Widthwise 2025
Shaun Holdom, global business development
There’s been a real push from manufacturers to deliver faster, more automated printers – but with that comes higher costs. The faster you go, the more print heads and infrastructure you need, which adds up quickly. On top of that, PSPs are increasingly looking for multifunctional or hybrid devices that can handle a wide range of applications, allowing them to consolidate their equipment. Rather than making multiple low-cost purchases, many are opting for a single, more capable investment.
Virginia Becerra, large format production NPI manager, HP
This shift in investment mindset is both significant and telling. Despite economic headwinds, what we’re seeing is that PSPs are no longer in a reactive, risk-averse mode – they’re moving into strategic growth planning. The challenges of the past few years have accelerated a recognition that standing still is riskier than innovating.
This renewed investment appetite is being driven by several key factors; demand for application diversification, a need for efficiency and automation, and sustainability as a long-term driver.
Even in a challenging economy, PSPs are investing because they see clear ROI opportunities in advanced technology. They’re making smart, future-focused decisions – not just to keep up, but to lead. At HP, we’re proud to be a partner in this transformation, offering reliable, innovative solutions that give PSPs the confidence to invest and grow.
Julian Mennell, national hardware sales manager, InkTec
This shift towards renewed equipment investment is logical and overdue. Many PSPs have been ‘sweating their assets’ for several years. However, equipment that has been pushed to its operational edge now poses a risk to efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. This is leading to a pragmatic return to investment and a renewed confidence in the long-term growth of the sector.
Many PSPs are now making up for deferred upgrades, as they recognise it is now an essential choice rather than an optional one. Be that for larger, multi- functional machines that can consolidate multiple older devices or hybrid technologies which are rising in popularity due to versatility in offering a wider range of applications from the one machine. They are also recognising this faster kit is reducing labour costs, accelerating throughput, and opening up new, profitable services.
Saying all that, this spending surge is also strategic, as we’re not only seeing increased demand for this kind of advanced hardware – we’re also working closely with them to ease and spread the capital burden to help them future-proof their operations.
This is truly an area that definitely requires more attention and investment. PSPs now recognise that workflow is absolutely critical. With so many different machines and vendors, using a cohesive, purpose-built software solution to streamline operations is vital. A robust workflow can drastically increase speed and productivity.
Workflow and system integration challenges are very real – and increasingly critical – as PSPs look to scale, diversify, and deliver faster, more complex jobs with fewer resources. At HP, we see this as one of the most important areas for innovation and partnership, because hardware alone is no longer enough – intelligent, connected workflows are what unlock real productivity and profitability.
To overcome these challenges, PSPs need solutions that are open, automated, and seamless across their entire print environment. This includes everything from job submission and file preparation to color management, queue control, finishing, and delivery tracking.
PSPs can absolutely expect more from us in this area. Workflow is not a separate layer anymore, it’s central to the value we deliver. We’re committed to building smarter, more connected print environments that help our customers save time, reduce costs, and grow with confidence.
This issue stems from outdated software, disjointed hardware systems, and underutilised production tools. Many businesses already have access to powerful RIP software and automation features – but aren’t fully using the capabilities available. Our goal is to help PSPs remove workflow bottlenecks without overhauling entire systems, by delivering scalable, flexible integrations that evolve with their needs.
To address the integration gap, we’re partnering with software and hardware providers to streamline connections between RIPs, flatbed cutters, routers, and finishing equipment. We are also exploring new ways to offer modular, bolt-on software enhancements that work seamlessly within existing print environments. All focusing on making smarter, more connected use of the tools already available, backed by expert support.
Mimaki’s recently introduced Printer Information Cloud Technology (PICT) is provided free with the latest printers. It’s an innovative cloud-based platform designed to optimise customers’ printing workflows, providing real-time monitoring and management of their Mimaki printers. Mimaki also continues to explore collaborations with other technology providers to further improve customer experience in this area.
Arjen Evertse, director sales, Mimaki Europe
While the economy remains challenging, the reality is that PSPs will still benefit from strategically investing in print technology to help sustain or grow their businesses via more dependable, profitable workflows. In recent years, Mimaki has brought out new solutions that now offer a quantifiable jump in technology. These offer tangible financial and performance benefits that deliver improved cost savings, and therefore higher profits on the same jobs as before.
For example, the Mimaki (C)JV200 Series offers high-quality, affordable print solutions for signage and personalisation. One of the many production-enhancing features of these latest solutions is the new ink-saving function, which cuts ink use and running costs by up to 43% while preserving colour balance.
www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | Widthwise 2025 | 25
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