Innovation does not happen by itself. It takes courage, a fresh perspective and the willingness to act. In the graphic arts industry — where sustainability, smaller runs and rising costs are the norm — standing still is not an option. But how do you make the leap from ambition to action?
The power of thinkers
Companies are often full of workhorses who keep everything running. But to innovate you also need thinkers: people who ask 'how can this be better?' or 'what can be more efficient?'. Technologies like Enfocus Switch and Tilia Phoenix are valuable tools, but without a thinker's mindset you will not get far. You do have to do it yourself.
Technology: more than just machines
'Tech' is only part of the puzzle. New machines are impressive, but without the right tools and mindset you will not use them optimally. If you use a lot of, or expensive, ink, ColorLogic ZePrA helps with ink reduction. Or PitStop Library Container, a REST API for dynamic file checking before files even arrive. These technologies require a willingness to change — and that is exactly what I want to help you with.
Here's how to start: my step-by-step plan
Change may seem complicated, but step by step it becomes manageable.
1. Map your processes
How does your process run from A to Z?
Draw a visual diagram from order intake to production and delivery.
Ask yourself: what works well, what less so, and where are the bottlenecks?
Include your client: are they satisfied, and how can you improve the process for them?
2. Analyse with the triangle: frustrating, repetitive, time-consuming
Frustrating: manual errors in file handling. Solution? Enfocus Switch + PitStop or callas for automation.
Repetitive: laying out impositions and nesting shapes over and over. Solution? Tilia Phoenix to automate it.
Time-consuming: re-typesetting documents again and again? DesignMerge for data publishing (optionally driven by Switch).
3. Note waiting times and standstill
Machines waiting for input;
Staff waiting for approval or files;
Software that does not run processes fast enough.
These waiting times are often hidden costs you can tackle quickly.
4. Find your quick wins
A command-line tool for converting illustrations to PDF, or removing protection so a document is printable;
Restructuring workflow tasks to reduce idle time;
Make a list of quick wins and prioritise them in a clear 'backlog'.
5. Work in short sprints
Pick a few tasks from your backlog and set a short period (for example two weeks);
Work with a small team and focus entirely on those tasks;
Measure your progress and evaluate what went well and what can be better.
6. Make it a cycle
Change does not stop after one round — repeat the process;
Use the lessons from earlier sprints to improve your approach;
Keep working on a culture of continuous innovation.
Take the first step!
Change does not have to be overwhelming if you tackle it step by step. Start today by analysing your processes and finding quick wins. Small steps often lead to big results.
