Rob Thurston · UK Sales Manager · PRINTIQ · The Print Show 2025
Wayne from Inkish met with Rob Thurston from Print IQ at The Print Show in Birmingham, where the discussion centered around automation, integration, and the growing demand for seamless end-to-end workflows across print operations. Print IQ has exhibited at the event for several consecutive years, and Rob explained that their presence reflects the importance of the UK market and the success they’ve had partnering with other technology providers — this year sharing the stand with Infigo.
Rob described the partnership as a perfect fit, bringing together Infigo’s powerful web-to-print capabilities and Print IQ’s MIS-driven production intelligence. The integration connects the two platforms through a robust API, allowing live pricing, job creation, and full workflow automation. When a customer places an order online via Infigo, the system calls Print IQ for real-time pricing, pushes job specifications and artwork files into production, and automatically creates a job ticket. From there, everything is tracked through to dispatch — meaning users can see live updates without manual intervention.
For printers wanting deeper automation, Rob noted that Print IQ can integrate further with Enfocus Switch, creating a straight-through workflow where files are pre-flighted, imposed, and scheduled with minimal operator input. Once in production, the system uses lean manufacturing logic to select the most cost-effective device for each job — for example, automatically routing longer runs to offset and shorter ones to digital presses.
Although Print IQ doesn’t currently balance identical presses automatically, it intelligently allocates jobs to available machines and provides full visibility across capacity planning and production boards. The system’s scheduling tools also allow users to identify bottlenecks and optimize throughput, while integrated dispatch features can handle automated courier bookings and label generation.
Rob added that Print IQ is working on expanding machine data connectivity for more precise reporting, noting that while some integrations currently require middleware, live performance feedback from press to MIS is a key focus for the roadmap.
He emphasized that automation isn’t just about saving time — it’s about empowering customers with real-time access to information. Through Infigo’s front end, clients can check job status, shipping details, and progress updates, reducing the need for phone calls and manual status requests.
As Rob summed up, integration is the word on everyone’s lips, and Print IQ’s partnership with Infigo delivers a true end-to-end workflow — from online ordering through production, finishing, and fulfillment — giving printers a scalable platform to grow efficiently in a highly competitive market.
