Our core understanding of life on Earth has been that we, as evolved humans, have transcended all other species in our comprehensive intelligence. While other life forms can exhibit high intelligence, none has been able to think, solve, reason and create with the depth, breadth and flexibility of the human mind.

In the twentieth century we also added computers as fast, efficient tools for storing, organizing and calculating data we fed them. Even as their speed and capabilities increased and their storage capacity rose exponentially, they still lacked intrinsic human qualities, particularly language and thought as we would express it.

The phrase “artificial intelligence” was first coined in 1956 by U.S. computer scientist John McCarthy. Since then, diverse fields such as academia, the government and the creative arts have speculated on what its possibilities could be if fully developed.

AI’s day of maturation has arrived, and it is expected to continue advancing with potentially unlimited range. Computers, machines and robots can now reason, learn, behave and predict in ways that even recently would have required human thinking. They can simulate our minds by drawing information from their surroundings and forming responses through deep interpretations.

Those of us in the design and printer profession can already feel its influence on how we can serve our customers from Aurora, Oswego, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Naperville and Yorkville (IL) with even greater precision, speed and originality.

Impact of AI in Printing: Workflow & Productivity

AI now allows us to simplify even the most complex and time-consuming tasks from order processing to job tracking to printing & shipping.

With workflow automation from AI technology, Aurora Fastprint can manage processes such as pre-press, file analysis, color correction and image enhancement in ways that let us allocate labor to where can be of even greater value to the customer. Such streamlining also reinforces error reduction by identifying mistakes and potential problems before a print run begins.

International Data Corporation suggests that AI contributes accuracy that can help printers boost labor productivity by as much as 40%. In addition to conserving human and material resources through fewer errors, at Aurora Fastprint we use AI algorithms to optimize production planning and predictive maintenance to further enhance our daily operations.

Fewer errors likewise support environmentally friendly production through less material waste. The eco-friendly printing practices also help reduce wear and tear on printing equipment, contributing to a longer lifespan and fewer discards of expired machines and components.

Impact of AI in Printing: Production & Service

Here at Aurora Fastprint, our designers, office personnel and even the company owners are using AI increasingly. Even design-program leader Adobe now makes extensive use of AI (Adobe Sensei) as a production and brainstorming asset.

Applying the technology’s precise algorithms, designers can create multiple variations of a printed piece with extra suggestions for design elements, layouts and color palettes. With the greater analysis of customers’ data and preferences, the AI can be used with particular impact for direct-mail campaigns and customized packaging.

Even in the recent past, designers may have required multiple hours on average to perform many of these tasks. With AI, they can now execute design ideas in minutes, contributing to our Aurora, Oswego, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Naperville and Yorkville customers feeling even more well-served with an inspired turnaround time.

Impact of AI in Printing: Greater Marketing Efforts

The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 revolutionized how we can cultivate focused, meaningful content in less time with less cost.

Using ChatGPT and similar resources, professional marketers can swiftly help customers develop relevant, targeted content for delivery channels such as blogs, ad campaigns and emails (including strong subject lines).

As our designers and our customers create campaigns as partners, AI-generated algorithms can even predict which colors, graphics and styles will most resonate with target audiences according to specific data analysis.

Plus, by automating repetitive tasks such as scheduling meetings, updating data and sending follow-up emails, AI frees sales and marketing personnel to dedicate more time to building relationships, generating new leads and focusing on fresh ideas.

Many businesses are also now exploring how AI chatbots can enhance customer service where it offers the greatest utility. Because AI is advancing in its human qualities, once they are trained, the chatbots can interact in helpful, meaningful ways wherever customers are at any time of day.

Impact of AI in Printing: Keeping an Eye on Concerns

As with any other budding human advancement, exciting progress can carry cultural caveats.

As AI becomes more pervasive, proper containment laws are still catching up with its growth. In particular, no clear regulations yet apply to what is acceptable with AI and what’s not.

For example, U.S. copyright law doesn’t cover material created by anything other than a human. In other words, your AI-generated images cannot be copyrighted in the United States. Many people using AI will find out they may not hold the rights to their work, or their image or art may be modified by someone else without the originator’s permission.

It’s also important to read the specific usage rights of the AI programs we work with. Some tools will specify they are allowed to reuse any of the designs we create with that program.

AI further introduces questions of ethics and human cost. For instance, AI can be used to mislead or misinform others in convincing ways, as well as to take liberties with other people’s ideas and intellectual property. Many of us further are aware of AI’s potential to displace human workers. In other cases, AI programs and platforms can raise concerns about data vulnerability.

Here in the printing profession, as well in all other industries making great strides with AI technology, we will look to make the most of its powerful support for human progress that upholds our common core values and ethical standards.

Printer Near Me: Contact Us Today

The team at Aurora Fastprint loves three things: to create, to print and to serve. If you have a message, idea or campaign you’re ready to bring to life, let’s talk about how you can make it happen with impact and efficiency at your “printer near me.” We enjoy serving our Aurora, Oswego, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Naperville and Yorkville (IL) customers.

We also welcome your questions and discussion about how we’re using AI to serve you even better. Give us a call at (630) 896-5980!