An international perspective on the wide format and signage printing landscape Paul Whitehead, Business Unit Manager – Sign & Display at Currie Group, shares his insights following his attendance at two of the sector’s most significant events: drupa in May 2024 and PRINTING United in September 2024. With a wealth of international experience across wideformat technologies, Whitehead’s perspectives are shaped by his hands-on understanding of the evolving needs of his customers, industry trends and the technological innovations driving growth. His observations from these events highlight key developments shaping the future of the print sector, including the growing importance of automation and the evolving role of trade shows in showcasing new technologies. Being at both shows also allowed Whitehead to demonstrate a wide range of solutions with partner brands, such as EFI, Canon Production Printing, Elitron, and Neolt Factory, and build on Currie Group’s solid relationship with its partners. Reflecting on the differences between the two events, he notes the value of seeing wide-format and signage printing technologies operating in real-time, something he found more prominent at PRINTING United. “There’s a clear advantage when you can witness a machine running at full capacity,” he explains. “It gives a more accurate representation of how it can enhance productivity and fit within a company’s operations.” He highlights that with PRINTING United running for a condensed three-day period, exhibitors could showcase their technology in constant operation, maximising the time available for attendees to evaluate performance. THE SHIFT TOWARDS AUTOMATION Whitehead identified the intense focus on automation at both shows. While automation has been a recurring theme for some time, the sophistication of both hardware and software solutions has increased significantly. For many businesses, adopting automated processes to remain competitive is essential. 20
OCT/NOV 2024
Whitehead observes that automation is being implemented in physical machinery and software workflows. In terms of machinery, automation reduces manual intervention, streamlining production, minimising errors and reducing labour costs. Software automation, on the other hand, enhances workflow efficiency, reducing bottlenecks and enabling faster job turnaround. “The focus has shifted from only increasing speed to improving overall efficiency,” he notes. “It’s about maximising output while reducing the need for excessive labour.” He highlights that combining hardware and software automation allows businesses to stay competitive and maintain versatility in increasingly demanding Australian and New Zealand markets. NEW PRODUCTS AND EXPANDING APPLICATIONS Another theme observed at drupa and PRINTING United was the focus on developing new applications and diversifying product offerings. Many machines displayed at the trade shows were designed with that flexibility, allowing businesses to expand their range of services without investing in separate systems. This is particularly important in the ANZ markets, Whitehead notes as it allows businesses to compete across a wide range of jobs and tenders. He was particularly impressed by the ability of new technologies to handle
challenging substrates, such as corrugated boards. “Seeing a machine print on difficult materials like corrugate without issue is a game-changer,” he remarks. These advancements open up new opportunities for businesses to explore markets that were previously inaccessible or too costly to enter. However, despite these innovations, Whitehead remains practical about the challenges businesses face in adopting new systems. While technology advances rapidly, companies must weigh the costs and learning curves associated with upgrading their equipment. LOOKING AHEAD Looking ahead, he anticipates that the focus on automation and operational efficiency will continue to dominate the industry. “Speed is no longer the sole concern; businesses are now asking how to work more efficiently,” he says. He expects further integration of intelligent software solutions alongside high-performing machinery to drive the industry forward, helping businesses meet their clients’ demands. Whitehead’s insights from drupa and PRINTING United provide a clear snapshot of the printing industry’s current state. As businesses continue to adapt to these new technologies and market shifts, Currie Group’s expertise serves as a valuable guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.