Sneak preview of the company’s next level digital inkjet press for the packaging market
Jean Lloyd, Principal Analyst of Keypoint Intelligence’s Labels & Packaging Advisory Service, spoke at length to Agfa’s newly promoted Head of Packaging Printing Digital Solutions Matt Brooks—and there’s a lot of ground to cover.Looking at our audio series in advance of the worldwide celebration of the format
September 30 is International Podcast Day. Come February, it will be 20 years since the word “podcast” was born. The medium keeps evolving and remains as powerful as ever.The latest findings from Keypoint Intelligence’s Market Insights
Keypoint Intelligence has recently conducted some research to get a better understanding on where single-pass digital print technology for textiles stands, what will the next iteration of single-pass printers look like, and what the future holds for this technology. This blog details some of our key findings from this upcoming market insight research report.Innovation, automation, and sustainability among the highlights of this prestigious event
Labelexpo Europe made a return, featuring numerous vendors showcasing the immense possibilities that arise from integration between analogue and hybrid solutions as well as advancements in the flexible packaging market. We discuss here some of the key features from the show as well as their effects on the industry.Which large-scale technology service providers made the cut this year?
While the mega dealers comprise just a fraction of the roughly 1,800 outfits in the United States, a heck of a lot of attention and focus is put on this group of 18.Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of heat in the news
Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is beneficial from an educational standpoint, but it can be very difficult to keep up with. This blog discusses the top three news articles Keypoint Intelligence covered for August 2023.Joint-venture PSP survey helps to shed light on average earnings
Understanding average pay rates and wage trends is essential for employers and employees alike as it influences recruitment, talent retention, and overall industry sustainability.Sustainability, the Metaverse, and the dawn of Industry 5.0
The textile and apparel industries have been in the process of a digital transformation for over two decades. We discuss some of the key digital elements in the market and what they can mean for the industry.Books enable a strong connection while photos preserve memories
There are two non-marketing printing applications that (if anything) are becoming more on demand: books and photos. This blog looks at some of the key findings of our new study on digital print for book and photo print, as well as offers some insights into the current state of the market.Here’s what happened when you were at the beach
Keypoint Intelligence's news service covers everything from print to managed IT to the smart workplace and beyond. We will be providing here a recap of July 2023's top news stories.How have things been going since the company’s dealer meeting?
Hard to believe it’s been three months since the Sharp National Dealer Meeting 2023, which carried “Opportunity Meets Execution” as its theme.A highlighted review of production inkjet industry trends
A look inside our time at thINK Ahead 2023!New research from Keypoint Intelligence highlights the changing role of marketing communications
Keypoint Intelligence has just released its 2023 direct marketing communications primary research to better understand how businesses’ direct marketing practices are changing over time as they strive to meet their customers’ needs. We discuss here a brief overview of the top-level results from this year’s survey.How to make AR sexy again
Augmented reality is a solution that has fallen to the wayside from the invention of more recent developments, such as artificial intelligence. We discuss here how AR can still be a viable software for companies to use and provide examples of current AR programs.What’s been on the minds of dealers and what are they thinking about moving forward?
It’s true that Keypoint Intelligence focuses a lot of time and energy on the vendor side of the print industry, but that does not mean we shy away from the channel.There’s always M&A activity, but how active has it been?
Acquisitions come in all shapes and sizes. Consolidation will continue like clockwork—basically no different than the sun rising and setting.Just because summer is here doesn’t mean the print industry has gone on vacation
The Keypoint Intelligence news service provides extensive coverage of various topics and markets. This blog discusses the top three articles covered in June 2023.Detailing results and analyzing the data in this valuable roundup
Keypoint Intelligence is set to publish its annual Vendor Financials document this month, which appraises the financial health of major manufacturers in the global office and production equipment industry. We discuss here the key points as well as major effects this data will have on the market.How in-plants have evolved and where they are heading next.
The IPMA (In-plant Print and Mail Association) 2023 conference brought 142 in-plant attendees from 88 companies to Bonita Springs, Florida.Webinar looks at an important solution in Keypoint Intelligence’s UVERCE® product family
With the increased pressure to accelerate the sales cycle, as well as dealers looking to expand their customer base, the ability to adapt to the changing landscape is more important than it has ever been. We discuss here Keypoint Intelligence's latest solution, quote iQ, as well as the benefits it can offer its users.The future of printing comes to Munich
The FESPA Global Print Expo recently took place in Munich, displaying a variety of innovative printing technology and seeing an increase in visitors. We discuss here some of the key wide format, direct-to-garment, and direct-to-film devices that were shown at the event.Innovation, AI, and sustainability highlight the annual user conference
EskoWorld, Esko’s 2023 annual user conference, took place on May 23-25 in Orlando. We discuss here highlights of the show, including Esko's focus on AI, sustainability, and innovation in labels and packaging.Synergies abound between research/testing house and digital production print company
Sweden-based ProPrintPerformance offers services designed to enable sales and marketing professionals to demonstrate added value to their production print customers.Good choices can make a difference, especially to the consumer
Earth Day has come and gone, but it should be a concept we (as consumers) keep in mind for the other 364 days of the year. We live on the planet year-round, so it’s in our best interest to keep it from being one giant trash heap, right?Impressions from events shaping the future of customer communications and US mail delivery
Two separate customer communications events were held recently in Charlotte, NC just a few blocks apart: the National Postal Forum (NPF) and Document Strategy Forum (DSF). We discuss here the approaches of both events as well as the effects they have on the industry.In-plants find new ways to demonstrate value
In early 2023, Keypoint Intelligence partnered with Ricoh Corporation to conduct an in-depth survey of 50 in-plant respondents and a series of one-on-one interviews. This blog provides a brief overview of our research findings to shed some light on the challenges that today’s in-plants are facing and strategies for future growth.Breaking down the market segments in the packaging and labels industry
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Bringing added value and efficiency to the packaging market
Earlier this year, HP introduced the HP PageWide C550 to the industrial packaging world: A next generation post-print press built on the successful field-proven technology of its C500 predecessor. We discuss here the impact this new device can have on the market with David Tomer, General Manager of Post-Print Corrugated Solutions at HP.How to make printing wide format the fun stuff to do
With wide format printing involving a great deal of customization, personalization, and design efforts, the ever-increasing demand for immediate delivery is creating some unique challenges for PSPs. We discuss here the top three methods of managing turnaround expectations from print buyers.Making sure that sustainability in print is really doing what it claims
Sustainability labels can help to mitigate any ethical risks associated with their products and help push forward systemic change. We discuss here the differences between the FSC and SFI labels as well as the effect of sustainability practices in the industry.Keypoint Intelligence attends, reviews, and makes connections
Described as “North America’s largest and most influential Additive Manufacturing event” on its website, RAPID + TCT 2023 was held in Chicago from May 2-4, 2023. We discuss here some of the key features of the event as well as the impact they can have on the market.April showers helped grow interesting developments in the industry
Keypoint Intelligence's News Service covers everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. We discuss here a recap of the top three news articles we covered in April.Keypoint Intelligence’s Randy Dazo is among the many honorees
At the end of April 2023, ENX Magazine announced the list of its 2023 Difference Makers—including Keypoint Intelligence's Randy Dazo. We discuss here the nature of this prestigious list and Randy's laudable contributions.What is artificial intelligence, and how can it be used in print automation?
It’s difficult to avoid the topic of artificial intelligence in the news this year, and the hype surrounding the subject is spectacular. We discuss here some specific ways that AI can help the print industry as well as some of its key features.A look into our object accuracy testing
When it comes to deciding which additive manufacturing system is best for you, there are so many important questions to consider. We discuss here Keypoint Intelligence's testing capabilities and tactics, as well as the importance of testing for accuracy in additive manufacturing.Our “green” content drive for Earth Day week starts here!
In the print industry specifically, sustainability has stepped up to the mic like the front man in your favorite band. The amount of marketing and messaging and promotion around sustainability has for sure seen an uptick in the United States, but even in other regions where eco-responsibility had already made significant gains.Is this just a bit of snake oil or is there something more to it?
For any business attempting to stand out amongst the marketing clutter, the “magalogue” is a marketing tool designed to do just that. We discuss here the features of magalogues as well as the effect they can have on the market.Spring has sprung, new beginnings abound
This blog explores the top news stories posted by our News service for the month of March.No, really…what is it?
Sustainability is a big watchword right now, and one of the most significant pushes comes from the packaging sector. We discuss here some of the key sustainable practices in packaging, as well as how it affects the market.Big time consolidation in the print MIS world
Earlier this week, eProductivity Software (ePS) announced that it had acquired UK-based Tharstern Group Ltd. This is monumental news in the segment because both companies are giants in the print management information system (MIS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) spaces.Engineers have 3D printed a cheesecake
Recently, engineers have established a means to print a slice of cheesecake through additive manufacturing. We discuss here the details of this finding and speculate on how this could affect 3D printing as a whole.Looking at the communication preferences of Gen Z and Millennials
Keypoint Intelligence recently published an analysis pinpointing generational consumers communication preferences. We discuss here some of the key findings and how they apply when looking at the generational ages of our respondents.How to maintain margins and still be competitive
Online purchasing is only going to continue to grow, and every wide format print service provider (PSP) needs to have an online store. We discuss here five ways that wide format PSPs can add value to their business.And were you even aware of Global Recycling Day?
Recycling and the replanting of trees are merely two of the many facets of sustainability. The subject has been around for ages, but its density and meaning have surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply chain crisis.Productivity increases for heavy stocks and lower energy consumption
The new Canon ProStream 3000 series aims to address roll-fed inkjet market demand concerning better productivity on a large variety of media and lower energy consumption. This blog explores some key features of the ProStream 3000 and its effects on the market.A quick look at fresh devices from Mimaki and Roland
It’s been about three years since direct-to-film (DTF) inkjet transfer first came to the decorated apparel market, and the technology has certainly exploded. This blog explores some new entrants into the DTF market and the effects these devices will have on the market.This industry event demonstrated many end-to-end printing solutions
The most recent Hunkeler Innovationdays (taking place February 28-March 2) was a massive success. This blog explores the key solutions and devices shown at the event.A quick history of DTF devices and their projected growth
At the recent Printwear and Promotion show, we were introduced to a number of direct to garment and direct to film devices. We discuss here some of the key features of this technology as well as the benefits of its use.Are we going to lose our jobs to robots?
To test the hype surrounding chatbots like ChatGPT, Keypoint Intelligence has attempted to use the app to produce a blog based on the prompt: “Write a blog on how the benefits of ChatGPT outweigh the controversial aspects of the tool.” We provide the results here.Nested experiences that drive brand engagement
In late 2022, Keypoint Intelligence conducted a web-based survey of 1,500 consumer respondents and asked about their engagement with receiving communications. We discuss here some of the key findings regarding package delivery and direct communications.Further education from Keypoint Intelligence’s 2022 Channel Survey
The Keypoint Intelligence 2022 Channel Survey sure does have some important, strategic research and data. What you see here is an infinitesimal sliver of the pie. Have a look and let your brain wander!What were some of the bigger items during the shortest month of the year?
Thanks to our News Service, we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. We discuss here a recap of the top news stories for the month of February 2023.Recent research reveals that consumers’ communication preferences often vary by age
Providers of transactional communications must communicate with their existing customers on a regular basis, but ensuring that these bills and statements are delivered via a consumer’s preferred channels is crucial to a positive customer experience. We discuss here how generational characteristics can influence communication preferences as well as some key aspects of a recent Keypoint Intelligence study.It’s not about “if,” but “when”…
Any of you who have attended a conference where digital packaging printing was on the agenda inevitably heard someone state from the podium: “It’s now not a question of if we get into digital printing, but a question of when.”Keypoint Intelligence Interview Insights with Manuel Schrutt
FUJIFILM Business Innovation, recognizing the opportunity in flexible packaging, announced in June 2021 that it was entering the space by launching the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790, a water-based digital inkjet press. We discuss some of the effects this device will have on the market with Manuel Schrutt, Head of Packaging for Fujifilm.Keypoint Intelligence Interview Insights: Will it be the beginning of a new era?
On January 25, Fiery announced that it had separated from Electronics for Imaging (EFI) to form a separate company. We discuss here some of the key aspects of this change with Fiery's new CEO Toby Weiss.Printed mail remains popular, especially for transactional communications
For some brand owners, the continued use of old-school printed mail in a digital age may feel a bit like doing the exact same thing they have been doing for decades. We discuss here a Keypoint Intelligence web-based survey of 1,500 consumer respondents to assess their engagement with printed and digital transactional communications as well as some of the key results.CONNECT 2023 is a raging success in Las Vegas
eProductivity Software (ePS) just wrapped up its 2023 CONNECT User Conference in Las Vegas. We discuss here some of the topics covered at the event as well as provide video interviews with some experts featured at the show.A homerun for the apparel decorating universe
Impressions Expo-Long Beach is the largest and most advanced trade show and conference in the western hemisphere dedicated to apparel decorators. The recent edition—held at the Long Beach Convention Center (Long Beach, California)—included several exhibitions from the direct-to-film and direct-to-garment industries.Instant inkjet portable printer means no more embarrassing tattoos
Touted as the world’s first comprehensive temporary handheld tattoo device, Prinker S makes the creation and application of temporary tattoos quick and easy.Engineering and healthcare will benefit, but plenty of other sectors will too
While regular 3D printed objects use materials like plastics and metals, 4D printed objects incorporate a hydrogel or shape memory polymer that physically react to stimuli like water, heat, or light.US operation discusses performance and strategy at virtual briefing
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. held a virtual analyst and press briefing on December 13, 2022, during which several company execs provided an update on all things Konica Minolta.Diving into the best of 2022
As another year comes to an end, I took the opportunity to reflect on some of the digital textile and direct-to-garment (DTG) trends that emerged in 2022.An audio tour through the year in print and associated technologies
There was so much good that happened in 2022, and a lot of that good in our space is captured in the 36 interviews we produced as part of Season 4 of The Key Point Podcast. When I look at our favorites, I very much see a microcosm of this year in the industry.Keypoint Intelligence continues to publish content on print and beyond
Whether it’s about office or production; vendors, dealers, or print service providers (PSPs); or company news, product news, event coverage, or otherwise, we deliver all of this to help you understand what you need to know to grow your business.Electrophotography might share its crown
Inkjet has been getting a lot of attention over the last decade, but only recently have enhancements in print quality started to drive larger sales. We discuss here the comparison between inkjet and electrophotography printers and how these devices can benefits print service providers.A preview of Keypoint Intelligence’s Vendor Financials research and report
Each year, Keypoint Intelligence publishes a document looking at the financial health of manufacturers in the global office equipment industry. We discuss here some of the key findings and details of the financial outcomes and related analysis for the major players in the office and production markets.Automation, new applications, and faster speeds lead the list of trends
Keypoint Intelligence recently released its annual Worldwide DTG Forecast: 2021-2026, which includes printing devices exclusive to direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. We discuss here some of the key findings from this forecast.How can retailers meet expectations?
As the 2022 holiday season is firmly in its stride, the shopping trend appears to be bridging both in-store and online experiences.Which company leads the field in our Market Insights Study?
Several production software vendors have participated in the first Keypoint Intelligence Market Insights Study and Pacesetter award for sustainability relating to production workflow. We discuss here the basis for creating our study as well as announce the winner of the Pacesetter award.And what businesses should look for in the technology they choose
The legalization of cannabis for medicinal or recreational use is a contentious issue, but many print companies are tackling this market. We discuss here how companies, like Brother, are taking advantage of this emerging field.It’s important to understand all your options
Inkjet technology has become increasingly popular in the recent past, and its value proposition aligns well with the communication needs of today’s consumers and buyers. We discuss here the benefits of pursuing inkjet technology as well as its effects on the market.And why should businesses care?
Brands are pushing their sustainability messaging to win over consumers with like-minded values. We discuss here the influence that "green" initiatives can have on consumer decisions as well as what companies can do to get more out of their sustainability methods.Plus, what needs to happen for digital printing to become more mainstream?
This year marks the eighth Digital Packaging Summit put on by the PRINTING United Alliance in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. We discuss here some of the key highlights of the show and our thoughts on the future of digital printing.Canon upgrades their portfolio with a new generation of digital color printers
At the PRINTING United Expo 2022 show, Canon revealed the next generation of its imagePRESS V series: the imagePRESS V900 and imagePRESS V1350. We discuss here some of the key features of these devices as well as their impact on the market.The what’s what within the packaging/digital printing industries
On the heels of PRINTING United, Keypoint Intelligence's Jean Lloyd sat down with Evandro Matteucci, Vice President and General Manager of Packaging and Building Materials at EFI. They discuss a variety of topics related to packaging, including EFI's Nozomi 14000 LED single-pass printer and market trends.Company continues promoting efficient and sustainable printing, regardless of segment
At PRINTING United 2022 last month, HP announced its latest family of wide format printing solutions: the HP Latex 2700 series. We discuss here some of the key features as well as the device's perceived impact on the market.Just in case, Shutterstock has partnered with OpenAI
Shutterstock has announced a partnership with OpenAI to begin selling AI generated images.Some takeaways from a few analysts who attended
The most recent PRINTING United Expo was held in Las Vegas from October 19-21. We discuss here some of our favorite exhibits from the event.New research uncovers challenges and opportunities in the production print market
More detailed analysis shows that in-plants are more likely to use print MIS features for workflow management and fulfillment. In contrast, commercial PSPs tend to primarily use print MIS for estimating.New developments are closing in on analog print volumes
Since the introduction of DTG over 20 years ago, the biggest complaint from screen printers has been that “it’s too slow”—but these newer systems may just be the decisive factor for many.The strategic use of a traditional media can create a new outcome
Keypoint Intelligence’s most recent Transactional Communications study asked businesses to rank the importance of various business objectives in relation to their future transactional communication strategies. We discuss here some of the key points of our research as well as the benefits of an omni-channel approach to communication.This simple acronym can help you remember them!
Jim Hamilton, former Director at Keypoint Intelligence, has developed an easy-to-remember acronym that highlights the positive aspects of print. We discuss the key elements of his PLATE concept and how it summarizes print's benefits.Why this new method of building homes is here to stay
Large 3D printers are now being developed for the purpose of building houses primarily made from concrete. We discuss here how this technology will affect the construction industry as well as the benefits of pursuing it.Xplor22’s renamed award draws attention to its winners
The Xplor22 Conference revealed the newly renamed Dr. Keith Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award that focuses on the organization's roots and the historical impact its members have had across the industry. We look at the four winners and their influence in the industry.An exciting future lies ahead for our Packaging & Labels Division
Unlike other areas of print, there is no substitute product for packaging. Growth in the space is creating challenges for the traditional packaging supply chain—challenges that create opportunities for new entrants as well as incumbent suppliers.Looking at statistics in the literary world
This month, Spotify decided to enter into the audiobook market. We present here an image concerning audiobooks and their effect on the print book industry.After four years what stood out to me upon coming back?
At Labelexpo 2022, the energy and enthusiasm for getting back together for an in-person event was everywhere and in everyone I spoke with.Revealing the final eight large-scale technology providers on the list
It’s a products and services world, and the mega dealers are acing the test. Sure, they have the human resources and the capital to make things happen on a grand scale—or to make new revenue streams happen. Because whether it was through more print (production and wide format, not just office) or beyond print (managed IT and smart office, to name two areas), the bottom line is that they are not afraid to take risks.The cover is a sales pitch, but are you buying?
Judging a book by its cover is not only something everyone does, it’s also one of the first things you do when face to face with a book.Industry leaders in South Africa share valuable insights
Printing South Africa held its Women In Print celebrations in August, where the issue of fitting into the male-dominated print space was a topic, among many others.Which large-scale technology providers are on the list?
The mega dealers are “mega” because they are a well-diversified bunch. Sure, success is evident simply by studying financials for a few minutes, yet each company has its own story on how they surpassed $100M in annual revenue—and then some. Even if the mega dealers started life as traditional copier dealers, they have all embraced technology beyond print with solutions such as security cameras and EV charging stations. Many are striving for that holy grail-like 50/50 split between print and managed IT, with a strong desire for the latter to exceed the former shortly after achieving that even goal.Company’s latest digital press to launch at Labelexpo Americas
Jean Lloyd, Principal Analyst of Keypoint Intelligence’s Color Digital Labels & Packaging Advisory Service, welcomed Konica Minolta Senior Vice President of Product Management Dino Pagliarello to our Interview Insights series to share his views on the AccurioLabel 400.Another win for the book production industry
Racami recently released a press release about acquiring the Canon Solutions America (CSA) Conveyance platform, which automates commercial printing and book manufacturing processes. We discuss here the implications this will have on the market as well as the details of the Alchem-e Books suite.Taking medicine to new heights with 3D printing
If you needed an organ transplant, would you accept a 3D-printed organ? This is a question from a recent Keypoint Intelligence poll, and the results are quite surprising.Keypoint Intelligence once again partners with Big Picture Magazine on important PSP survey
In a joint web-based study with Big Picture Magazine and Keypoint Intelligence, print service provider owners and employees identified emerging solutions, strategies, and technologies in an adaptive response to pandemic-driven market shifts and industry trends. We discuss here some of the key findings from this survey and their effects on the market.Speaking on customer-first initiatives and sustainability
Jean Lloyd, Principal Analyst of the Color Digital Labels and Packaging Advisory Service for Keypoint Intelligence, hosts and interview with Eastman Kodak CEO Jim Continenza, who shared his insight into his unique approach to embracing innovative transformation.Promoting the value of print to cut through the digital clutter
Today’s marketers have more options than ever before for reaching their customers and prospects, but print is often playing a secondary role to digital marketing. We discuss here the top-level findings of a recent Keypoint Intelligence survey of 201 print buyers in the United States.Consumerism may be changing, but the need for it remains firmly planted in our lives
Change is expected in a digital landscape—with 65% of B2B companies across all industries fully pursuing transactions online in 2022. We discuss here how to best make use of e-commerce as well as the benefits of utilizing Keypoint Intelligence's UVERCE® application.How the eye perceives color is crucial to the print industry
Recently, a team of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory realized that the science that forms modern concepts of how humans perceive color is wrong. We discuss here the basis of color theory as well as some solutions as to what we should do now that we know.
