Optimize to Monetize: Unlocking New Revenue Paths in Print Production

Print providers have long relied on efficiency to stay competitive — streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and accelerating press speeds. While this once fueled growth, efficiency alone is no longer sufficient in today’s marketplace. Leading providers are shifting to a new mindset: Optimize to Monetize.

This strategy, highlighted in the new Alliance Insights report Optimize to Monetize: Rethinking Print Production for Revenue Growth, redefines operational excellence. Under the “Optimize to Monetize" mindset, investment decisions now prioritize business growth, in addition to speed and output metrics. It’s not just about doing more with less — it’s about aligning technology and process improvements with opportunities that directly generate revenue. The report features survey data and case studies showing how companies are adopting a two-pronged strategy that combines operational efficiency with high-value services.

From Efficiency to Profitability

According to the report, print providers are no longer optimizing solely for efficiency; they are optimizing with the intent to monetize. Rising labor costs, increased competition, and evolving customer expectations are accelerating the need for smarter investments. To succeed, commercial print providers are prioritizing technology and workflow upgrades that not only improve efficiency but also enable differentiated, high-margin services.

This dual focus — streamlining operations and elevating offerings — is reshaping business models across the industry. Providers are driving efficiency while also investing in high-impact applications such as personalization, embellishments, and oversized formats that command premium pricing.

Customer Demands Are Driving Change

The report makes it clear that customer expectations are shaping this shift. Print buyers increasingly want print to integrate seamlessly with broader marketing and brand strategies. For example, the report highlights the following Alliance Insights survey data:

• 55% of commercial printers report growing demand for accurate brand color reproduction to ensure visual consistency across campaigns.
• 53% are seeing increased interest in integrating print with digital media to enable seamless omnichannel experiences.
• 50% cite customer increasing demand for just-in-time delivery.
• 49% report rising expectations for sustainably produced print.
• 48% note that clients now expect online ordering and web-to-print tools for faster, more convenient interactions.

Technology as a Monetization Engine

Meeting these demands requires the right tools. The report identifies digital press technologies as central to both efficiency and revenue growth. Toner-based presses offer flexibility for short runs and specialty applications, while production inkjet delivers high-volume output at lower costs.

Case studies in the report illustrate this new strategic focus. A few examples include:

• ePrint, a family-owned shop in New Hampshire, invested in the Xerox Versant 280 Press with Adaptive CMYK+ Technology. By bringing embellishments like metallic and fluorescent inks in-house, the company saw a 35% increase in annual revenue tied directly to its new capabilities.
• Rapidity, a London-based printer, upgraded to four Xerox Iridesse presses to increase versatility, reduce energy use, and enable premium-quality output. The investment resulted in cutting energy use by 60% while boosting productivity, all while delivering premium-quality output faster.
• Encompass Health, one of the largest post-acute healthcare providers in the U.S., consolidated its in-plant fleet with Xerox Baltoro inkjet and Versant presses, saving $92,000 in the first year while increasing book production speed by 60%.

Stories featured in the report illustrate how investing in the right equipment can simultaneously solve operational challenges and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Building Connected Ecosystems

The report emphasizes that success is no longer about a single piece of equipment but about creating connected production ecosystems. By integrating presses with workflow automation, digital storefronts, and finishing solutions, providers can reduce manual touchpoints, improve visibility, and scale more effectively.

The Future of Monetization

Looking ahead, the report predicts that AI, automation, and specialty print technologies will play an even greater role in enabling providers to differentiate, scale, and grow. The message is clear: printers who continue to think only in terms of efficiency risk being left behind. Those who adopt an Optimize to Monetize strategy are positioning themselves for sustainable profitability and long-term success.

Download the Full Report

The full report, Optimize to Monetize: Rethinking Print Production for Revenue Growth, offers deeper insights, research data, and additional case studies to help providers chart their own path toward profitable growth.

Download your copy today to see how forward-thinking print providers are transforming optimization into monetization — and how your business can do the same.