Research Report Defines Digital Transformation’s Role in Commercial Printers’ Success

Digital technologies have dramatically redefined all facets of the printing industry from the ways print is produced to the products providers offer. What began as the transition from analog to digital production processes has evolved into enabling commercial printers to expand services beyond print to include digital media, data analysis, and e-commerce solutions.

When commercial printers started to transition workflow processes from analog to digital, their customers began a similar journey with their communications by migrating print to electronic alternatives. Organizations’ moves to digital media resulted in declines in print use and prompted print providers to expand services to offset losses in print volume and maintain relevance with customers.

A New Class of Print Provider Emerges

The combination of digital transformation of print providers’ operations and their customers’ communication use has led to the evolution of a new class of print provider that leverages digital technologies to build efficient, profitable, and highly competitive organizations that are positioned to meet customers’ everchanging demands.

A new report from NAPCO Research titled “The Role of Digital Transformation in Expanding Services Beyond Print” combines survey research with news reports issued by larger printing companies to identify the forces driving digital transformation, the subsequent opportunities, and strategies being pursued to maximize those opportunities. While the report focuses on larger firms of 100 employees or more, its content offers key insights for commercial printers of all sizes.

Proof Points of Digital Transformation

The report features the digital transformation actions of larger commercial printing companies. According to NAPCO Research’s Annual (2024) Commercial Print Trends and Strategy Service survey, 87% of commercial printers with 100 or more employees reported forming partnerships with other organizations to complement their print offerings and 84% are expanding services beyond print. Providers with less than 100 employees also report forming partnerships with other organizations to complement their print offerings (89%) and expanding services beyond print (72%).

The report highlights the strategies that are helping commercial printers to build more efficient, profitable operations while meeting changing customer demands. Highlights of this report include:

• The key drivers of digital transformation
• How digital presses are strengthening the role of print
• Ways print providers are expanding services beyond print
• The opportunities created by digitizing workflows and operations

Diversifying and expanding services offers commercial printers many benefits, but there are risks. Adding a new product or service requires investment of time, money, and other resources, which may strain an operation’s resources. Important steps before adding new services are to carefully evaluate business goals, resources, and capabilities. The report highlights tactics commercial printers are taking to address these risks.

The Evolution is Ongoing

Digital transformation will continue to power the evolution of commercial printers, communication options, and customer needs. Commercial printers that are adapting by strategically expanding and diversifying services are reducing exposure to market fluctuations, demand shifts, and competitive pressures. But most importantly, these organizations are best positioned to meet customers’ everchanging demands and communication requirements. Download the full report to learn more.