2024 Trends in Vendor and Service Management for Printing

Transforming print management through technology and sustainability

The printing industry in 2024 is characterized by rapid technological evolution, sustainability imperatives, and market consolidation. Vendors and service providers are adapting to emerging demands driven by digital transformation, environmental responsibility, and hybrid work environments. This article explores the key trends, challenges, and strategic shifts defining vendor and service management in the print landscape for 2024, providing insights into how organizations can navigate this dynamic market.

Growth of Digital Printing and Sustainable Practices

What are the emerging trends and innovations in print vendor and service management for 2024?

In 2024, the printing industry is witnessing significant shifts driven by technological advancements and sustainability commitments. Digital printing technology, especially high-speed inkjet solutions, is advancing rapidly, enabling faster production and higher quality outputs. These innovations support the growing demand for on-demand, personalized, and short-run printing projects.

Eco-friendly inks and recycled materials are becoming standard, aligning with global sustainability goals. Companies are adopting biodegradable, responsibly sourced substrates, and energy-efficient inks that reduce environmental impact throughout the printing process. This focus on sustainability is not only about eco-conscious materials but also involves developing closed-loop systems for toner and paper waste recycling.

Market projections indicate a robust growth trajectory for digital printing. By 2027, the digital printing industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $189.8 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.7%. This rapid expansion suggests that digital solutions will continue to gain share over traditional analog methods, which are forecasted to grow at only 0.8%.

Vendors are integrating artificial intelligence across their service portfolios. AI-driven analytics facilitate predictive maintenance, optimize workflow efficiency, and enhance security protocols, minimizing downtime and operational costs. Augmented reality (AR) and QR code technologies are also expanding, adding interactive features to printed materials, enriching customer engagement, and offering immersive visual experiences.

Web-to-print platforms are becoming more prevalent, providing seamless online customization and direct purchasing options. These solutions streamline operations, support hyper-personalization, and bolster ecommerce sales channels.

Innovations are not limited to traditional printing; 3D printing is gaining momentum, opening new markets in healthcare and manufacturing with tailored, complex objects. Similarly, nanotechnology-enabled inks are beginning to enable ultra-fine, detailed applications, further diversifying the industry’s capabilities.

Overall, print vendors are diversifying their offerings—through on-demand and personalized printing, integrated security, and environmentally friendly practices—to stay competitive and sustainable in 2024 and beyond.

As these technological and sustainable initiatives progress, the printing industry is poised to become more innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible, aligning with broader market and societal expectations.

Navigating Market Challenges and Capitalizing on Opportunities

What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the print vendor and service management market in 2024?

The print industry in 2024 is at a pivotal juncture, influenced by both significant challenges and promising opportunities. One of the primary hurdles is the ongoing labor shortage, driven by pandemic-related retirements and a shift in workforce perceptions. This shortage compels companies to adopt automation, enhance workforce development, and leverage AI to optimize operations.

Simultaneously, rising costs for raw materials, energy, and logistics—exacerbated by supply chain disruptions—are squeezing profit margins. Businesses are responding by emphasizing cost-efficient solutions such as managed print services, lease agreements, and the integration of digital workflows to reduce waste and manual overhead.

Security concerns also dominate the landscape. Print-related data breaches and environmental claims require vendors to embed advanced security features, including secure print release, biometric authentication, and adherence to international standards like SOC and ISO frameworks. This focus on security aligns with broader digital transformation initiatives that utilize AI-driven analytics for threat detection and predictive maintenance.

Environmental pressures continue to shape product innovation. Companies are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices, incorporating recycled materials, biodegradable inks, and energy-efficient devices. Sustainability-oriented features, such as eco-mode printing and carbon footprint tracking, are no longer optional but essential for market relevance.

Despite these challenges, the evolving market offers numerous avenues for growth. The expansion of digital printing—projected to reach nearly $190 billion by 2027—and emerging sectors like 3D printing promise substantial revenue streams. 3D printing, in particular, is growing by about 25% annually and opening doors in medical, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

Web-to-print and e-commerce platforms are transforming customer engagement, providing personalized, on-demand solutions that enhance user experience. Furthermore, cloud-based workflows and managed IT collaborations facilitate remote work environments, offering scalability and operational resilience.

Innovation extends into new application areas such as large-format signage, promotional packaging, and hyper-personalized marketing materials, driven by variable data printing and AI integration. These developments improve customer engagement while allowing vendors to diversify their offerings.

In conclusion, the print landscape in 2024 is characterized by a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. Embracing automation, digital transformation, sustainable practices, and innovative applications will be crucial for vendors and service providers aiming to thrive amid ongoing industry shifts and heightened competition.

Technological Shifts and Strategic Management

How are technological shifts shaping print management strategies in 2024?

In 2024, rapid advancements in technology are profoundly influencing how organizations approach print management. The industry is moving toward greater use of digital solutions, with a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to boost efficiency and security.

Cloud-based solutions are a dominant trend, providing organizations with flexible, scalable, and remote print management capabilities. This shift allows for centralized control, supporting hybrid work models and reducing reliance on fixed on-premises infrastructure. Cloud solutions also help mitigate issues like server sprawl and fragmentation, attracting more vendors to develop integrated platforms.

AI and automation are central to streamlining workflows. They help reduce downtime by enabling predictive maintenance, automate routine tasks, and optimize print quality. These technologies allow print providers to gather valuable data insights, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling predictive analytics that preempt equipment failures or security threats.

Sustainability concerns are also embedded in new strategies. Solutions now often include features like eco-mode printing, carbon footprint tracking, and support for recycled and biodegradable materials. These initiatives not only align with global environmental goals but also cater to the 70% of organizations that value sustainable products and services from their print suppliers.

Furthermore, digital printing innovations such as high-speed inkjet, 3D printing, and web-to-print systems are transforming the industry. These advancements allow faster production, more customization, and eco-friendly options, expanding the market into new sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and packaging.

Overall, these technological advances are creating a more agile, secure, and sustainable print management ecosystem—one that is critical for organizations seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Forecasts and Evolution of the Industry Landscape

What are the major trends and the evolution of the industry in commercial printing and print services predicted for 2024?

The commercial printing industry in 2024 is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by technological advancements and shifting market demands. One of the most prominent trends is the move toward digitalization, which is enabling faster, more efficient, and highly personalized print solutions. Digital printing, in particular, continues to grow rapidly, with its market value expected to reach nearly $190 billion by 2027, reflecting a shift away from traditional analog methods that are projected to decline at a rate of just 0.8%.

Sustainable practices are now integral and non-negotiable in the industry. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly materials, biodegradable inks, and energy-efficient equipment. Over 70% of organizations value sustainable products from their print suppliers, and nearly as many are seeking suppliers who can demonstrate reduced environmental impacts. This focus on sustainability is complemented by innovations like eco-mode printing, carbon footprint tracking, and paperless workflows, which aim to minimize waste and promote eco-conscious production.

On the service side, print-on-demand continues its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar industry, expected to reach almost $40 billion by 2030, allowing businesses to produce customized products efficiently. Web-to-print systems are expanding their market share, facilitating online customization and sales with over 50% of B2B buyers now using such platforms. This aligns with the rising demand for hyper-personalization, driven by advanced data analytics and customer preferences.

Another significant shift is industry consolidation, including mergers and acquisitions, shaping competition and service offerings. Despite these changes, the sector faces macroeconomic challenges such as rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand. These factors emphasize the need for proactive strategies and resilient business models.

Furthermore, emerging innovations like 3D printing—expected to reach approximately $84 billion by 2029—and augmented reality are opening new markets and applications, especially in healthcare and marketing. Meanwhile, the industry is also investing heavily in AI-driven automation to optimize workflows, predict maintenance needs, and enhance security.

Despite volume declines, segments like packaging, labels, digital envelopes, and specialty printing are thriving, driven by increased online commerce and customized marketing. The overall industry is gradually evolving into a more sustainable, customer-focused, and technologically advanced landscape, ensuring its adaptability and growth in the face of ongoing changes.

Overall, 2024 is set to be a pivotal year for the printing industry, as it adapts to digital, eco-conscious, and customer-centric paradigms, supported by innovative technological solutions and evolving market strategies.

Predictions for the Vendor Landscape and Market Growth

What are the industry forecasts and predictions for the print vendor landscape in 2024?

The print industry in 2024 is poised for steady, moderate expansion. This growth is primarily fueled by rising demand for managed print and document services (MPDS), especially as many organizations continue to adopt hybrid and remote work models.

Vendors will increasingly focus on developing and offering cloud-based solutions, aiming to support remote access, scalability, and flexible device management. Device consolidation will also be a significant trend, with companies seeking to replace multiple legacy systems with multifunctional, all-in-one printers that simplify workflows and reduce operational costs.

In terms of security, solutions such as secure print release, biometric authentication, and compliance with standards like SOC and ISO will be prioritized to protect sensitive information in hybrid working environments.

While traditional print volumes—like newspapers and magazines—are declining, growth is expected in niche markets such as packaging, labels, and digital printing. These segments are expanding rapidly, driven by innovation in personalized and on-demand printing.

The overall market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 1.7%, aiming to reach nearly $989 billion by 2028. Industry leaders are optimistic, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements, security priorities, and solutions that cater to remote, hybrid, and environmentally conscious workplaces.

This evolving landscape encourages vendors to innovate with AI, automation, and sustainable practices, aligning product offerings with modern business needs and environmental expectations.

Future Technologies and Digital Services Shaping 2024

What future technological advancements and digital services are expected to influence the printing industry in 2024?

The printing industry in 2024 is poised for transformative growth driven by rapid technological innovations and digital service integrations. High-speed inkjet systems are increasingly mainstream, offering faster printing speeds without compromising quality, suitable for a variety of applications from commercial printing to packaging. These advanced inkjet solutions allow for enhanced productivity and eco-friendly operation with sustainable inks.

Alongside, 3D printing technologies continue to evolve with innovations in multi-material capabilities and precision manufacturing, expanding into sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and promotional products. The growth in on-demand and customized 3D printed items is fueled by the demand for personalized solutions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) automates complex workflows, boosts security, and predicts maintenance needs to minimize downtime. AI-driven analytics are being embedded into print management systems to optimize resource use, improve quality control, and enhance security, especially with features like AI-enabled threat detection and automated supply chain adjustments.

Cloud and hybrid solutions are gaining prominence for their flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Businesses favor cloud print management to support remote and hybrid working models, offering centralized control and quick access to devices from anywhere. These solutions address concerns of server sprawl and security by providing secure, managed environments.

Innovative digital services like web-to-print, augmented reality (AR), Near Field Communication (NFC), and QR codes are providing new avenues for customer engagement. These tools enable interactive marketing, immersive product experiences, and seamless online customization, boosting customer satisfaction and operational agility.

In sum, advancements in high-speed digital and 3D printing, coupled with intelligent automation and flexible cloud-based services, are making the printing landscape faster, smarter, and more sustainable in 2024. These changes support diverse needs—from mass production to personalized printing—while emphasizing eco-conscious and efficient practices that align with global sustainability goals.

Best Practices for Vendor Management in 2024

What strategic insights and best practices should organizations consider for print vendor management in 2024?

In 2024, effective print vendor management hinges on fostering strong communication and collaboration. Organizations should maintain regular, transparent dialogues with their vendors, setting clear expectations around project timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards. Building partnerships based on trust and mutual problem-solving rather than transactional relationships can significantly enhance service levels.

Leveraging automation and digital tools is increasingly vital. Platforms such as CloudEagle.ai or SAP Fieldglass enable seamless workflow management, real-time data sharing, and improved visibility into vendor performance. These tools help streamline procurement, contract handling, and compliance monitoring, enabling organizations to respond quickly to industry changes and emerging risks.

Vendor performance evaluation remains a cornerstone of strategic management. Regular assessments using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like on-time delivery, quality assurance scores, and response times help maintain high standards and identify areas for improvement. Maintaining detailed records and clear evaluation criteria also support better decision-making during vendor onboarding and retention.

Adapting these practices—focused on communication, automation, and performance review—positions organizations to navigate the evolving landscape of the print industry effectively. Integrating ESG principles and compliance considerations further enhances vendor relationships, ensuring alignment with broader sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Adapting to Evolution and Embracing Innovation

As the printing industry continues its rapid evolution, vendors and organizations must embrace technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and strategic agility to stay competitive. The integration of AI, cloud solutions, 3D printing, and green practices not only addresses current market pressures but also positions stakeholders for future growth. Emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and continuous innovation will be essential in harnessing opportunities and overcoming challenges in 2024 and beyond.

References

• Print Management Software Trends in 2024| PrinterLogic Blog
• 2024 Trends in the Printing Industry: A Year of Innovation ...
• Top 10 Major Printing Industry Trends in 2024 - Zakeke
• Print Industry Trends, 2024 - Quocirca
• The 9 Print Industry Trends That Will Impact Your Business in 2024
• The trends shaping digital printing in 2024 | KONICA MINOLTA
• 5 Key Commercial Printing Industry Trends (2024)