LDuring the Printing United Media Day, Nathan Safran and Lisa Cross of NAPCO Research presented a compelling presentation on the state of productivity in the global print market. Drawing from recently released research, they outlined how print businesses that invest in automation and integrated workflows are outperforming their peers across key performance indicators. The discussion emphasized that productivity has evolved from an operational concern into a strategic differentiator—one that directly influences customer satisfaction, turnaround times, and overall profitability.

The research presented showed clear trends toward automation-led efficiency, with successful printers streamlining processes from estimating to finishing. By leveraging connected systems and real-time analytics, these organizations are improving visibility, reducing errors, and optimizing staff utilization. As the data revealed, productivity gains are increasingly being achieved not just through equipment upgrades but through smarter use of information and coordinated workflow design.

There was a clear message: productivity is the new benchmark for competitiveness in print. As the industry continues to navigate shorter runs, tighter deadlines, and growing demand for customization, the companies leading in productivity are those that view efficiency as a continuous discipline rather than a one-time investment. The session reinforced that in today’s print landscape, the path to growth begins with making productivity a core business strategy.