

In simple terms the old, slower, stop-start way of doing things just doesn’t cut it anymore. And to be honest none of us miss the days of chasing paper job bags around the factory anyway, so that’s a plus!

Why automation matters for you, not just for us.

For us KNPers, automation isn’t simply about installing shiny new tech. It’s about making life easier for our customers.

Because, when workflows are connected, when systems talk to each other, and when jobs flow smoothly from one stage to the next, it means several things:

Faster turnaround times
Fewer errors
More consistency
Greater quality
A printer built for what modern businesses actually need

Yes that’s better for us. But more importantly, it’s also better for you.

What this looks like at KNP towers.

With everything under one roof – litho, digital, large format, die cutting, pick & pack and mailing – automation helps everything flow.

Artwork comes in, pre-press checks run automatically, jobs are scheduled intelligently, and production moves smoothly through to finishing and fulfilment. Fewer handovers, fewer pauses, fewer chances for anything to slip.

In short: less waiting, less chasing, and a lot less “can you just…”.

Our Heidelberg and Xerox printing presses are also doing more of the thinking than they used to, continually making tiny real-time adjustments to keep colour tight, reduce waste and maintain consistency.

Today our presses are basically perfectionist machines. And we approve of that! Smarter presses, better results. Simples.

Live data. Smarter decisions.

One significant aspect of automation is how we’re now able to use data much more effectively. Live data informs production right across our operation, from job progress and quality checks to energy monitoring of the solar power generated from our 600+ rooftop panels, giving us instant visibility at the touch of a button.

It means we can spot issues early, keep things running smoothly, and continuously improve. And it helps support our commitment to being carbon neutral, fossil fuel free, and running as cleanly and efficiently as possible.

As, hopefully you know, given how much we talk about it, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on for us. It’s always been pivotal to everything we do and built into how we operate.

Automation is good for your business and good for the planet. So that’s a win win.

But people first. Always.

One thing we’re clear about though, especially being a family run business: automation isn’t here to replace our people, it’s here to support them.

With automation taking care of all the repetitive, manual, in the background tasks, our KNP family are able to focus on all the stuff that really matters like print quality, problem-solving and delivering great customer service. Our print tech is doing the heavy lifting, our people bring the expertise.

And that balance is really, really important when it comes to producing and delivering top quality print products. Because great kit is brilliant, but it’s our people who make the difference.