Artificial Intelligence Starts with Intelligent Automation

The business world is abuzz with excitement about the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has been catalyzed by the launch of cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT in late 2022. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are revolutionizing the way we interact with technology by leveraging vast datasets to generate human-like text that is coherent, contextually relevant, and imbued with remarkable depth and nuance. These sophisticated AI systems already demonstrate their value in real-world applications, from augmenting human-led call centers to enhancing computer code efficiency.

Beyond LLMs, other forms of AI, like machine learning, are also making significant strides. By developing self-learning algorithms, machine learning enables computers to improve their performance on specific tasks continuously without explicit programming. Many equipment vendors in the printing industry are now harnessing the power of machine learning to elevate machine diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and print quality to new heights. While adopting AI solutions offers immense benefits, companies also have a golden opportunity to lay the foundation for success by focusing on intelligent process automation.

The Power of the CAC

The most recent Solimar Customer Advisory Council (CAC) meeting, hosted by visionary leader Al Kennickell, President of the Kennickell Group, at their state-of-the-art plant in Savannah, Georgia, highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies. Throughout its illustrious 130-year history, the Kennickell Group has consistently been at the forefront of industry evolution, fearlessly embracing technological transitions. From being the first in the area to adopt offset lithography to achieving ISO 9000 certification and expanding into wide-format printing, the company’s commitment to innovation is truly inspiring. Today, the Kennickell Group harnesses diverse cutting-edge printing technologies to produce a wide range of commercial creations. They have recently supercharged its direct mail operations with Solimar’s solutions.

During the CAC meeting, Al Kennickell shared his insights on artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, stating, “AI will have a tremendous impact on our industry. I am encouraging all of our employees to dedicate time to learning how to apply it across our entire business.”

The company’s forward-thinking designers and prepress staff have already begun leveraging ChatGPT’s generative AI capabilities to create stunning mockups for vehicle wraps rapidly. By harnessing the power of AI, the Kennickell Group can now provide customers with four or five designs in the time it would have previously taken to create just one. This enhances the customer experience by offering a more comprehensive range of creative options and accelerates the design process, enabling faster time-to-market for the final printed output.

Intelligent Automation (IA) Supercharges AI

While AI is set to reshape the industry, companies should first focus on laying a solid foundation through process automation. Intelligent Automation (IA) is a game-changing approach that leverages data, software, and automated workflows to minimize or eliminate manual touchpoints in preparing formatted output for electronic or printed delivery. By implementing IA, printing companies can experience a host of transformative benefits:

Intelligent Automation (IA) uses data, software, and automated workflows to minimize or eliminate manual touch points in preparing formatted output for electronic or printed delivery.

Solimar at the Center of Intelligent Automation (IA)

For over three decades, Solimar Systems has been at the forefront of developing modular and scalable software solutions that bring the power of intelligent automation to the graphic arts industry. The company’s innovative Chemistry platform automation workflow solutions empower companies to onboard, make ready, enhance, manage, and deliver optimized content across digital and printed communications with unparalleled efficiency. Here are just a few examples of how Solimar’s IA solutions are transforming operations today:

Solimar is Your Partner for Advanced Technologies

In an era of rapid technological change, having a trusted partner that provides comprehensive support, educational opportunities, and networking is invaluable. Solimar is renowned for its exceptional technical support, which customers consistently praise. The company’s commitment to empowering its customers extends to SUO, Solimar University Online, a self-paced learning repository that users can access anytime, anywhere. Moreover, the Customer Advisory Council (CAC) fosters a vibrant community of diverse Solimar customers who collaborate, network, and share industry best practices through regular online and in-person meetings.

As the industry continues to explore AI’s vast potential, it is crucial to recognize the foundational importance of automation. Once implemented, IA (Intelligent Automation) eliminates touchpoints, reduces errors, increases throughput, and delivers compounding daily benefits. By embracing IA, printing companies can gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and empowering staff to deliver unparalleled service to their clients.

The convergence of AI and IA holds immense promise for the printing industry’s future. Forward-thinking companies that proactively adopt these transformative technologies will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive market. By partnering with industry leaders like Solimar Systems, printing companies can confidently navigate the exciting opportunities, unlocking new levels of efficiency, innovation, and growth. The future is bright, and the time to embrace intelligent automation and artificial intelligence is now.