personalisation as the “biggest shift” in prepress software. Enfocus says: “Brands want differentiated print that speaks to individual customers through variable data, versioned artwork, and localised content at scale. That's only profitable if the production workflow is fully automated, balancing both sophistication and intuitive simplicity. “Our software handles the preflight, correction, and routing of thousands of variants without a single person interacting with any of the files. Automation is what makes personalisation economically viable – and in fact, it turns it into a huge opportunity for printers.” While Hybrid Software described prepress software as a central hub, Enfocus has compared it to a central nervous system for production. “It’s now an end-to-end platform that connects order management, MIS, web-to-print portals, and finishing systems into a seamless workflow. Cloud deployment and API-first architectures are now standard expectations, but the next meaningful shift is from standalone tools to integrated, orchestrated workflows.” Like other companies we have spoken to, Enfocus also stresses that prepress software is not just a preflight tool for catching bad files. “That's a big benefit, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg,” the company says, explaining that the real value comes from automating entire job onboarding processes such as receiving files, fixing them, and importantly, routing them to the right press. “That's where significant labour costs can be recovered, and staff members can focus on more value-adding work. Printers who haven't explored this are leaving margin on the table every single day,” says Enfocus. The company also touches on the potential of AI, referring to it as a useful tool for building faster workflows. While AI is still approached cautiously by many industries in regard to content creation, the area it seems to serve the greatest purpose for is software. Enfocus says that elements like rule suggestion, classifying jobs, and flagging anomalies are all AI tools that the company embraces. “AI is a black box that often works in an opaque way – you cannot always predict or audit what it does with a production file. In print, a wrong colour profile or a missed bleed is a costly reprint” comments Enfocus, adding: “Rule-based logic gives you traceability and certainty. AI accelerates setup; rules guarantee execution. A balance of both helps improve efficiency without compromising on quality or accuracy.” Enfocus adds: “The printers who are thriving are those treating software as a strategic asset, not a support tool. If you haven't revisited your automation stack recently, now is the time.” Working With Hardware When it comes to working with prepress software in a production environment, there are many options also available directly from hardware manufacturers which work directly with their presses. A company that has looked to significantly expand in the area of software and end-to-end workflow integration is Durst Group, which also produces digital printing and production technologies. Introducing its core solution, Durst Workflow, Serge Clauss, production manager at Durst Software & Solutions, says: “Durst Workflow is tailored for Durst printer users, providing a tightly integrated environment from automated file preparation to output. In addition, with Prepare and Produce, we offer an open and flexible solution that supports non-Durst printers, bringing our expertise in quality, automation, and production efficiency to a broader market.” Touching on the way the industry is changing, Clauss refers to the rapid digitalisation of the print industry, pointing to many of the previous mentioned growth areas like short-run prints and personalised products. “Another key challenge is the gradual loss of specialised prepress expertise, making it harder for companies to maintain consistent production standards,” says Clauss. “Efficient prepress software addresses these changes by automating repetitive tasks, simplifying complex processes, and enabling efficient handling of high-mix, low-volume production environments.” Clauss also acknowledges the role of prepress in creating a more unified production process, saying that software and automation are evolving towards a “much deeper integration” which involves software, printing systems, and even robotics. “Instead of operating in silos, the goal is to have a single, consistent language across the entire workflow, from file preparation to final output,” says Clauss, who adds: “This level of integration enables smoother communication between systems, reduces friction in production, and ensures that every step is aligned and optimised. As a result, print providers can achieve greater consistency, unlock new levels of efficiency, and build a more future-ready operation that can adapt to new upcoming challenges.” In Conclusion So, what are the big takeaways when it comes to using prepress software? Clauss says: “Prepress software is no longer just a technical necessity or a commodity; it is a strategic asset that can define a print provider’s competitiveness. As the industry continues to evolve, flexibility and openness will be crucial. Solutions that combine deep production expertise with ease of use and scalability will stand out in the market. “Ultimately, the goal is to empower printers to do more with less – less timeless waste, and less complexity, while delivering higher value to their customers.” Finishing where we started, Duckworth concludes: “Prepress remains one of the least optimised parts of the workflow, despite its impact on speed, cost, and experience. Many businesses are scaling on processes not designed for today’s demands. “The next shift is treating prepress as a connected, automated layer rather than a manual checkpoint. Those that do will be better positioned to handle growth and differentiate through speed and reliability.” PREPRESS SOFTWARE | DAVID OSGAR ▲ Durst Workflow is tailored for Durst printer users, providing an integrated environment from automated file preparation According to McKinsey’s State of AI in 2025 investigation, two-thirds of those surveyed said their organisation has yet to begin scaling AI across the enterprise as it is still in the experimentation or piloting phase Factoid ▲ Serge Clauss, production manager at Durst Software & Solutions, says that the loss of prepress specialists has significantly changed the industry 54 Issue 360 - May | June 2026 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk
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