How Connected Automation can transform print businesses

25 mars 2025

Blogs

What is Connected Automation?

Connected automation integrates software, processes, and data across a business, eliminating inefficiencies and improving decision-making. It relies on:

• Connectivity: Enables seamless interaction between different software applications.
• Automation: Triggered processes that reduce manual intervention.

By implementing connected automation, print businesses can, consolidate data, eliminate repetitive tasks and double data entry and improve integration with customers, suppliers, and partners.

Real-World Examples

Connected automation is already transforming print businesses worldwide. Here are some real-world applications:

• File Submission Simplification: A print shop implemented a centralized drop zone for file uploads, integrating cloud storage services and automation for seamless handling.
• Automated Order Handling: A company automated reordering for seasonal clients, improving customer retention and reducing manual workload.
• Supply Chain Integration: Automating inventory updates and supplier communication to minimize disruptions and optimize stock levels.

For example, consider a print shop receiving an online order. Traditionally, staff manually enter details into an ERP system, generate shipping labels, and update tracking information. With connected automation, these processes integrate seamlessly, ensuring real-time updates—saving time, reducing errors, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

See how Solopress and Altorffer successfully implemented connected automation in our customer testimonial section.

Benefits of Connected Automation

Connected automation delivers a range of advantages that improve efficiency and profitability:

1. 360° Customer Vision: Centralizing data across sales channels enhances customer insights and personalization.
2. Increased Efficiency: Eliminating redundant tasks improves accuracy and reduces delays.
3. Optimized Profitability: Minimizing errors, automating processes, and reducing resource waste boost the bottom line.
4. Scalability: Businesses can adapt quickly to market shifts and customer demands.
5. Competitive Advantage: Enhancing the customer experience and differentiation in a crowded market.

How to implement Connected Automation

Step 1: Map customer and order processes

• Identify inefficiencies and automate redundant tasks.
• Streamline interactions between internal teams and external partners.

Step 2: Optimize operations

• Automate file submission and prepress workflows.
• Reduce material waste through automated ganging and layout optimization.

Step 3: Expand sales channels

• Integrate with eCommerce platforms, marketplaces, and ERP systems.
• Automate customer communication, from order confirmation to delivery updates.

Step 4: Strengthen Cybersecurity & reduce IT dependencies

• Transition from monolithic software to modular, cloud-based solutions.
• Implement redundancies and fail-safes to ensure business continuity.

Connected Automation is a mindset

Connected automation isn’t just about technology, it’s a strategic mindset that enhances efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. By integrating automation intelligently, print businesses can scale effectively, adapt to market changes, and build long-term success.

At Four Pees, we specialize in helping print businesses implement connected automation.
Contact us to explore how it can transform your operations.

Download the full version of our White Paper to discover how connected automation can transform your business