Printing orders will turn

According to reports from domestic and international media, the printing industry has seen a significant rise in the total output value of digital printing. Meanwhile, the growth of traditional printing is slow and steady, with prices continuing to decline. This trend has created a sense of urgency among many in the traditional printing sector, as they feel increasingly threatened by the rapid expansion of digital solutions.

However, the reality is more complex than it appears. Many businesses, including our own customers, are not fully aware of which jobs are handled by digital printing and which are done through traditional offset methods. The question remains: how accurate are the statistics reported by media? Are these figures truly reflective of the actual market, or do they simply highlight a specific segment of the industry?

Consider a printer that operates both digital and offset presses. Do they track and report the exact proportion of digital vs. offset output? Even with a fully integrated digital workflow, few companies disclose such data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the true impact of digital printing on the broader industry.

Digital fast-printing shops typically handle short-run jobs. If a customer orders 5,000 books, would they print it themselves using a digital press, or would they outsource it to an offset printing factory? If the latter, the order might still be classified under digital printing in industry reports, further skewing the data.

In essence, the value of digital printing cannot be separated from the overall output of the printing industry. It’s challenging for countries to provide precise data on the growth of digital printing. While media in Europe and the U.S. often cite impressive growth rates, the definitions used may not be entirely scientific, leading to potential overestimations.

These ambiguous figures have become a source of concern for many in the printing industry, raising questions about the future of traditional printing. But what opportunities exist in this evolving landscape?

Recently, Evergreen Jianhao made waves in the domestic printing industry with its cloud printing conference. They invited peers to participate and introduced their software solutions, including ERP systems, a printing portal, and file editing tools. Partners can now manage business operations and even control printing equipment through the cloud.

Interestingly, the main target audience for this initiative seems to be digital fast-printing stores. Yet, many traditional printing factories remain skeptical, unsure of how this shift will affect them. The key difference lies in the clarity of digital printing output—while the industry struggles to distinguish between digital and offset output, digital fast-printing shops operate with clear boundaries.

If we calculate the total output of digital printing based on the sales of digital presses, we can see a logical growth pattern. As more digital presses are sold, the number of digital print shops increases. These shops are often located near office districts, serving local clients and sometimes outsourcing larger jobs to offset printing facilities.

Despite the limited growth in the overall printing industry, digital fast-printing shops continue to expand across cities. While digital printing output values appear to grow rapidly, traditional offset printing presses are still running, albeit at lower prices.

Today’s low printing prices can be attributed to oversupply, but another factor could be the way work flows through different channels—from customers to digital shops, and then to offset printing factories. If this logic holds, cloud printing strategies make sense by streamlining the process and reducing overhead.

Evergreen Jianhao has been operating in Taiwan for over a decade, known for its advanced computer management system that boosts efficiency without increasing manpower. However, in the highly competitive mainland market, where pricing is already saturated, they had to rely on their software and mobile network capabilities to attract partners.

Recently, hundreds of industry professionals gathered in Tianjin for Evergreen’s cloud printing conference. Some veterans, seeing the influx of new digital and offset presses, questioned whether investing in so many machines would lead to success.

Whether digital fast-printing store operators will join Evergreen’s cloud platform remains uncertain. While the cooperation terms may appeal to some, the long-term impact is yet to be seen.

The reach of cloud printing may not be limited to Tianjin. Though the internet allows global connectivity, logistical challenges—such as higher shipping costs compared to local printers—still pose obstacles in the printing market.

Looking ahead, Evergreen may expand beyond Tianjin, targeting traditional offset printing factories. Printing businesses that resist collaboration should consider adapting to this new layout.

With tight price margins, Evergreen’s appeal to peers likely hinges on service rather than cost. What kind of service can convince digital fast-printing shops to outsource their work? Cloud printing offers a solution: automated proofreading, real-time notifications, and seamless order management.

Imagine a scenario where a digital shop uploads a document, receives a confirmation via phone, and gets the job done quickly. This streamlined process reduces the need for additional staff, making it a worry-free option for small businesses.

With cloud printing, the next step is to build partnerships. Eventually, digital fast-printing shops may start sending orders to nearby printing factories, creating a new ecosystem of collaboration.

For printing factories, the first step is to strengthen their infrastructure. By establishing a printing portal and integrating with digital shops, they can turn local partners into reliable collaborators. Automated error detection and efficient communication are essential to this model.

When cloud printing becomes a standard, your business must be ready. The future of the printing industry is shifting, and those who adapt will find new opportunities. Whether it's through cloud platforms or smart partnerships, the key is to stay agile and responsive to change.