Why print automation should be built-in, not bolt-on

This blog highlights why built-in print automation is the more strategic choice for modern news media organisations. We'll explore the pitfalls of bolt-on solutions, the benefits of built-in automation, and how choosing the right solution paves the way for consistency, efficiency, and reduced complexity. Now, let’s get going!  

At first glance, bolt-on automation tools might appear to offer a quick fix for print production. They function as the perfect add-on to the existing print CMS, making the entry barrier lower by applying a relatively cheap price tag. However, these add-ons come with significant drawbacks that limit performance and complicate workflows.  

Bolt-on solutions often struggle to integrate seamlessly with the existing Print CMS. IT teams are forced to create workarounds or invest in custom configurations, which demand both time and resources.  

These compatibility issues can lead to inconsistent data flows, duplications, and manual interventions that undermine the whole purpose of automation. If you have an on-prem print CMS that requires updates from time to time, the connection to the bolt-on solution often must be re-established and secured by every update, to ensure quality output. Something that takes time out of an already busy IT department and makes for a less than happy print staff.  

IT teams must juggle multiple vendor relationships and coordinate updates across systems, resulting in higher maintenance costs and increased points of failure. Each bolt-on solution is an additional system that needs to be supported, updated, and managed. Over time, this creates a fragmented landscape of technology tools, increasing overall complexity to your tech stack. Of course, you cannot build a great tech stack for a media organisation based on the offerings of one vendor only. But it’s always worth considering just how many you commit yourself to manage. 

Bolt-on solutions often require employees to switch between tools, causing unnecessary disruption and breaking the smooth flow of your already functioning and reliable publishing workflows. It not only slows down production but also increases the likelihood of human error. 

For organisations already operating on tight timelines, such inefficiencies are costly in terms of both time and output quality.  

Adopting a bolt-on system often introduces steep learning curves for teams, as they must familiarize themselves with entirely new platforms and workflows. This onboarding process can be time-intensive, pulling employees away from their core tasks and impacting productivity.  

Conversely, built-in solutions typically leverage familiar interfaces and existing processes, allowing teams to quickly adapt without significant disruptions. By reducing the need for extensive training, built-in systems help ensure a smoother transition and faster return to optimal performance. 

Built-in automation offers an entirely different experience than bolt-ons. Directly integrated into your Print CMS, they provide a unified, comprehensive solution that avoids the pitfalls associated with bolt-on systems.  

Built-in print automation is designed to work natively based on the core of your Print CMS. This eliminates the need for third-party bridges or API-based connections, ensuring smooth interoperability.  

A single workflow means fewer disruptions, allowing editorial and production teams to focus more on creating quality content and less on navigating multiple systems.  

When automation is a built-in part of the print CMS, tasks like pagination, layout design, and formatting are standardised across the board. This consistency minimises the room for errors such as missing images, misplaced text, or incorrect formatting.  

Additionally, real-time updates and synchronisation ensure that all teams are working with the most recent and accurate files. For groups this can be a massive time saver, making sure all titles are setup to their specific brand, while also being able to apply group-wide templates and guidelines for the automation.  

By eliminating complex handovers and manual adjustments in the integration, built-in systems significantly reduce production bottlenecks. Automated, end-to-end workflows improve efficiency, enabling quicker turnaround times even under pressing deadlines.  

For example, automating repetitive layout tasks frees up employees to focus on higher-value editorial work, enhancing productivity across the board. Imagine your team freeing up time to be able to focus on the design on special editions, design for front pages or innovating the print product for better audience engagement. Not just keeping your print production alive but bringing it to the next level.  

Built-in automation means fewer moving parts and fewer systems to manage. IT departments no longer need to divide resources across multiple platforms, reducing overhead costs related to system management, training, upgrades and technical support.  

Over time, these savings accumulate into significant financial benefits for media organisations, particularly those operating with tight budgets and limited staffing in IT.  

With built-in print automation, the editorial staff operates within a familiar Print CMS environment. There’s no steep learning curve, no need for comprehensive training, and no disruptions to established workflows.  

Working within the same system makes user adoption easier, fostering a smoother transition and better long-term results.  

For IT professionals in news media organisations, the stakes are high. The choice between bolt-on and built-in print automation can determine whether workflows remain smooth or become burdened with inefficiencies.  

By prioritizing built-in solutions, IT departments can unlock a range of advantages, such as:  

A built-in print automation solution reduces the cost of print, while maintaining competitiveness and allowing for space to innovate in an intensely fast-paced industry. It is not just a benefit; it’s a necessity.

If your team is looking to streamline print production, enhance consistency, and reduce complexity, built-in automation could be your answer.  

At Stibo DX we specialise in providing a secure and reliable print automation solution that integrate seamlessly with our print CMS, CUE Print. We empower your IT department to build smarter workflows, save time, and ensure better outcomes.

Book a demo of CUE Print Automation and see it in action!