For many years now the graphics industry has benefited from
cloud computing, initially with the Software-as-a-Service model
pioneered by Agfa and latterly with a growing range of subscriber
based cloud services. Adobe started the cloud ball rolling some
years ago with CSS subscriptions and HP has developed the
industry’s most ambitious offering with its PrintOS service,
available since 2016. Most of the leading manufacturers offer cloud
based services and support of one sort or another, but the emphasis
on data analytics has not been much trumpeted. That could be
changing. Kodak recently announced an extension to its Prinergy
prepress workflow and resource management system, intended to
optimise human resources and the use of consumables on press.

This new service not only helps offset print service providers
save money, but also improves environmental impacts by helping to
improve the management of waste, ink and energy usage. It’s based
on continual analysis of ink and plate usage, and the data is
collected via the Prinergy workflow system. Print service providers
can use this information to improve planning and consumables
purchasing decisions. The idea is to use real life data to
anticipate what to buy and how much of it, and it’s in line with
purchasing and procurement models in other sectors such as
hospitality and transport.

Kodak reckon that the snappily named Decision Analytics Ink
& Plate Usage Service will make it easier for companies to
produce accurate quotes and to protect margins, since costs will be
known, including labour costs. Inventory planning should also be
improved, particularly for packaging printers dealing with lots of
different inks.

High level business intelligence is becoming a feature of the
wider graphic arts landscape and it will be a tool that allows
smaller companies to compete with the megasaurs. Companies that
lack their own IT department or business intelligence specialists
are vulnerable to competitors who have such resources in place and
which use data analytics in their cash flow forecasting and
inventory management. But data analytics are not natural companions
for inky fingered traditionalists, which is why smaller printing
companies should take heed of Kodak’s announcement and start the
conversation. Partnering with a manufacturer who can help make
sense of the data and how to work with it, is a lot easier and far
cheaper than trying to turn oneself into a data mandarin.

– Laurel Brunner

This article was produced by the Verdigris Project, an
industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive
environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing
companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how
environmentally friendly business management can help improve their
bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the following
companies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, HP, Kodak, Kornit, Ricoh, Spindrift, Splash
PR, Unity Publishing and Xeikon.