Why the Platform Economy is the Future of Print

Blog

03-02-2025 - Tom Peire

Platform-based services, such as online storefronts and cloud-based print networks, but also increasingly cloud-based administration and production tools, are gaining traction in the print industry. Fueled by customer demand for convenience such as online ordering, quicker delivery, etc., this shift is far from a passing trend - it represents a significant transformation in how printing businesses operate and engage with customers.

With so many platforms available, how can print companies assess their options? Let’s dive into the advantages these platforms offer and how they can pave the way for growth.

Understanding the Shift: Customer-Centric Demands

Modern print buyers expect seamless experiences. They prefer online ordering, timely status updates, and competitive pricing. Sustainability has also become a crucial consideration with customers increasingly inclined to choose suppliers with strong eco-friendly practices. As a result, traditional printers are struggling to meet these expectations alone.

In response, many have turned to online platforms, which provide the resources and customer base necessary to thrive. These platforms have made it easier for printers to compete, allowing them to scale operations without the hefty investments typically required for expansion.

Real-World Examples: Platforms Simplifying Processes

Platforms like Cloudprinter and Atomyx illustrate how this technology can simplify operations for print companies. Here’s how:

  • Cloudprinter is a Print API that anyone can connect to to have products printed on demand and delivered anywhere in the world. Businesses can easily connect their online shops or marketing platforms, and the platform manages the dispatching and logistics. Print service providers can easily connect to Cloudprinter and act as a production hub for the network, but they can equally push back orders to the platform that they are not capable of fulfilling themselves.
  • Atomyx, developed by Four Pees, connects various applications through one cloud platform, facilitating data exchange between them, enabling print service providers to connect the different order sources they have with the rest of their technology stack and streamline their workflows without needing extensive IT expertise.

These platforms are just two examples that address common concerns, such as the technical barriers that can occur when joining new systems, making implementation accessible to all.

Assessing Your Options: What to Look For

When considering a platform, businesses should be looking at these key factors:

  1. Cost of Entry: How much will it cost to join and maintain your presence on the platform?
  2. Ease of Use: Does the platform require extensive IT knowledge, or is it user-friendly?
  3. Connectivity: How well does it integrate with your existing workflows and tools?
  4. Security Measures: What protocols are in place to protect your data and that of your customers?

Key Advantages of Platform-Based Services

  1. Enabling International Growth with Minimal Investment

    Platforms allow small and mid-sized printing companies to access global markets without the significant financial burden of opening new locations. By leveraging cloud-based technologies, these businesses can reach a wider audience while minimising overhead costs.

  2. Local Production for Reduced Shipping Costs

    One of the most compelling advantages of platform services is their ability to facilitate local production. By connecting printers with production sites close to the delivery address, platforms reduce shipping costs and the associated environmental impact - a win-win for both businesses and customers looking to boost environmental efforts and achieve faster delivery times.

  3. Clear ROI Opportunities

    The potential for return on investment (ROI) is significant. For instance, print-on-demand capabilities mean that businesses can produce only what is needed, eliminating excess inventory and waste, resulting in higher operational efficiency and cost savings.

Platform economy benefits


Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Key Advantages of Platform-Based Services

  1. Enabling International Growth with Minimal Investment

    Platforms allow small and mid-sized printing companies to access global markets without the significant financial burden of opening new locations. By leveraging cloud-based technologies, these businesses can reach a wider audience while minimising overhead costs.

  2. Local Production for Reduced Shipping Costs

    One of the most compelling advantages of platform services is their ability to facilitate local production. By connecting printers with production sites close to the delivery address, platforms reduce shipping costs and the associated environmental impact - a win-win for both businesses and customers looking to boost environmental efforts and achieve faster delivery times.

  3. Clear ROI Opportunities

    The potential for return on investment (ROI) is significant. For instance, print-on-demand capabilities mean that businesses can produce only what is needed, eliminating excess inventory and waste, resulting in higher operational efficiency and cost savings

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

Addressing Common Objections: Dependency and Security

When investing in a platform-based service to boost print production efficiency, it’s vital for companies to choose platforms that offer both flexibility and robust security measures.

  1. Dependency Concerns: Look for platforms that provide clear exit strategies, allowing you to transition smoothly should the need arise.
  2. Security Protocols: Ensure the platform has stringent security measures in place to protect sensitive data, including client information and financial transactions.
  3. Transparent Conditions: Understand the terms of service, particularly regarding pricing changes and the platform’s rights concerning your business.

The Future of Print: Embracing Platform Opportunities

By capitalising on the significant advantages platforms provide, such as local production, cost savings, and operational efficiency, printing companies can position themselves for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The message is clear: it’s time for print businesses to embrace the platform economy and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.

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