Your Machines Are Waiting for Materials – Robots Can Fix That · Paul van der Hulst · MovGo · FLOW
What if one of the biggest productivity improvements in your printing company has nothing to do with printing faster, but simply keeping your machines running?
At FLOW 2026 in Bad Hersfeld, Pat McGrew meets Paul van der Hulst from MovGo to explore how automated material handling and mobile robotics can transform production efficiency by eliminating unnecessary manual transport throughout the printing factory.
In many printing companies, highly skilled operators spend valuable time moving pallets, collecting materials, and transporting work between machines. And every time an operator leaves a machine to move something, production may slow down or stop entirely.
MovGo approaches this challenge by automating the physical flow of materials, allowing printers to make better use of their existing equipment while reducing repetitive tasks and improving working conditions.
But as Paul explains, the real business case goes far beyond saving labor. By reducing machine idle time, preventing unnecessary interruptions, and improving material availability, automated transport can significantly increase the productivity of the entire production environment. For companies operating two or three shifts, the return on investment can become particularly attractive.
The conversation also explores why successful robotics projects should begin with process optimization rather than simply introducing robots into an inefficient environment. Once the production flow is optimized, automation can take over repetitive movements.
And robots are becoming an integrated part of the data-driven factory. MovGo can exchange information with MIS systems, printing presses, finishing equipment, and camera systems, providing valuable insights into material locations, inventory levels, and production progress.
With robotic hardware designed for long-term operation and software that can adapt as production environments evolve, the goal is to create a flexible solution that grows with the printing company.
A fascinating conversation about material flow, robotics, productivity, and why the next big efficiency improvement may come from everything happening between your machines.
Recorded at FLOW 2026 · Bad Hersfeld, Germany · INKISH
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Thu November 5th
AI Won't Save Your Print Business If Your Dat...
Can you name your 20 most profitable printing jobs from the past six months? If not, you might have a bigger problem than outdated software. At FLOW 2026 in Bad Hersfeld, Pat McGrew meets Stephan Reiter from CAI Software to discuss why the future of print management isn't simply about implementing new technology, but understanding the economics and processes behind every printing job. With roots in EFI and eProductivity Software, CAI brings together an extensive portfolio of MIS, ERP, web-to-print, and workflow solutions serving printing companies of every size, from small businesses to multinational enterprises. But Stephan challenges the traditional way printers approach software investments. Rather than starting with a list of desired features, he asks fundamental business questions: Which jobs actually make money? How much capital is tied up in unused inventory? Where are employees spending time on unnecessary manual processes? CAI uses time-and-motion studies to examine workflows, often tracing completed invoices backward through production, estimating, and order entry to uncover hidden inefficiencies. And what about artificial intelligence? While CAI is developing AI-powered capabilities for onboarding, estimating, migration, and reporting, Stephan is clear that AI alone cannot solve structural problems. Without accurate data and well-defined processes, even the most sophisticated technology will struggle to deliver meaningful results. The conversation also explores why printing companies should reconsider legacy MIS installations that may have served them well for years but no longer reflect their business needs. With changing customer expectations, increasing automation, and growing competitive pressure, Stephan argues that printers need to understand their profitability and rethink how their entire business operates. A thought-provoking conversation about the real value of MIS, the limitations of AI, and why the printing companies that understand their numbers may be the ones best prepared for the future. Recorded at FLOW 2026 · Bad Hersfeld, Germany · INKISH