Mark Boyt Principal Analyst, Production Workflow · Keypoint Intelligence · Print Matters 2026

At Intergraf Print Matters in Budapest, Morten Reitoft speaks with Mark Boyt, Principal Analyst at Keypoint Intelligence, following his presentation on robotics and automation in the printing industry. As labor shortages, rising costs, and increasing production demands continue to challenge print service providers, robotics is emerging as one of the industry's most discussed technologies. The conversation explores the practical realities behind industrial robotics, humanoid robots, and automation on the production floor. Mark explains that while humanoid robots attract significant attention, many of the real challenges still come down to fundamental issues such as gripping, handling, and moving printed materials efficiently. Whether the future belongs to robotic arms, mobile robots, humanoids, or a combination of technologies, the goal remains the same: helping printers maintain productivity in an environment where skilled labor is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Morten and Mark also discuss one of the industry's most important questions: who ultimately benefits from productivity gains? Historically, much of the value created by automation has been passed on to customers in the form of lower prices. As robotics becomes more widespread, printers will face decisions about whether productivity improvements should strengthen profitability, offset labor shortages, or support continued price competitiveness. The discussion examines how robotics is already being implemented in print production environments, including examples of companies developing their own robotic integrations rather than relying solely on equipment manufacturers. Mark shares insights into the growing ecosystem of robot suppliers, system integrators, and print technology vendors that are shaping the next generation of automated production. Another important theme is accessibility. While robotics has traditionally been viewed as a major capital investment, new business models such as Robotics-as-a-Service could make automation available to smaller printing companies that previously lacked the resources to invest. This shift may help democratize access to automation across the industry and enable businesses of all sizes to benefit from robotic technologies. The interview concludes with a broader discussion about the future of robotics in print, the role of AI, and how industry adoption may accelerate as solutions become more standardized, affordable, and easier to deploy. A fascinating conversation about technology, productivity, workforce challenges, and the next wave of automation transforming the printing industry.

German Sacristan Group Dir. Digital Printing Prod. Keypoint Intelligence PRINTING United 2025

At Printing United Expo in Orlando, Wayne from INKISH sits down with German Sacristan, Principal Analyst at Keypoint Intelligence, to discuss global print market trends and the insights Keypoint provides to the industry. German explains that Keypoint Intelligence is a global research and consulting firm primarily focused on the printing industry, headquartered in New Jersey and with offices in the UK and Japan. “We do market research, consulting, and printer testing,” he says. “Our clients range from OEMs and print service providers to paper merchants and finishing companies.” He adds that while many know Keypoint for its market reports, fewer realize the company also performs device testing—mostly on low- and mid-production printers—through its dedicated Cambridge testing facility in the UK. When discussing market conditions, German notes that the U.S. and Western Europe are experiencing print volume consolidation, as more print buyers move online. “That work is shifting away from small copy centers toward high-volume digital production,” he says. “Smaller PSPs are outsourcing more to reduce risk and avoid large capital investments.” By contrast, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East/Africa markets remain more fragmented. “There, smaller PSPs are still thriving,” German explains. “They continue to invest in compact production printers, and online print adoption is slower. The offset crossover point to digital also differs because of lower ink costs in those regions.” Turning to the U.S., German observes that tariffs and rising costs—including materials, shipping, warehousing, and postal rates—are reshaping the landscape. “The price of print is increasing,” he says. “But instead of competing only on cost, printers need to emphasize value. Position print strategically within marketing and communication campaigns, and customers will pay more when they see the return on investment.” He agrees that convergence—printers branching into labels, packaging, or textiles—is real but not new. “Printers have always sought variety,” he says. “If they can expand their portfolio and cross-sell to existing customers, they will.” German concludes on a balanced note: “Print remains sustainable. Offset volumes are declining, but digital print continues to grow. The key is to identify where print fits best in the communication mix and keep demonstrating its value.” Wayne wraps up the conversation by recommending Keypoint Intelligence’s reports. “They’re detailed, data-driven, and honest,” he says. German smiles and replies, “That’s what we do—tell it like it is, and show where the opportunities still exist.”

Unboxing AGFA SpeedSet 1060 Jeff Wettersten Keypoint Intelligence

German Sacristan Over The Skype Keypoint Intelligence

In this 'Over the Skype' session, German Sacristan from Keypoint Intelligence share his insights about the printing market. Many good subjects. More interesting is the conversation about how printing companies should become relevant - but listen for yourself. As with all our ‘Over the Skype’ interviews, quality is limited to bandwidth, web-cams, and ability to literally LIVE mix the conversations. However, it works, and with Over the Skype, we will bring you more than 20 exciting people, and angles on the industry as it is right now. Enjoy!

INKISH.TV Proudly presents: Pat McGrew InfoTrends

At the recent GraphExpo we've got the opportunity to talk to a dear friend of INKISH.TV - Pat McGrew. We first met her (she didn't know) at GraphExpo, when she was awarded the Girlie Award, second time was at GrafKom in Sweden and finally, we got a chance to meet with her. Pat McGrew is now with Keypoint Intelligence (previously known as InfoTrends) and responsible for workflows. Really cool and great to know her. See the episode and as usual, please watch, like and share...