11 March 2025

THE FUTURE OF PRINT WORKFLOW SOFTWARE IN WESTERN EUROPE

The Future of Print Workflow Software in Western Europe: Adapting to a Changing Industry

The printing industry in Western Europe is at a crossroads. Rising material costs, labour shortages, personalisation, and the demand for faster turnaround times have reshaped the way print service providers (PSPs) operate. At the heart of this transformation is workflow software—the invisible force streamlining operations, optimising efficiency, and keeping print businesses competitive.

Keypoint Intelligence’s latest research, Print Production Workflow Software 2023-2028 Western European Market Forecast, examines how software solutions are evolving to meet these new challenges. Two key trends stand out: The steady growth of production software revenue and a fundamental shift in how businesses invest in these tools.

A Market on the Rise

Despite economic pressures, the production workflow software market is steadily expanding. According to the report, global revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% through 2028. While this may not seem like explosive growth, it tells an important story—software is no longer just an add-on for print providers; it’s a necessity.

Companies across Western Europe are turning to automation and digital workflows to address persistent labour shortages and rising costs. With fewer skilled workers available, print providers are seeking software-driven efficiencies that allow them to do more with fewer hands. Automated workflows are not only reducing manual touchpoints but also improving accuracy, ensuring that jobs move seamlessly from order intake to final production.

Meanwhile, rising material costs are forcing businesses to rethink their approach to waste and efficiency. Every wasted sheet of paper, every unnecessary delay, and every reprint due to errors cut directly into already tight margins. Smarter software solutions, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insights and predictive analytics, are helping providers minimise waste and optimise production schedules to maximize profitability.

The Subscription Revolution

Perhaps the most striking shift in the market is not just how software is being used, but how it’s being purchased. The days of large, one-time software investments are fading. Instead, subscription-based revenue models are on track to surpass traditional software licenses by 2025.

This change is driven by the need for flexibility. PSPs no longer want to be locked into expensive, rigid software solutions. Instead, they’re opting for cloud-based, subscription-driven models that allow them to scale usage up or down based on business demands. This shift also means continuous updates, making certain that businesses always have access to the latest tools without the hassle of costly upgrades.

The rise of subscriptions is particularly evident in two key software categories: automation solutions and management tools. As AI-driven workflows become more sophisticated, businesses are using automation to reduce repetitive tasks, lower labour costs, and improve turnaround times. Meanwhile, modern dashboard and analytics tools are helping decision-makers get a clearer picture of their operations, enabling smarter, data-driven strategies that accelerate efficiency and profitability.

Adapting to the New Reality

The Western European print industry is evolving rapidly, and those who embrace digital transformation (DX) will be best positioned for success. The move toward automation, cloud-based solutions, and subscription models isn’t just a passing trend—it’s the new reality.

Keypoint Intelligence’s Print Production Workflow Software 2023-2028 Western European Market Forecast provides a comprehensive look at these industry shifts, offering essential insights to help print service providers, software vendors and developers and investors navigate the road ahead.

For the full report and strategic recommendations, subscribe to Keypoint Intelligence’s Production Workflow service today.