GelatoConnect is Bringing a Robust, Global Take on Print Production Software

When it comes to print production software, there is no shortage of options on the market. But a few stand out, rising to the top with an innovative approach to managing the process and keeping print shops operating at peak efficiency.

GelatoConnect is one such platform.

New to the print side of things, Gelato is no stranger to production on a global scale. In fact, the company has more than 140 partners in 32 countries, with a platform designed to connect creators and e-commerce storefronts with their customers — no matter where those customers are based — to provide goods and services locally, quickly, lowering costs and reducing waste.

Gelato decided to take that one step further, and is now leveraging that same network to connect print service providers to the mix as well, bringing in the ability to produce, manage, and ship printed products to global customers without the cost and frustration of needing to build an international network from scratch.

“Gelato is transforming the way the world produces through its software and global network that connects creators (e-commerce sellers) with makers (print producers) to enable local, on-demand production which is smarter, faster and greener,” explains Henrik Müller-Hansen, CEO and founder of Gelato. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve developed GelatoConnect, a specialized software solution designed to empower print producers within our network. Earlier this year, we made the software available to all print producers — not just our production partners. GelatoConnect optimizes every aspect of print production — from procurement to workflow to logistics — enabling producers to operate with unmatched efficiency and profitability. We see GelatoConnect customers leverage the software to grow volume, reduce cost, increase efficiency, and free up cash locked in inventory.”

Automation Solutions for Your Business

But what, exactly, is GelatoConnect, and how does it work?

First, it’s a unified platform that integrates procurement, workflow, and logistics into a single software. “This integration streamlines operations for print businesses, allowing them to manage their entire production process from one place. One software for your entire print facility,” the company notes. Further, the solution is completely independent of any specific product type or equipment an operation might be running. This extreme flexibility allows print businesses to optimize, streamline, and automate operations without needing to invest in new hardware.

Speaking of automation, this is where GelatoConnect shines. Many of the routine processes of print production can be automated, freeing up skilled workers to spend their time on the creative elements of a project or the larger operations of the business. The automation features allow for remote access, giving owners and operators the ability to check in anytime — and from anywhere. And, of course, by removing touchpoints from the rote and routine processes, the potential for introducing human error is drastically reduced, in turn reducing both time and costs — in increasing margins on every job.

A few elements of GelatoConnect that stand out:

• High-Quality Production: GelatoConnect’s quality control features ensure every print job meets the highest standards. This consistency in output helps businesses maintain customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting: The platform provides real-time data and insights into production processes, allowing businesses to monitor quality and performance continuously. This transparency enables quicker decision-making and proactive issue resolution.
• Machine- and Product-Agnostic Software: GelatoConnect integrates with a lot of print machines, pre-press and post-press tools, both for digital and apparel print.
• Waste Reduction: The platform’s just-in-time production capabilities ensure that products are only made when ordered, significantly reducing waste and the environmental impact of overproduction.

“By automating tasks and centralizing operations, GelatoConnect significantly enhances efficiency and profitability,” Müller-Hansen says. “But GelatoConnect isn’t just about optimizing processes; it’s about equipping producers to reach the global creator economy, enabling them to scale their businesses, reduce costs, and meet the evolving demands of the market and today’s consumers.”

But don’t just take Gelato’s word for it.

One customer who has seen great results since integrating the company’s all-in-one platform has been Simon Smogur, CEO, ESP Colour in the United Kingdom. He notes that since switching to GelatoConnect, he has seen a 20% increase in efficiency without needing to hire any additional staff — something print shops around the world are struggling with. In addition, he notes that he has seen his profit margins double, and his expenses reduced — he has already saved $300,000 in warehousing costs alone.

Another customer seeing impressive results is Charlie Saunders, CEO from Stockholm, Sweden-based TidyMerch. For him, the standout result since implementing GelatoConnect has been increased revenue by as much as 19% — all due to better inventory management. He has also seen an amazing 70% reduction in customer complaints from out-of-stock items or delays, which in turn has improved the cash flow and repeat business. And he has seen the benefits of the more efficient production system as well. Saunders expects to save as many as 700 manual hours annually with the automation features Gelato brings to the table.

Finally, brothers Daniel and Joel Oschatz, co-CEOs and owners of Oschatz Visuelle Medien in Germany, have seen their production volumes increase 25%. The increased efficiency has allowed them to add a number of new customers without taxing their staff, and, they note, GelatoConnect was essential for staying competitive and future-proofing their business. In fact, they believe it was their best business decision of 2024.

GelatoConnect is rapidly seeing adoption around the globe, and will be at PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas, Sept. 10-12, with live demos for anyone who wants to see the power of the platform and what it could do for their business. Any printer, in any segment, looking for a solution to modernize the entire operation, improve efficiency, decrease costs, and create a more sustainable print production lifecycle should make sure to check it out at booth C1215.