A client recently asked me whether I thought they should invest in a Kornit Atlas or a suite of Brother GTX Pros. My answer: —why not both?
For years, print providers have standardized on a single press type to simplify operations. While this may have worked in the past, today’s print landscape is far heavier on things like agility, risk management, and flexibility—things a single-press strategy can’t necessarily deliver or requires too heavy a capital investment.
Relying on a single press type can be risky. A breakdown or maintenance issue may bring production to a halt, causing missed deadlines and lost business. It can also limit the ability to adjust to varying order volumes, job types, and production demands, restricting efficiency.
This approach comes from an era when print software had limited workflow flexibility. Now, with just-in-time imposition and advanced automation, it’s possible to dynamically route jobs to the most suitable press in real time—optimizing both quality and throughput.
Embracing Diversity with Modern Automation
A diverse press fleet enables built-in redundancy—if one machine is down, others can take over, keeping production moving. It allows businesses to handle a broader range of jobs, reducing operational risk while increasing capacity and efficiency and provides an affordable redundancy pathway. You can achieve least cost manufacturing through a large capacity press but then supplement through cheap(er) small capacity machines which also provide additional operational flexibility.
That said, diversifying press types isn’t the only solution. Some businesses may find that optimizing their existing fleet with better automation delivers the efficiency gains they need. The key is using workflow automation to maximize flexibility, whether that means running a varied fleet or fine-tuning an existing one.
By integrating presses under a unified workflow automation system, businesses can minimize waste, optimize resource use, and ensure seamless production flow. Clients benefit too—faster turnaround times, higher-quality output, and the ability to meet changing customer demands without disruption.
My key point is that the future of print-on-demand isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. For some, a mixed press fleet will be the best approach; for others, automation-first strategies may unlock the same benefits. Platforms like ZenSmart, give print providers the ability to choose what is the right balance for their business and in an industry that’s evolving as fast as ours – that is super important.
