2023: New Year, New Opportunities for Innovation with HP
“Innovation will save the sector.” This was one of the key takeaways of the Het Congres event, organised by the Flemish Innovation Center for Graphic Communication in Belgium in October. Naturally, event partner HP wholeheartedly agrees with this statement. In fact, driving innovation in the printing industry is one of our top priorities. With intelligent workflow solutions, smart software and innovative printing technology – and we have plenty more in store for 2023.
To take full advantage of the steady rise of e-commerce in the printing industry in 2023, automation must be made a top priority in the printing business. The production of an increasing number of orders with smaller print runs and faster turnaround times requires that the production processes be as efficient as possible in order for companies to keep their margins stable.
HP and automation
HP Indigo recognises these challenges and, with solutions such as HP Site Flow, enables fully automatic control of all stages of the production workflow – from order to print and from finishing to delivery. Over 1,000 companies worldwide – including brand owners and printing companies – are already using this cloud-based solution.
Many companies also feel the need to add new automation capabilities to existing workflows. To accommodate this demand, HP Indigo launched the PrintOS Integration Hub. The integration tools on this platform significantly boost the level of automation achieved in specific areas – for example, the connection between the MIS and the production unit.
One of these automation projects in which HP collaborated was conducted at artoos group. Earlier this year, artoos’ previously separate workflows into the offset and digital presses were successfully optimised: “The order process is significantly more efficient, errors have been reduced through the elimination of double data entry, and the operator can now focus entirely on printing quality.”
HP enables ‘mass customisation’
Variable data printing (VDP) is the most effective way to leverage the power and high quality of HP Indigo digital press solutions. If anyone can testify to this, it’s Wihabo. For jobs ranging from customised chocolate-bar wrappers to company-branded advent calendars, VDP ensures that each printed sheet is unique and enables Wihabo to process many thousands of orders a day.
Thanks to HP’s dedicated support and specialised software, Wihabo can take variable data printing to the next level. One example of this special VDP software is HP Mosaic, which uses an InDesign document and a pattern (known as a ‘seed file’) to create an infinite number of unique versions of the original design.
Another option is the HP Collage software application, which designers and brand owners can use to generate numerous varieties of packaging units, labels and other items based on a number of key elements (including text, logos and/or visuals).
If you ask Wihabo, it’s only a matter of time before the packaging industry, among other markets, will start using variable data printing: “VDP’s ability to create eye-catching designs and make products that stand out from their competitors is exactly what brand owners are looking for.”
Build a foundation for the future with HP
Investing in digital printing technology offers long-term perspective, a statement fully endorsed by printing company Daddy Kate. After thorough analysis of the market, Daddy Kate chose to have a new HP Indigo 100K installed.
Good news for all business owners seeking out new prospects in these challenging times: HP intends to push the boundaries of inkjet in the printing industry again in 2023, with the introduction of two new HP platforms, the PageWide Advantage 2200 inkjet press and the launch of the revolutionary HP Indigo V12 label press. The HP Indigo V12, which is equipped with the latest LEPx technology, made its show debut at Labelexpo Americas 2022.
With its modular configuration, HP’s new PageWide Advantage 2200 inkjet press meets the urgent demand for greater productivity, efficiency and cost savings – and above all, the growing need for flexibility. The new machine was displayed for the first time at the US PRINTING United Expo trade show in October, and is set to make its official debut in Europe at the Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 at the end of February.