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Many industry sectors are facing rising costs, changing customer demands, and increasing operational complexity. In production print, print service providers (PSPs) are under further pressure to deliver higher-quality work, faster turnarounds, and more personalized services while also managing costs and staying competitive. A tall order in any market.
Keypoint Intelligence’s 2025 Global Production Software Outlook study, which analyzes production print software usage, workflow practices, and market trends, shows that artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising solution to help PSPs tackle the array of industry challenges head-on and thrive in this multifaceted environment.
Current Perspectives on AI in Print
According to the survey data, AI adoption is already widespread as more than 80% of PSPs report using AI in some capacity today. Most common use cases include graphic design adjustments (such as fixing customer images or adding bleed), marketing and content creation, as well as operational analytics. This demonstrates that PSPs are not waiting on the sidelines; they are actively exploring AI where it delivers tangible value.
Industry sentiment is also shifting decisively in AI’s favor. Nearly two-thirds of respondents say they now have a very positive opinion of AI, with only a small minority expressing skepticism. The optimism suggests that PSPs increasingly see AI not as hype, but as a practical tool to streamline workflows and enhance competitiveness.
| Source: FuturePrint.Tech |
Where AI Can Address Pain Points
One of the clearest opportunities for AI lies in workflow automation. Survey results show that customer approvals and error corrections remain the biggest bottlenecks in production workflows. AI-powered solutions can accelerate these processes through automated preflight checks, intelligent proofing, and predictive quality assurance. Looking ahead, PSPs are especially eager to leverage AI in production automation, predictive maintenance, and prepress efficiency.
These applications can help providers reduced downtime, cut costs, and free staff to focus on higher-value tasks. For example, predictive maintenance tools with AI can help avoid costly press disruptions, while AI-driven scheduling can better allocate resources across complex jobs.
Vendor Opportunities to Support PSPs
Vendors have a significant role to play in enabling PSPs to unlock AI’s potential. More than half of respondents said their motivation for future software investments is to gain “more automation” in their businesses. Vendors that embed AI into their solutions, whether through smarter workflow tools, integrated analytics, or enhanced CRM/MIS platforms, will be well-positioned to meet this demand.
In fact, PSPs are most excited about smarter, hands-free, end-to-end workflow automation and the ability to deliver better customer service through AI-enabled systems. This underscores the importance of vendors offering AI not just as standalone features, but as integrated capabilities that improve the entire production ecosystem.
A Bright Future with AI
For PSPs, AI is a pathway to overcoming workflow inefficiencies, enhancing service quality, and staying competitive in a fast-evolving environment. By investing in AI-driven automation, predictive insights, and integrated customer solutions, vendors can empower PSPs to turn today’s operational challenges into strategic growth opportunities.
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