Let's be honest… print isn't what it used to be. It's better!

In the past decade, we've seen inkjet technology evolve from a novelty to a powerhouse, now rivaling offset in quality, speed, and application diversity. But just as we’ve hit our stride with inkjet, another transformative force is knocking at the door: artificial intelligence (AI). When you combine the two, the real magic happens.

Whether you're running a print shop or managing client campaigns, it's time to ask: Are we ready for the next leap forward?

AI: The Brainpower Behind the Ink

First, let's give Inkjet the recognition it deserves. Today's production inkjet presses are designed to meet modern market demands, including shorter runs, tighter turnarounds, personalization, and consistent quality across jobs. These presses are faster to set up, require less maintenance, and can handle a variety of substrates without sacrificing image fidelity.

What used to be a conversation about "cost per piece" has shifted to a discussion about value per page. It's not just what you print; it's what it can achieve. A personalized direct mail piece that reaches the right audience at the right moment can convert more effectively than an entire digital campaign. That's not hype, it's measurable ROI. But it gets even better when you integrate AI into the workflow.

AI isn't just some futuristic concept. It is already integrated into the tools we use, such as press diagnostics, prepress automation, and predictive maintenance… but that's just the beginning!

Imagine using AI to analyze historical print data to identify the most profitable types of jobs to pursue. Or consider inputting campaign goals to automatically generate optimized print layouts, variable content strategies, and data-driven messaging. AI can also assist sales teams in identifying the best prospects based on purchasing patterns and industry trends, transforming the next sales call into a smarter, more strategic conversation.

In Keypoint Intelligence’s 2024 Software Investment Outlook survey, print service providers (PSPs) in the US were asked how they're currently using AI and how that use is expected to change over the next two years. The findings reveal a striking contrast between today's modest adoption and the industry's ambitious outlook for 2026. What's coming isn't incremental—it's transformational.

Figure 1: How PSPs Expect to Use AI

Just consider the projected growth rates:

• Customer Service: 40% plan to use AI, up from just 11% today.
• Business Development: 37% expect to adopt AI, more than double today’s 15%.
• Operational Analytics: Use is set to rise to 36%, compared to 12% now.
• Admin and Finance: Adoption is expected to jump from 11% to 23%.

PSPs aren't just experimenting with AI, they're gearing up to embed it across core business functions. The next 24 months could redefine how print businesses operate, engage, and grow.

Rather than replacing human judgment, AI enhances it. In a production environment, this means fewer errors, faster decisions, and more profitable jobs on the press. The exciting part for your team is that you don't need to be a tech expert to use AI. Many platforms come equipped with built-in intelligence that feels less like programming and more like prompting. Salespeople can use AI to prepare for calls, customer service representatives can gain valuable insights from CRM systems, and your production team can focus more on high-value work instead of troubleshooting file issues. Think of AI as the coworker who never gets tired, doesn't overlook details, and is always there to assist you. When paired with the versatility and speed of production inkjet, you create a print operation that is leaner, smarter, and more competitive in a crowded marketplace.

Don’t Just Watch the Revolution—Be Part of It!

While inkjet unlocked the potential of what’s possible in print, AI unlocks the potential of how it gets done. Together, they are transforming print from a static medium into a dynamic driver of business results. Whether you’re producing high-impact direct mail, customer communications, or branded content, the opportunity is clear: smarter print delivers stronger outcomes.

For every print provider and production team reading this, this is your moment. Explore the tools, test the platforms, and get curious about how AI and inkjet can elevate your offerings to clients. The future of print isn’t waiting; it’s already in motion—fast, vibrant, and powered by intelligence.