The emergence of robotic process automation (RPA) has drastically altered (and simplified) the production process by mimicking human action and automating repetitive tasks.
Technologies like artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, 3D printing and robotics are revolutionizing the way we operate, and the blending of new digital technologies and the traditional physical methods is reshaping how products are manufactured and distributed.
Translating these innovations to the wide-format arena has allowed shops to adopt faster printing and production capabilities through the creation of new machines, tables, technologies and software.
The development of this technology has been of great benefit to wide-format printers because of the improvement of automated workflows. Printers can use new software to establish an automated, customizable process through their devices, which allows for more efficiency, greater consistency and reduced labor costs.
EFI recently added a semi-automated material handling option for their 3-meter VUTEk LX3 Pro hybrid model. (Image courtesy of EFI)
These advancements also allow wide-format printers to meet their clientele’s increasing demand requirements. Customers now want more products printed in a short amount of time, and these technological innovations make that level of efficiency possible.
Companies like HP, Agfa and Durst are picking up on these trends and are beginning to develop products that can handle growing expectations with greater success.
As these technologies evolve and the demand for more efficient production escalates, adopting these innovations would best suit wide-format printers' business needs.
Click the link to read more: https://www.sgia.org/system/files/journal/schiffner_3.pdf