By Gaia Vernaglione, Director of Americas at Zakeke
The printing industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. These emerging technologies are not only empowering customers to see and visualize the product in advance of production, but also significantly reducing returns and waste. By offering live 2D, 3D, and AR previews, companies can significantly minimize returns, fostering greater trust and satisfaction among customers. AR and VR are revolutionizing the printing industry, making it more efficient and customer-centric, and these solutions can be tremendously useful for businesses of all sizes.
CUTTING COSTS: HOW AR/VR IS SLASHING RETURNS AND REDUCING WASTE
One of the most significant challenges in the printing industry is handling product returns, which often lead to wasted materials and increased costs. Traditional methods of previewing printed materials, such as static images or physical proofs, often fail to capture the final product’s true appearance, leading to customer dissatisfaction and returns.
According to data from analyst firm IDC, AR and VR technologies are on the rise – people are hungry to see their products, experiences and online engagement using VR, live 2D, 3D, and AR previews. IDC data cites that the five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of AR technology alone is growing at a rate of 29.2% as the consumer base slowly grows beyond core gaming use cases and as businesses adopt more headsets for training, design, and more. This is amplified from major brands creating products to put AR on the rise, such as Apple’s Vision Pro. Customers can visualize their custom prints in a realistic, immersive environment before placing an order. This capability allows them to make informed decisions, ensuring that the final product meets their expectations. As a result, companies have reported a reduction in returns by up to 60%, leading to significant cost savings and less waste.
EMPOWERING CONSUMERS: THE INTERACTIVE FUTURE OF PRINT CUSTOMIZATION
The ability to offer detailed and interactive previews is a game-changer for customer satisfaction. When customers can see exactly how their customized prints will look in real life, their confidence in the purchase decision increases. This transparency fosters trust between the business and its customers, leading to higher satisfaction levels.
Furthermore, AR and VR technologies empower customers with real-time product customization options. Whether it’s adjusting colors, fonts, or layouts, customers can make changes and see the results instantly. This level of interactivity and personalization enhances the overall shopping experience, making customers more likely to return for future purchases and recommend the business to others.
STREAMLINING CUSTOM ORDERS: THE EFFICIENCY BOOST FROM AR/VR
The printing industry is known for handling high-volume custom orders, often with tight deadlines. AR and VR technologies streamline this process by allowing businesses to manage customization requests more efficiently. With real-time previews, customers can finalize their designs quickly, reducing the back-and-forth communication typically required in custom printing projects.
These advancements also enable businesses to automate parts of the customization process. For example, customers can use AR tools to upload their designs, adjust specifications, and place orders without direct assistance from sales representatives. This automation reduces the workload on staff and allows companies to handle more orders simultaneously, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
Solutions like AR and VR are no longer limited to large-scale enterprises. The democratization of software now makes these technologies accessible to small e-commerce businesses. Affordable AR and VR tools are available that integrate seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses of all sizes to benefit from these innovations.
Small businesses can now offer the same level of interactivity and customization as their larger counterparts, leveling the playing field and enabling them to compete more effectively in the market. This accessibility fosters innovation and encourages more companies to adopt AR and VR technologies, driving the entire industry’s growth.
By reducing returns and waste, enhancing customer satisfaction, and enabling efficient handling of custom orders, these innovations are making the industry more efficient and customer-centric. Moreover, the increased accessibility of AR and VR tools ensures that businesses of all sizes can leverage these technologies, promoting a more competitive and innovative market landscape.
As AR and VR continue to evolve, their applications in the printing industry will likely expand, offering even more opportunities for businesses to improve their operations and delight their customers. Embracing these technologies is a strategic move that positions companies for long-term success in an increasingly customer-centric marketplace.
