Digital Printing Advancements Drive Budget-friendly, High-quality Production

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The printing industry, which has remained a fundamental part of human communication for centuries, is evolving in response to rapid technological advancements.

Though traditional printing methods have been in use for nearly 600 years, new digital solutions are beginning to dominate the market.

Printcheap Sdn Bhd general manager Kaviraaj Tanaskuli said the recent advancements in digital printing technology allow businesses to produce high-quality prints on a budget, despite higher per print costs and faster production, all driven by growing demand.

“This advancement has made it easier for companies to offer customised and personalised prints, catering to specific customer preferences while maintaining budget-friendly pricing.

“More customised and personalised printing are possible today due to these advancements. The ability to produce short print runs at quicker turnaround times while offering great prices is especially useful for many businesses,” he told Bernama.

On how advancements in technology have changed the printing process, he pointed to innovations like Variable Data Printing (VDP) as game-changers.

VDP allows for the seamless integration of highly customised elements such as barcodes, QR codes, voucher numbering, and personalised names or addresses, all while maintaining high-speed printing without interruptions.

“At Printcheap.com.my, we can process these variable data within minutes. This is possible because digital print machines now come with specific advanced software to cater to the evolving needs of the market.

“There are also third-party apps such as QR code verification solutions that help build consumer trust by allowing verification, exchange of information and engagement, which allows businesses to create interactive printed materials for their product and services. When carefully integrated, this software changes the dimension within the printing industry,” he added.

As digital alternatives continue to gain popularity, many consumers believe that going digital is the more eco-friendly option, primarily due to its reduction in paper and ink usage.

However, what many are unaware of is the significant environmental cost tied to digital infrastructure, particularly the energy consumption of data centres required to support digital technologies.

“On the other hand, we printers have become more eco-conscious and adapt sustainable printing practices over the years. More biodegradable inks, recycled paper and carbon-neutral printing processes are being used,” he revealed.

On the current trends influencing the printing industry, Kaviraaj said he observed that Malaysians often prioritise quick and last-minute jobs, leading to a rise in digital printing solutions.

“Quick and sudden decisions are often taken. Therefore, on demand printing has increased. Malaysians prefer fast printing services at efficient prices for small orders. That is why digital printing solutions are becoming popular day by day and famous.

“Every day, we receive ample short-run and fast-print orders here at Printcheap.com.my. We literally print and do all the finishing work within two hours for our clients. The fact that clients are willing to pay urgent order fees and recommend us to others to experience our efficient service shows how crucial speed and convenience have become,” he added.

Asked on how the printing industry can stay relevant while embracing the new technologies, he stressed that the printing industry has always been relevant, dating back to ancient times.

“Traditional printing has been around for nearly 600 years. Although machines have evolved in terms of speed and efficiency, the mechanism of printing is still the same. We have to understand that because of the certain type of limitations, traditional printing will fade away and modern digital print will take over the market by catering the needs. Yet, print itself is here to stay.

“So, just as we have embraced changes and technologies in the past, we should be ready to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) technology, sustainable practices and other advancements. Any business for that matter, if can travel accordingly with time, willing to adapt new technology and trends, will remain relevant,” he concluded.

Emphasising on the importance of AI, Sociolytics Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Shashi Muniandy shared that the transformative power of AI is reshaping industries across the globe and Malaysia is seizing this moment to drive change.

“To mitigate these challenges, it is crucial to promote a 'humanising AI' culture within organisations. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human labour, employers should encourage the workforce to see AI as a tool that can enhance their daily work, enabling them to deliver more efficient and innovative results. 

“Organisations should invest in upskilling their employees by providing AI-related training that equips them with the necessary skills to leverage these technologies effectively,” he said, adding that AI will not completely replace human roles, at least not for some years to come as the technology still requires human intervention for its development, refinement, and ongoing management. 

In essence, he said AI is a tool that extends human’s capabilities, much like an assistant with 'super skills' that enhances productivity and problem-solving abilities and by treating AI as a collaborative partner rather than a competitor, the workforce can harness its benefits without compromising human value.

-- BERNAMA