Wednesday 14th August 2024
Wednesday 14th August 2024
The adoption of automated prepress workflows has become a game-changer for many packaging print service providers. Despite its proven benefits, there are still numerous companies that hesitate to fully embrace automation. In this article, we’ll dismantle some common misconceptions and demonstrate how automation can unlock your company’s full potential.
1. Automation is Too Expensive for My Company
One of the most prevalent concerns is that automation is financially out of reach for smaller companies. Many businesses fear that their limited resources might not support the cost of such advancements. However, it’s essential to consider the hidden costs your business already incurs. Think about the amount of time your employees spend on routine administrative tasks or waiting for a computer to process a file or generate a PDF. What about the repetitive activities like archiving jobs or constantly monitoring the status of various projects? These tasks not only consume valuable time but also tie up resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
Automating your packaging prepress can significantly reduce these hidden expenses, enabling your team to focus on tasks that truly require human intervention. Moreover, automation doesn’t need to be a large, upfront investment. It can be implemented incrementally, starting with a basic setup and gradually expanding as your business grows and becomes more comfortable with the technology. By beginning with simple tasks that don’t require human involvement, you can see an immediate impact on efficiency without a massive financial outlay. Over time, as your company scales, automation can evolve with it, making it a cost-effective solution that grows alongside your business.
One real-world example comes from W&R Etiketten in The Netherlands. The company’s Managing Director, Jack Willemz, shared that with automation in place, they could accomplish more work in less time while continuously improving performance daily. This testimonial highlights that automation is not a one-size-fits-all expense; it’s an adaptable solution that aligns with your company’s growth trajectory.
2. Implementing Workflow Automation is Too Complex
Another common myth is that implementing automation is too complicated, requiring significant changes across departments, IT infrastructure, and extensive employee training. This perception can be daunting, especially for companies that haven’t ventured into automation before. However, the reality is far less intimidating.
You don’t need to automate everything at once. When you choose a robust automation software solution, like Esko Automation Engine, it often comes with a turnkey setup that includes proven workflows, particularly for label production. These preloaded workflows enable you to get up and running quickly—often in just five days. This modular approach allows you to start with the basics and expand as needed. As your business grows, so does the automation solution, adapting to new demands without overwhelming your current operations.
Marco De La Vega, CFO of Blair Labeling, Inc. in the USA, described their experience with Esko Automation Engine as seamless, noting that it was one of the easiest integrations they had ever encountered. Within just a week, the system was fully installed and in production, proving that implementing automation doesn’t have to be a complex or lengthy process.
3. We’ll Have to Completely Change the Way We Work
Many companies fear that adopting automation will force them to completely overhaul their existing workflows, which can be a significant barrier to entry. However, while automation does introduce some changes, the benefits far outweigh any initial adjustments.
Standardizing your workflow through automation can free up valuable operator time, allowing them to focus on tasks that genuinely require human oversight. This shift not only boosts efficiency but also reduces the risk of errors—a critical advantage in maintaining high-quality standards. Additionally, because you can start with a small, manageable setup, the changes to your workflow are gradual rather than overwhelming.
Andrew Boyd, President of Blue Label Digital Printing in the USA, emphasized the importance of their automated system, stating that without it, they would need a room full of people manually performing tasks like step and repeat work all day. With automation, they’ve been able to increase throughput with minimal staffing increases, demonstrating that automation enhances workflow without necessitating a complete overhaul.
4. Automation Takes Away My Control
A common concern is that automation removes control from the hands of the operators, leaving them at the mercy of machines. Some fear that a digital workflow managed by servers will make it difficult to maintain oversight and responsiveness. However, the truth is that automation actually enhances control and transparency.
With a fully digital workflow, you gain complete visibility into the status of all jobs. This increased oversight makes planning and job switching more straightforward, ensures smooth hand-offs between departments, and provides customers with precise information on when they can expect their orders. Far from relinquishing control, automation empowers you to manage your operations with greater precision and efficiency.
Moreover, some companies are concerned about becoming overly reliant on a single vendor. This can be mitigated by choosing an automation solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing business systems, including color management and other essential tools. This flexibility ensures that you maintain control over your operations while benefiting from the efficiencies of automation.
5. I’m Planning Other Investments
It’s not uncommon for businesses to prioritize other investments, such as new presses, imagers, proofers, or computer systems for operators. While these purchases are important, they often don’t deliver the strategic impact that automation can provide.
If your goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on your company’s operations, improving efficiency through prepress automation should be at the top of your list. By automating key aspects of your workflow, you not only save time and money but also significantly reduce errors, leading to improved customer satisfaction and a healthier bottom line.
Miho Karolyi, Owner and Managing Director of Kaligraf in Croatia, highlighted the transformative effect of automation on their business. She noted that Automation Engine has become the heart of their prepress operation, removing unnecessary steps and touches from the production process. This streamlined approach has not only saved time and money but has also greatly contributed to their overall customer satisfaction.
Debunking these top five myths reveals that automation is not only affordable and straightforward but also highly beneficial in terms of efficiency, error reduction, and overall productivity. Implementing automated prepress workflows can significantly enhance your operations, enabling your team to focus on more critical tasks and deliver better results faster.
For companies looking to gain a competitive edge, automating your prepress workflow is a strategic investment that offers long-term benefits. To get started, consider exploring our guide, “How to Automate Your Prepress Workflow – The Complete Guide.” This resource provides clear instructions, practical tips, and insightful examples to help you streamline your prepress process and unlock the full potential of automation for your business.
