This was the catch-phrase at a recent print industry event in the US. Once upon a time, the sign of a good, profitable printshop were the specialist skills of their production staff. Every moment someone handled a job, they imparted real value. It could set the Printshop apart from a competitor down the road...

Today, as in many manufacturing industries, human involvement is being seen as a cost to be avoided. The more automation and less people involved in the operation, the better. The 'trade' aspect is being squeezed out. More intelligent, automated Presses, Finishing, CTP systems and front-end software, once configured, can do usually do a better job, in less time, with fewer errors, at a lower cost than earlier manual systems.

Printers like Vistaprint have certainly proved that beyond doubt from sales, right through to finishing, with the human element needed per job, now down to 60 seconds, not the 60-90 minutes common here.

Why is this? Well, computer software and IT systems aren't tangible like pressroom, prepress or finishing technology. We can't visualise the benefits easily, hence making a commitment is difficult.

Also, as mentioned in the third Mimeo video last week, most people hate change and are very distrusting of anything new. The availability of any new super-efficient product, service or process isn't enough. - We need to trust our suppliers first, before we commit. The other problem though, is that our own traditional industry suppliers are also just following, not leading when it comes to implementing IT systems and workflows. Remember, most of them have made their own money out of hardware or consumables, not software.

But those company owners who have the vision of a more automated, lower cost operation from marketing, sales, through to delivery, will be the ones that survive and thrive. Go forward. Ask Questions. Take the initiative. Lead, don't just follow.

Remember, you heard it here first.

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