Betting Big on Innovation: How Tech is Shaping the Future of Print and Mail at Printing United Expo 2024

Last month we went all in at this year’s Printing United Expo in Las Vegas, NV! Hosted by the Printing United Alliance, the Expo brought together thousands of leaders, companies, and vendors from the mailing and printing world. With paper in short supply but demand for mail still strong, the industry is betting on smart solutions to keep ahead of the game!

The best part? We have the solutions to meet these new challenges head-on, ensuring that we can continue to deliver smart, efficient and sustainable solutions for your business. The future of print and mailing is brighter than ever, and we’re ready to meet the demand!

Top 10 trends that shaped this year’s Printing United Expo:

  1. Digital Printing: Faster, more efficient machines to tackle paper shortages and optimize resources.
  2. Automation: Streamlined workflows reducing errors and speeding up production.
  3. Personalization: Scalable variable data printing to boost engagement and ROI.
  4. Sustainability: Greener printing practices with recycled materials and alternative inks.
  5. Hybrid Mail Systems: Remote-friendly solutions to print and mail from anywhere.
  6. Digital Mailboxes: Paperless systems for easy, secure mail management.
  7. Omnichannel Integration: Merging print with digital channels using QR codes and AR.
  8. Mail Security: Enhanced privacy with secure platforms and tamper-proof packaging.
  9. Smart Mailing Systems: Tech-driven tools for postage optimization and faster mailing.
  10. Interactive Print: AR and engaging formats transforming traditional mail.

“What stood out to me was that Quadient is relevant... we deliver technology that customers need both in traditional hardware as well as our digital solutions!” 

– Kevin Flood, VP Dealer Sales

For us at Quadient, the event provided the perfect stage to showcase our newest game-changing technology, including the debut of our DS-1200 G5iQ intelligent inserting system, inline with the MACH 9. Capable of handling large jobs at lightning-fast cycling speeds of 12,000 pieces per hour, this powerhouse machine quickly became the talk of the expo. In fact, demand was so strong that at one point, two separate customers were lining up to purchase units right off the floor! The need for machines that can manage high-volume jobs with efficiency and ease has never been clearer.

But it wasn’t just about showcasing equipment—it was about understanding the challenges print service providers are facing and offering real, sustainable solutions to meet those needs.

As the CEO of Corporate Communications Group, featured on the Printing United website, said: 

"With paper in limited supply and challenges with the talent who produce for our customers, investing in automated and new technology is both exciting and necessary."

That sentiment was echoed time and again throughout the expo. Labor shortages, rising material costs, and the demand for increased productivity are pushing businesses to innovate, and Quadient is right at the forefront of delivering the tools to do just that. When we asked our team what really stood out at Printing United Expo, their insights painted a clear picture of where the industry is headed and why Quadient is so relevant:

“What stood out to me was that Quadient is relevant... we deliver technology that customers need both in traditional hardware as well as our digital solutions!” – Kevin Flood, VP Dealer Sales

Our ability to blend traditional hardware with cutting-edge digital solutions resonated with attendees across the board. Whether it’s high-speed inserting systems or cloud-based platforms, Quadient is meeting the needs of today’s print service providers, helping them evolve with the changing landscape.

“What stood out to me was the real excitement by many printers on the large G5 Inserter and all of the innovative features to save them time on jobs and labor savings!” – Bradley Albright, Strategic Sales Development Dealer Manager

Time and labor savings are critical for businesses right now, and our G5 Inserter demonstrated how innovation can reduce job completion times while easing labor demands. Printers were genuinely excited about how this machine could optimize their workflow.

With labor shortages becoming a persistent issue, automation emerged as the key theme of the expo. As one of our team members highlighted:

“The need for automation and increased productivity with the labor shortages facing our customers, clearly the DS-700iQ running inline with our MACH 9DS secured with AIMS insertion management and transactional statements powered by Impress showcased how we are providing solutions that save time, money, and staffing needs for our customers.” – William Longua, Sr Director, Digital Print Group

From integrating our DS-700iQ inline with MACH 9DS, to pairing it with AIMS and Impress, our technology showed how automation can simplify even the most complex jobs, reducing the reliance on hard-to-find skilled labor while boosting output.

Another recurring theme at the expo was the need for technology that’s easy to use, especially in light of staffing challenges. With fewer experienced workers available, print service providers need machines that are simple yet powerful:

“What stood out to me at the show was the common challenge customers are facing finding the right talent to run equipment and keep their operations productive and efficient. One after another, as they saw our production level  inserter in operation, you could see the light go on that it is so easy to use and change from job to job! The realization set in that they no longer had to locate that hard-to-find mechanical labor, but rather this new technology allows them to be way more efficient and productive even using labor with (gulp) NO experience!”
– Kelly McManus, Sr. Director, NORAM Production Mail

That ease of use is where the DS-1200 truly shines. Its intuitive design allows operators with little to no experience to manage large, complex jobs seamlessly—transforming a challenge into an opportunity for greater efficiency.

The enthusiasm we saw from customers and industry peers at Printing United Expo 2024 was contagious. Whether they were marveling at the high-speed capabilities of the MACH 9, discovering the benefits of automated inserting systems, or realizing the impact of digital solutions like AIMS and Impress, one thing was clear: the future of print and mailing is bright, and Quadient is at the heart of it.

As we continue to develop innovative solutions for the evolving challenges of the print industry, we remain committed to delivering the tools that help you stay productive, efficient, and ahead of the curve—whether it’s reducing labor requirements, streamlining workflows, or boosting sustainability efforts.

Ready to meet the future of print and mailing head on?

Quadient has the machines and technology to help your business succeed, no matter what challenges come your way. Let’s keep things rolling!

 

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