Blog Posts for Technology

Have you wondered how you can help your printed products stand out in today’s competitive market? Or how you can help your customers make lasting impressions with their audiences? The latest industry trends show a big shift toward personalization and specialized printing techniques. In fact, recent research from Keypoint Intelligence found that 84% of consumers are more likely to open personalized direct mail, and 50% prefer it over email. So, how can you really shine?

Experts from NAPCO research suggest that Print Service Providers (PSPs) should diversify their offerings. Think unique, high-margin applications like custom prints, specialty substrates and custom design services. These not only attract new clients but also boost your profitability. Digital embellishments are changing the game, turning ordinary prints into extraordinary experiences.

If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and add a new revenue stream with a guaranteed return on investment, this blog is for you. From enhancing your product offerings to boosting customer satisfaction, you’ll discover why digital embellishment is a must-have for your business.

Where Can Digital Embellishments Fit In?

The short answer: strategically, everywhere. Depending on your customers’ needs, you can elevate your print output with effects like spot coating prints, highlighting defined areas and adding 3D effects, creating a tactile and unique experience which research shows enhances customer recall and engagement, leading to higher sales. With the growing demand for differentiation and personalization, digital embellishments have become a powerful way to enhance the value and profitability of printed materials. Impressively, 90% of print service providers (PSPs) surveyed by WhatTheyThink are excited about their digital embellishment initiatives, highlighting this technology as a key driver for innovation and growth in the printing industry. This fully digitized production process makes your materials stand out from the crowd, taking you beyond the average and into a whole new realm of possibilities. Plus, with digital embellishment you can produce short runs and one-offs quickly and cost-effectively. This means you can cater to a wider range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations.

Benefits of Digital Embellishment

1. Enhanced Printing Capabilities and Product Offerings

With digital embellishment, you can expand your range of services and offer more sophisticated products. Imagine providing customers with business cards featuring raised text, wedding invitations with shimmering foil accents or brochures with tactile textures. Offering digital embellishment services enables you to cater to a wider range of customer needs and preferences. From luxury packaging and high-end marketing materials to personalized stationery, the versatility of digital embellishments allows you to tap into various market segments and diversify your client base.

For instance, take a look at WhatTheyThink’s recent Finishing & Embellishment issue, which featured a tiny, folded card box printed and embellished with Konica Minolta technology tipped onto the cover. Our client, Elite Print Finishing, based out of Burlington, NC, originally created these boxes with their Konica Minolta digital embellishment technology as promotional business cards that could be folded into tiny boxes. The possibilities are truly endless, and the added value can set your business apart from competitors.

2. Boost Engagement

Digital embellishments not only enhance the visual and tactile appeal of your products, they also significantly boost customer engagement. This makes the customer experience more memorable and impactful. Heightened engagement can lead to increased brand loyalty and higher conversion rates, as customers are more likely to remember and favour your products over others.

3. Cash In on the Personalization Trend

Personalization is more than a trend; it’s a major driving force in today’s market. Sparks & Honey’s research forecasts that the personalized items market will surge to $201 billion by 2026, marking a substantial 49% increase from 2021. This growth is fueled by consumer demand for unique and customized products. Digital technology enables highly customized embellishments, tailored to specific designs to make each print run unique and resonate with individual customers.

4. Increased Perceived Value and Revenue

We know that adding embellishments can make products feel more luxurious and high-end. The tactile sensation of embossed or textured prints significantly enhances the perceived value of the product. According to research, mere touch can increase perceived ownership and value. With more than 70% of shoppers willing to pay a premium of at least 10% for products that offer customization or uniqueness – according to Sparks & Honey – digital embellishments offer the perfect solution to transform the impact of customers’ labels and packaging on the shelf.

Multi-Sensory Experience

The sensory marketing benefits of digital embellishments are well known. The combination of visual and tactile elements can create a more memorable and impactful experience for your audience. According to Fast Company, multi-sensory storytelling, enhanced by AI, is becoming a key trend in experiential marketing. Innovative embellishments can incorporate interactive elements, such as augmented reality (AR) triggers, further enhancing customer engagement and interaction with the printed material.

5. Cost Efficiencies and Sustainability in Operations

While the initial investment in digital embellishment technology may be significant, the long-term benefits can outweigh the costs. Digital processes are often more efficient and less wasteful than traditional methods, leading to significant cost savings and more sustainable operations. This in turn allows you to enhance your bottom line while being environmentally responsible. For instance, our new JETvarnish 3D Web 400’s 100% digital process eliminates conventional intermediate consumables like plates, screens, and solvents, which are particularly polluting and generate subcontracting, transport, and packaging waste. This innovation not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes environmental impact.

6. Maximize Productivity

Digital embellishment streamlines the production process, allowing you to complete jobs faster without compromising on quality. Unlike traditional methods, these digital processes are faster and require fewer manual steps, resulting in less downtime and more efficient workflows. For example, products like the JETvarnish 3D Web 400, equipped with one or two inkjet engines, allow you to apply UV varnish and hot foil stamping in a single pass at speeds of up to 42 meters per minute. This increased productivity not only enables your team to take on more projects, it ultimately boosts your overall output and profitability.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Brand?

The path to success is clear: investing in digital embellishment technology and training will set your business apart, attract new customers and foster strong, lasting relationships. Stay ahead of the competition and secure your place in the future of the printing industry by embracing digital embellishment today. Are you ready to elevate your prints and transform your brand? Discover how Konica Minolta’s Digital Embellishment Solutions can unlock a new realm of possibilities for your business.

Growth will be the talk of the town across industries in 2024. Gartner finds that 62% of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have chosen ‘Growth’ as their top business priority this year, which is at its highest since 2014. The newly identified focus on growth stems from Artificial intelligence (AI) being viewed as the primary driver of the next business shift after digital transformation.

Despite the buzz around AI, many organizations are still in the early stages of their digital journeys. 53% of CEOs report that their digital transformations are either just beginning or less than halfway complete, making technological change their second-highest priority.

Business leaders never seem to get a break. It’s non-stop work to stay ahead in all aspects of business — from corporate policies and employee engagement to technology solutions and customer needs. But every successful business leader knows, this is the exciting part  — and it’s actually what they crave! Thinking about growing a business doesn’t stop … and it really shouldn’t.

This doesn’t need to be a negative aspect of being an SMB owner. The trick is, how do you keep your business constantly moving forward to ensure profitability? There is no magic formula. Every organization has its own unique set of challenges and needs. It’s about having a growth mindset, that’s for sure! We know all too well that your priorities can quickly change direction due to factors out of your control, and you have to be ready. Fortunately, there are key strategies that businesses today can incorporate into their growth plans to provide as much stability as possible… and perhaps, it’s easier than you think!

Every day, technology is pushing our world ahead, but with the right combination of initiatives, your organization can continue on its trajectory towards success. So keep doing MORE!

Machine Automation

Opportunities for Sustainability Partners

Revenue Bottom Line Investments

Employee Experience and Talent Acquisition

How to do MORE

Machine Automation

AI is here. We cannot hide from it any longer. We need to recognize the pivotal role AI plays in modern business operations. It has now transitioned from a trend to an essential tool across various functions, and it’s imperative for every business owner to actively strategize integrating AI to foster a thriving and future-ready organization.

For small businesses especially, embarking on the journey of pinpointing needs and finding solutions can be a daunting task. Begin by assessing your daily operations and functions to lay the groundwork for making well-informed investment decisions that deliver maximum ROI.

Doing MORE means:

• Paper reduction is a great place to start. By uncovering areas of our business that could potentially use less paper, you can easily implement intelligent information solutions that are driven by AI technology.
• Now, delve into your daily operations. How efficient are the processes and how productive are your employees? Consider where machine automation can be implemented to save you time and money.

Opportunities for Sustainability Partners

68% of consumers report that a company’s sustainability practices have “at least somewhat of an impact” on their purchasing decisions. This is an amazing opportunity to deliver on customer experience and satisfaction — it’s all part of your brand.

Small businesses may not fully grasp the significance of adopting a sustainability plan and ensuring operational efficiency, including the impact of their choice of partners and vendors on consumer perception. Both consumers and employees prioritize sustainability, making it a pivotal factor in decision-making. With more than 99% of business in the U.S. being small to midsize enterprises, it’s more important than ever to give your organization that voice. This not only enhances brand reputation but also fosters economic resilience critical for long-term company stability.

Doing MORE means:

• Discover methods to enhance the efficiency of your operations to reduce environmental impact. This not only boosts sustainability but also effectively mitigates risk.
• Keep an open line of communication with your employees and what they value. They are key players in building your brand. Help them understand how sustainability builds brands and impacts purchasing decisions. Consumers want to feel good about what they are buying.
• Check out Konica Minolta’s own sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and get inspired!

Revenue Bottom Line Investments

Continuous growth is vital for the survival of every business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. In the midst of ongoing forecasting and tight budgets, showcasing revenue growth and profitability requires careful consideration.

Each dollar must be carefully monitored, leaving many SMBs hesitant to embrace new investments — a crucial strategy for growth. To leverage opportunities effectively, they must uncover efficiencies, streamline operations and establish a robust financial foundation before venturing into new initiatives.

Doing MORE means:

• Set your ideal business outcomes for growth, where you can streamline processes to better support your workforce.
• Stay ahead of inflation and industry market trends and consider economic impact — from your customers to employees.
• Monitor your digital transformation and what stage you are in. Are you investing in the right areas that save time and lower costs, ultimately increasing your revenue?

Employee Experience and Talent Acquisition

People make the world go ‘round. Did you know that happy employees are up to 12% more productive? Customer retention is also tied to employee happiness. It may seem obvious, but it’s not always black and white. There are many factors that play into what determines happiness for employees. So, what can employers do to ensure a thriving workforce?

When strategizing for growth, business leaders must prioritize their employees as a critical factor. A stellar customer experience originates from a satisfied internal team. For businesses, it can make or break their success. Building a robust and positive workforce enhances your company’s brand, rendering it more appealing to potential candidates. With the right strategies, SMBs can successfully navigate this area of their business growth.

Investing in cutting-edge digital tools to attract and retain top-tier talent is a valuable initiative that can significantly impact overall success.

Doing MORE means:

• Productive workers are happy workers. Improve employee experience with the right technology solutions.
• Be forward-thinking with your remote/hybrid workforce with the right network and devices.
• Give your employees a voice. Align your company benefits programs with your mission and CSR strategies. It all works together to strengthen your workforce.

Keep MORE top of mind

Stagnation in today’s dynamic environment can pose risks to a business. Small and medium-sized business leaders, in particular, are juggling multiple responsibilities to drive productivity and efficiency within their teams and operations, which can be quite challenging. This is where Konica Minolta can make a difference! By providing expert guidance and insights, we assist our customers in crafting strategic growth plans through tailored technology investments, propelling their organizations towards the future. The year 2025 is approaching swiftly, so keep striving for MORE!

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day reminds us of the profound influence and contributions women have made to our society, our industry and our organization. The day shines a light on the challenges women face in the workplace, including bias, stereotyping and discrimination, all of which are counter to Konica Minolta’s core values (open, honest, inclusive, collaborative, innovative, passionate, customer-centric and accountable).

It was recently brought to our attention just how many female leaders exist among our print production and industrial print customers. Through Konica Minolta’s International Women’s Day Campaign, we asked some of these women to share their stories. Read on as these individuals reflect on their journeys and in doing so provide powerful insights as leaders.

Get ready to be inspired as we introduce you to some strong, show-stopping women leaders of our industry.and help us celebrate the experiences and wisdom of these women leaders.

Meet our Women in Print Leaders

• Joy Gendusa, CEO / Founder, PostCardMania
• Audrey Jamieson, President, marketing kitchen & 5am Lemon Inc.
• Britnea Martin, Vice President of Operations, Kodi Collective
• Christine Yardley, President, Print Panther Direct
• Diane Fischer, President, L & D Mail Masters, Inc.

Hello, fellow unofficial researchers! Are you often the go-to person among your peers for the latest industry updates? Do your colleagues dub you the in-house ‘numbers whiz’ or the ‘human Google?’ Well, this time of the year, you must be on a mission – to uncover the key focus areas your organization should track in 2024. Whether it’s to stay ahead of the game, steer your clients right or attract the crème de la crème talent, let’s dive in and explore together.

You’re in the right place to learn everything you need to know about 2024 trends for organizations of all sizes.

Let’s dive right in and discover everything 2024 has in store for all of us.

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) here to stay? 

Ransomware has quickly become the cybercriminal’s favorite form of malware. As a reminder, ransomware is malware that hackers use to enter a network or device, encrypts files, hold them hostage, and then demand a ransom to return those files back to the victims. In recent years, universities, municipal governments, small businesses, and even large corporations like Honda have been victims of ransomware. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided the perfect environment of uncertainty and disruption for ransomware to thrive. (more…)

The massive shift towards a work-from-home model in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic brings up the critical concern of home network security. A simple home network lacks the sophisticated security protocols that would be present within organizational networks and opens more endpoints for cybercriminals to exploit as your employees work from home.

Here are some security tips to consider that can help strengthen your organization’s security posture in this new normal of remote work. (more…)

Many organizations have recently found themselves scrambling to keep business running as usual while ensuring their staff and clients stay safe. COVID-19 has been testing the planning and preparation of IT Departments around the world.

Below are 5 measures that all business leaders should implement to keep their users productive in the face of disruption: (more…)

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a fair share of negativity in the business world, yet many technology companies are taking part in a global effort to support our economy during this period of disruption. Below are several examples of major technology partners providing free offers or lower cost solutions due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Microsoft: 6-month Office 365 E1 Trial

Microsoft created this trial as a direct response to COVID-19. Office 365, and more specifically Microsoft Teams, is a great solution for helping remote employees stay productive, connected, and collaborative. This trial can easily be upgraded to a paid subscription after the 6 month trial period. (more…)