How to be more productive in LFP and print with confidence

Today´s LFP software and machinery makes it easier than ever to be more productive. However, many digital printers still have an analogue approach to their daily work. So, what does productivity even mean, and what are the correct tools to improve it?

Recently a printer told me “Productivity isn’t a problem as we aren’t that busy.” His attitude seems to be shared by many printers however this attitude seems rather strange. Now is an opportune time to revaluate workflows and best practices.

With the economy starting to recover across many countries, establishing reliable, efficient workflow is crucial in getting ahead of the competition. There are many new products that can help businesses become more productive in LFP across the entire workflow from design to finishing.

So, what is productivity? And no, it´s not “doing more in less time”, because this is not how it works. Productivity is defined as efficiency of production. Or, in short, the ratio of production result (output) and use of production factors (input). Therefore, an increase of productivity means either more output with a given amount of production factors such as working hours, substrates, inks, etc. The other way to increase productivity is to decrease the amount of production factors to achieve a given output. If you can print the same number of jobs with one printer instead of two, you are already improving your productivity.

Productivity and Workflow

“Workflow” has been a buzzword in printing for quite some time. Most people think about software tools and automation in that context, however any repeatable and orchestrated activity already defines a workflow. So, if a printer decides to print customer JPGs directly from a flash drive onto a standalone printer, spray the output with a clear varnish from a can, sets it out on a table to dry and then cut contours by hand with a cutting knife, this already is a workflow. Albeit, in most cases, not a very efficient and scalable one.
A modern LFP workflow can be defined by the following steps:

• Design of printed applications
• Data optimisation
• Print
• Finishing

There are organisational steps before and behind this workflow that may also be integrated, such as a web shop, CRM or an automated billing system. In this article, I will concentrate on the above-mentioned steps, as they are likely to happen in a (full service) print production.

Caption: The SAi Flexi 21 RIP offers integrated variable data printing for more productivity (and potentially better margins). Image credit: SAi

Being Productive when Designing LFP Applications

Most people in the print industry are familiar with using Photoshop or InDesign. Many out-dated versions of Adobe applications are still being used. This often happens amongst smaller printers or with self-employed designers as they claim that a Creative Cloud subscription is “just too expensive”, or “not worth the hassle”.

From a productivity point of view, this seems odd. Modern software versions offer many time-saving features, for example cutting out motifs. They also use the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine, which makes them easier to print in the intended manner.

Adobe´s biggest competitor Corel still offers lifetime licenses for their CorelDraw Graphics Suite 2021. With the latest 2021 version, the CorelDraw.app features elaborate co-operation tools and Microsoft Teams integration, however this is only available for subscribers.

With browser-based competitors like graphic suite Visme or the Serif Affinity Bundle, new competitors have appeared in the design software segment. Sticking to an established software and workflow can be a lower productivity as there’s a real danger of incompatibility errors when using older versions. Modern software versions are much more focused on newer design applications like social graphics.  Saving time in scaling print designs for new(ish) channels like Instagram, up-to-date design software may not only boost productivity, but also extend the value chain.

Caption: Colorgate Productionserver 21 with extended Colour Management options. Image credit: Colorgate

RIPs and Productivity

Printing with Confidence

Automated Finishing and Workforce

How to… automate and still be productive

• fixed settings and parameters
• a control routine

It still needs to be versatile enough for problems or emergencies. For example, if an important part of a POS design is damaged in the installation, a short-notice re-print is required without damaging the whole production.

Another important factor is people: any new workflow or automation option not understood by the staff will probably crush morals and decrease productivity.

From a psychological point of view, a fresh start after the pandemic might help to break away from old routines. Or, as I mentioned in the beginning: there has never been a better time for workflow optimization and automatization than now.