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“DynamicsPrint® with IMP is the heart of our planning estimations and imposition systems.
Estimating has become an important science. Our young estimators can deliver accurate plans just as an experienced estimator, with loads of experience, would.”
Angel Viveros, Estimation Manager
Foli De Mexico, Mexico
“The reason we chose DP was because it’s an industry solution which solves many of the problems we had in the standard Microsoft Dynamics setup. Also, there was demand from the management to have final costing, which was also a major challenge in the standard Dynamics solution.
DynamicsPrint® also helps us greatly with scheduling and shop floor management. The data gathered gives us great insights, and results in a much more cost-efficient production.”
Jochem Sants, Project Manager
Van der Most, Heerde, Netherlands
“The professional and highly skilled DynamicsPrint® team led the implementation to develop the expertise internally at DCM with a team of Subject Matter Experts from each of the specialized print production areas. DynamicsPrint’s expertise regarding the system and the industry was instrumental to ensuring the configurations were done properly. As this is a highly configurable solution, the approach and implementation was very well structured and ensured that the team worked from the basic setups to the more complex setups with a pace that was manageable and retainable.
DynamicsPrint® adjusted the resource requirements to accommodate both technical and functional areas of expertise as needed throughout the project, providing best practice directives to ensure that the proper approach was being followed.”
Karen Redfern, VP Operations Technology
DCM, Canada
“I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with DynamicsPrint® and the support you have given KP San Leandro since our launch. The seemingly endless set of tools available really help us run and improve our business.
The visibility into job statuses, P&L, and the ability to create and manage cues that give our team a personalized look into their own area of responsibility have become essential to our business model. I can’t even imagine going back to our old system. Thanks to the DynamicsPrint® team for all your help and support.”
Mark Floyd, Division Director
KP Corp. San Leandro, USA
Let’s talk about workflow automation for print shops.
Print shops operate in a competitive and fast-paced market. Balancing efficiency, customer expectations, and profitability requires a strategic approach to automation and data-driven decision-making. If you’ve been considering automation but don’t know where to start, this guide will help you unlock efficiency, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge.
Why Workflow Automation Matters for Print Shops
Workflow automation eliminates repetitive, manual tasks — speeding up operations, reducing errors, and freeing up your team for higher-value work.
Key Benefits of Automation:
Increased Productivity – Automating job ticketing, estimating, scheduling, and preflighting frees up staff for higher-value work.
Cost Savings – Reducing manual errors and waste lowers rework costs and material loss.
Improved Customer Experience – Faster, more reliable service leads to happier customers.
Scalability – With efficient workflows, your business can grow without overloading your team.
Competitive Edge – Print buyers expect providers that can deliver speed, accuracy, and flexibility.
Leveraging Data to Pinpoint Bottlenecks and Inefficiencies
The first step in optimization is understanding where inefficiencies exist. Data-driven insights help pinpoint delays, waste, and process breakdowns. Here are a few ways print shops can leverage data:
Track Job Turnaround Times – Identify where jobs get delayed in prepress, finishing, or customer approvals.
Measure Waste – Monitor material waste to improve job setup and operator training.
Monitor Equipment Utilization – Minimize downtime by tracking machine usage and maintenance.
Analyze Error Rates – Identify frequent job corrections to refine processes.
Collect Customer Feedback – Use insights to improve service and ensure billable change requests are captured.
5 Practical Steps to Automate and Optimize Your Print Shop
1. Start Small and Focused
Avoid the mistake of trying to automate everything at once. Start with a high-impact area, such as job ticketing or preflighting, and build from there.
Example: If your team spends hours manually checking PDFs, invest in software to automate the process and free up prepress staff for complex jobs.
2. Invest in the Right Tools
Not all automation solutions are created equal. Choose software that integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow and supports your business needs.
Example: Consider the right ERP for modular automation that scales as you grow.
3. Train Your Team
Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Provide thorough training and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
4. Standardize Processes
A lack of standardization causes inconsistencies and errors. Map out your workflows, establish best practices, and train your team accordingly.
Example: Standardize job ticket templates to ensure uniformity across all projects and use web-capture technology to automate order intake.
5. Measure, Refine, Repeat
Optimization is not a “one-and-done” process. Continuously track performance and adjust workflows based on data insights.
Example: Use real-time production metrics in team meetings to celebrate wins and identify areas for improvement.
Real-World Success Stories
Print shops that implement automation see tangible results:
A commercial printer reduced prepress errors by 80% after automating file preflighting.
A packaging printer increased press utilization by 25% by implementing automated scheduling.
A direct mail printer saved thousands annually by tracking waste and optimizing imposition settings.
The Future of Print Automation
As technology advances, AI, cloud-based solutions, and e-commerce integration will further transform the print industry.
AI-powered automation can enhance color profiling, production scheduling, and predictive maintenance.
Cloud-based ERP solutions provide real-time insights and secure global access.
E-commerce integration ensures seamless order processing and workflow efficiency.
Take the First Step Toward Automation Today
Implementing workflow automation and data-driven strategies may seem daunting, but starting small and scaling gradually can yield significant efficiency gains.
Evaluate your current bottlenecks.
Choose one area to automate first.
Invest in scalable, future-ready tools.
At DynamicsPrint®, we help print shops streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve profitability. Ready to take the next step?
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