One of the great privileges of working at L&NW is the opportunity to visit a wide range of label converters. These companies provide an inside look at what has made their businesses so successful over the years. In many cases, the willingness to accept change and embrace new technologies has been pivotal.

Label industry leaders are on the cutting edge of what’s new and how it can transform their business. For example, digital printing was once a novel concept and new technology. Today, numerous converters have adopted a “digital only” philosophy at their print shops. 

The same trend is occurring with artificial intelligence (AI). Any number of chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and others, have become popular in recent years. Now companies are starting to understand how this technology can potentially impact their business – and future success.

AI is still in its infancy, but the benefits could pay sizable dividends. For example, the technology can help leverage the playing field for smaller companies competing with some of the largest label converters out there. Such is the case at Crane Consumables, featured in this issue’s Narrow Web Profile (page 38). Both Robert and Rod Crane have recognized the benefits AI can provide, and they have leaned into this burgeoning technology. 

“Our team talks about some of these giant companies that are getting bigger and bigger, where they might have 50 graphic designers versus one or two,” explains Robert. “All of the sudden, one graphic designer can do everything those 50 designers can do without the overhead and added cost. I think it’s going to produce a leveling effect in our industry. Whoever is best able to use the technology will get ahead, and that’s not necessarily the biggest company.

“I want our team to get comfortable with AI because if you’re not comfortable you’ll get left behind,” adds Robert. “A lot of our team is young, and that’s an advantage we have. No one is stuck in their ways. They’re willing to adapt and try something new, and they’re willing to suggest it, too. And we try to foster that culture.”

Other possible benefits include finding new customers, simplifying the ordering and inventory process with new MIS products, identifying new target markets, and countless others. “The goal of AI is to take away the finger in the air guesswork about our staff, clients, and work,” states Katie King, an expert in AI. “AI is full of insights and automation; it’s this fourth Industrial Revolution, and we can’t stop it. We have to evolve and go through a change management process to keep track of our industry and competitors.”

Changes to your business will be on the horizon. The companies that best utilize new technology will set themselves up for a prosperous future.  

Greg Hrinya, Editor

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