Automation Software Demos Draw Crowds at Expo
Automation was top of mind for visitors at PRINTING United Expo, where Web-to-Print, MIS, and workflow software vendors were busy doing demos all over the Expo floor. And no wonder; with staff shortages impacting 32% of in-plants, according to early results from a new IPI survey, in-plants are looking for ways to get more work done with fewer people. Automation has risen to the top of their solution list.
"Most folks are looking for print efficiencies," noted Rochester Software Associates' Anthony Leccese. "Our software provides solutions to make printers more efficient and do more with less."
"And the software lends itself to automation," continued RSA's Ben Parker, "which improves customer satisfaction, not only from the user perspective, but also from the production side/"
Here are some of the software debuts on the Expo show floor that were drawing the attention of visitors.
OnPrintShop (Booth 3400) introduced its Pinnacle-award-winning AI-powered Web-to-print solution designed to help print service providers (PSPs) launch storefronts 70% faster than they would with traditional methods. The solution has built-in AI integrations — like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Google Gemini — to help generate SEO product and webpage content, create brand-specific product images, and translate PSPs’ storefronts into other languages. It uses AI-powered product recommendations to dynamically highlight products on the storefront based on user behavior and purchase history. Users have access to the Online Designer Studio, which offers AI-powered content writing, custom image creation, photo editing, and translation of design templates.
The RSA booth at the Expo.
Rochester Software Associates (Booth 2442) demonstrated Version 12.3 of its Web-to-Print software, WebCRD. New features include more efficient ways to manage catalog ordering, dropdown of limited print option choices to configure an adhoc or catalog product, Fedex integration, and item attachments to jobs. With a user interface built from the ground up, it offers a modern, seamless experience modeled after popular e-commerce sites. It’s highly nimble, intuitive and responsive to any device.
SmartSoft (Booth 1903) demonstrated PressWise, a Web-to-Print, MIS and workflow automation platform. Designed by a printer as an alternative to purchasing separate Web storefronts, estimating, workflow automation, Print MIS, shipping, and mail preparation software, PressWise provides a single, SaaS-based print workflow system, with the comprehensive tools needed to streamline your operation and grow your business.
Fiery (Booth 935) showed JobFlow Pro, winner of a 2025 Pinnacle Product Award. It is an AI-centric prepress automation platform designed to help standardize job preparation, eliminate repetitive tasks, and automate. In contrast with its drag-and-drop simplicity, the software is backed by large language models that analyze job content, simplify complex preflight reports, and guide users based on their experience level. It uses adaptive intelligence and iterative learning to identify when a new workflow may be needed and recommend optimal preset configurations.
Racami (Booth 5406) demonstrated its Alchem-e product, which unifies in-plant print and mail operations into a single view, delivering real-time job tracking, SLA monitoring, automation, and performance reporting. It can eliminate lost jobs, missed SLAs, and inefficiency with a smarter, connected workflow built for in-plants.
Horizon’s iCE LiNK
Standard Finishing (Booth 3930) has introduced Horizon’s iCE LiNK with new CSV/XML-based job management. Designed for providers without JDF-compatible MIS systems, the update enables registering and managing jobs with the same functionality as JDF, expanding flexibility across multiple finishing devices.
The new REVORIA XMF PressReady Lite is a customized version of Fujifilm’s (Booth 3021) original REVORIA XMF PressReady workflow solution, designed for smaller companies using one or two presses. PressReady Lite automates PDF preflighting, file error detection and correction, and creates workflows that group jobs by media or toner needs. This minimizes changeovers, increases efficiency, saves time, and reduces human error.
PlanProphet (Booth 1907) showed a CRM and automation platform built for print businesses. Integrating directly with MIS systems, it streamlines daily tasks, enhances customer communication, and provides AI insights, SMS tools, and self-service options — helping print providers operate more efficiently without replacing existing systems.
Dalim (Booth 2352) introduced Dalim ES Fusion, a scalable prepress automation platform. Built on MACH architecture, it optimizes workflows from file preparation and intelligent imposition to color-accurate proofing, transforming bottlenecks into streamlined, high-quality, and efficient print production.
Viesus (Booth 2627) introduced Viesus PDF Enhancer, an automated solution that detects embedded images in non-flattened PDFs, enhances and upscales them to target DPI, and reinserts them. Available for Windows, Linux via Folder Enhancer add-on, or as a cloud service, it supports catalog, photo book, and mixed-asset workflows.
Antera Software USA (Booth 5225) introduced an enhanced production management module within its order management system, enabling precise tracking of in-house jobs. With new viewing options, including a calendar interface, teams can efficiently schedule jobs, machines, and artwork while maintaining clear oversight across all production stages.
Hybrid Software (Booth 3610) demonstrated its Pinnacle Award-winning CLOUDFLOW Colorspace, a color management module purpose-built for the labels and packaging industry. It offers consistent, precise color reproduction across all substrates, and both analog and digital printing technologies. Colorspace is designed to improve customer communication, speed up turnarounds, and reduce manual workload. The browser-based interface integrates with ERP, MIS, and Web-to-print systems to automate everything from estimation to output.
Enfocus (Booth 2004) demonstrated its latest updates of Pitstop and Switch along with many new and innovative third party extensions (APPs) for specific automation functionality.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited 200 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.
