HP Imagine Event Highlights Better Ways to Work, Print

HP recently hosted its annual Imagine event in New York City last week and the major theme of the event was finding better, more efficient ways to work, particularly with the help of AI.

Bruce Boussard, Interim CEO, HP

“As we look ahead, the future of work is about making work simpler in a world that’s getting more complex. At HP, we’re focused on using AI to create more connected experiences that help organizations move faster and help people do their best work,” said Bruce Boussard interim CEO, HP. “At HP Imagine 2026, we’re showing how that comes to life through solutions that work together securely and seamlessly, so our customers can do their best work, wherever work is.”

New Workflow Solutions for AEC

In relation to the print industry, at HP Imagine, the company announced it is enhancing its large-format construction ecosystem by connecting HP DesignJet multifunction printers (MFPs), HP Build Workspace, and HP Z Workstations, to bridge digital design and on‑site execution, turning traditional paper plans into connected plans with real‑time alignment from office to jobsite. It also unveiled HP Build Workspace Version Control.

With Version Control, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals can work differently – using drawings that are no longer treated as static files. Teams can upload new versions, track changes over time, and compare blueprints to quickly understand what has changed.

Daniel Martinez SVP & division president, Large Format Printing, HP.

According to Daniel Martinez SVP & division president, Large Format Printing, HP, today’s construction industry is at an “inflection point,” and is working to close the gap between digital design and physical execution.

“Studies estimate that up to 10% of project costs are lost to inefficiencies and rework, amounting to billions of dollars spent a year that could be avoided,” Martinez said in a press release. “The issue is not a lack of digital tools. It is the disconnect between digital design and physical execution, as teams work across multiple systems that do not always communicate with one another.”

Applying this mindset to the industry as a whole

After presentations wrapped for the day, I had the opportunity to sit down with Martinez. In this interview, Martinez shared insights into how automation, AI, and workflow innovation are reshaping the print industry.

Wide-format Impressions: There’s a big theme right now around working smarter and more efficiently. How does that apply to large-format printing — especially across areas like AEC, signage, vehicle wraps, or even packaging?

Daniel Martinez: The transformation happening in the graphics industry is phenomenal, and there’s a huge opportunity to optimize workflows. One of the key things we’ve introduced is HP Production Hub, a workflow automation service designed especially for smaller print service providers (PSPs) who may still rely on manual processes—even handwritten notes.

Production Hub builds on HP PrintOS, which is already used by over 4,000 PSPs globally. Traditionally, PrintOS focused on monitoring and analytics, but now we’re extending it into full workflow automation—from quoting and order generation to job submission.

AI plays a major role here. Many PSPs spend a lot of time managing orders, prioritizing jobs, and ensuring deadlines are met. By digitizing the workflow, we provide real-time visibility—often accessible via mobile—so businesses can see everything happening on the shop floor.

It also unlocks business intelligence like which jobs are most profitable; where demand is growing; and how to optimize operations.

Importantly, Production Hub works across any device, not just HP printers—though HP devices unlock additional efficiencies, like sending jobs directly to the printer without always needing a RIP.

WFI: Are you looking forward to upcoming industry events?

DM: Yes, absolutely. We’ll be at ISA, FESPA in Barcelona, and PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas. FESPA is especially exciting, since our R&D center is just outside Barcelona, and we’ll be bringing customers there. PRINTING United Expo will also be big for us — we have major announcements planned, especially following Autodesk University the week before.

WFI: Labor shortages are a major issue in the print industry. How are solutions like PrintOS and Production Hub helping address that?

DM: Labor shortages are a real challenge, and we’re tackling it in multiple ways. For example, with the HP R530, we’ve reduced operator training time from around 30 days to less than a day. Production Hub also automates much of the prepress and job preparation process. Sending files directly to the printer — and soon with even more automation —reduces the burden on operators.

The goal is to reduce training time, simplify workflows, and allow operators to handle most jobs quickly. This combination of platform and device automation helps PSPs do more with fewer people.

WFI: For anyone who is hesitant about AI and automation and the notion of being “replaced.”  What would you say to them?

DM: There will always be a human in the loop. Automation is not about replacing people — it’s about removing repetitive, low-value tasks. Highly customized or complex jobs will still require skilled operators.

What automation does is free up time so operators can focus on higher-value work.

We’re also bringing AI-driven business intelligence into the platform. Because we track quoting, costs, and production data, we can provide insights like which jobs are most profitable, and where to focus for growth. AI can even proactively recommend actions to improve the business.

Additionally, Production Hub now supports API integrations, so it can connect with existing MIS or order management systems— eliminating duplicate work and streamlining operations.

WFI: Beyond printing, how can these technologies help with downstream processes like installation or finishing?

DM: A big part of post-print efficiency comes from how the print is prepared. For example, automated crop marks for PDFs, data embedded in prints for easier installation (e.g., wallpaper, canvas) – these features make installation faster and more accurate.

And importantly, not everything can be automated — installation work still requires skilled people. That’s where human value remains critical.

WFI: What excites you most about the future of print and HP’s role in it?

DM: One of the most exciting areas is bringing AI to the edge — directly into devices.

We’re moving toward printers that can optimize themselves, provide smarter interfaces, and improve workflows autonomously.

HP has a unique advantage here due to our AI expertise across PCs, chips, and large language models. A great example of transformation is our SitePrint robot. It automates tasks like floor marking in construction — work that used to be physically demanding and time-consuming.

We’ve had customers tell us it changed their lives, literally reducing physical strain and allowing them to contribute in more meaningful ways. That’s how we see the future of work – not replacing people, but empowering them to do better, more valuable work. And ultimately, when people are happier and less burdened by repetitive tasks, they produce better results.