Hello Print Shops: one operator running two presses simultaneously, …impossible!
Or not…
The daily routine of a press operator unfortunately involves more than just managing the print process; it includes frequent tasks like collecting and searching for media and transporting pallets with printed media to finishing stations. These activities, although essential, are time-consuming and often detract from the operator’s primary responsibilities.
You have to minimize the time an operator spends on non primary tasks
A press operator’s day involves much more than overseeing the print process. Tasks like retrieving media and transporting pallets to finishing stations are essential, but they consume time and distract from what matters most: running the press.
The Challenge
The print industry is facing mounting pressures from increasing demands and a critical labor shortage. According to the Print & Visual Communication Association (PVCA), 75% of print businesses struggle to find skilled operators. The key to thriving in this environment is maximizing the value of your existing workforce by reducing the time operators spend on non-core activities.
Today, operators dedicate up to 30% of their time to secondary tasks such as moving pallets and locating media. These repetitive, low-value tasks aren’t just inefficient—they’re also demotivating. Your operators should be where they’re most valuable: at the press.
The Solution: Mobile Robots
By automating media handling and pallet transportation with mobile robots, print shops can:
- Free operators from secondary tasks, allowing them to focus on what they do best.
- Increase efficiency and productivity, leading to higher-quality output, fewer errors, and faster turnaround times.
- Create an environment that’s more appealing to new talent, showcasing innovation and modern workplace practices.
With automation in place, your operator can maintain continuous oversight of the press, ensuring every job is monitored closely. As a result, it becomes possible for one operator to manage two presses simultaneously without compromising quality.
The Benefits
Automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a better workplace:
- Boost job satisfaction by reducing low value adding, physically demanding tasks.
- Improve workforce health and morale, leading to a more motivated team.
- Enable cost-effective scaling by increasing capacity without the need for additional staff.
The Bottom Line
Investing in mobile robotics is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic decision. It helps you optimize your operations, scale your business, and enhance job satisfaction, all while staying competitive in a challenging market.
So, ask yourself:
“Could my operators run two presses simultaneously?”
With the right automation, the answer is no longer impossible—it’s inevitable.