GPP show reveals new opportunities for in-house print departments

Schools, colleges and universities use an astonishing array of printed materials ranging from HR and application forms to exam papers, yearbooks, event and display posters, textbooks and report cards.

Today all but the largest educational institutes outsource their print requirements, and for many reasons. In most cases they do not have the relevant equipment, space or staff skills to manage a printing operation, so outsourcing is usually seen as more cost-effective.

Outsourcing print requirements certainly made sense in the days of ‘conventional’ mechanical printing and finishing technology. This equipment requires specialist printing and mechanical skills and dealing with solvent-based pressroom chemicals.

But new developments in digital printing and short-run finishing equipment - which can all be seen at Gulf Print & Pack 2022 - have completely changed the equation, making setting up an in-house print and binding operation much more feasible.

Modern print and finishing systems are more compact, more automated and more cost effective than ever before. In addition, there are direct educational and career benefits for students in learning how these systems operate and dovetail with the digital educational tools they are already using.

Ayman Aly, B2B Senior Marketing Manager at Canon Middle East, points out that the pandemic has already accelerated the move towards in-house automated document processing and digital printing by educational establishments across the MENA region:

“The pandemic has put a strain on the education sector, meaning schools and universities have had to find new ways to operate, teach, and support their students. The Middle East-focused study of educational institutions by Canon, commissioned in September 2021, shed light on the way forward. It revealed that lockdowns have helped to accelerate the speed of adoption of digital transformation and associated technology by schools and universities, including tools for process automation, online exams, and digital diplomas, resulting in faster issuance of digital degrees, quicker processing of documentation, automated real-time exam grading, and easier setup and improved security of e-signatures."

“The adoption of these digital tools has enabled educational institutions to utilize their internal resources and upgraded IT infrastructures to avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and ensure uninterrupted operations. We can expect to see this trend continuing, as institutions continue to see results for their investment objectives, in the form of long-term cost and time savings.”

Xerox Emirates is another major supplier which deploys a range of resources to help the region’s education sector, including customizable digital services, technology devices, document management and production print solutions.