SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 15, 2025 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) brought together more than 200 global industry leaders at its new SHIFT 2025 summit to address one of the printing sector’s most pressing challenges: how to remain competitive amid rising costs, labor shortages, and increasingly fragmented order structures. The event underscored the company’s commitment to driving end-to-end process digitization, automation, and hybrid print production through its evolving Prinect workflow platform and AI-supported solutions like Prinect Touch Free.
Digitization as the Key to Economic Viability
At the heart of SHIFT 2025 was a clear message: the traditional model of managing large print runs is giving way to an environment dominated by numerous short-run jobs. To maintain profitability, printers must embrace digital transformation, automation, and robotics to streamline operations and minimize manual intervention. Speakers and participants from across Europe and overseas explored practical ways to optimize production workflows while tackling staffing challenges through smart technology.
From Concept to Practice: Real-World Success Stories
The first day of SHIFT 2025 showcased concrete examples of how automation and AI are reshaping the printing landscape.
- Micropress Printers Ltd. (UK) detailed how it uses automation and HEIDELBERG’s Prinect workflow to accelerate production and reduce dependence on scarce skilled labor. The company’s Speedmaster XL 106 line, coupled with Plate to Unit automation and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), enables continuous, lights-out operation.
- Bauer Packaging (Germany) demonstrated a fully digitized workflow using Prinect Production and Ctrl-s Symphony, processing around 700 label and packaging orders daily. By combining AI-based layout automation and Polar’s Compucut Auto-Control for precision cutting, the company achieves same-day delivery for orders received by early evening—highlighting the competitive advantage of digitally integrated operations.
Prinect Touch Free: End-to-End Automation for Hybrid Printing
Day two centered on the unveiling of Prinect Touch Free, HEIDELBERG’s upcoming AI-driven workflow solution designed to manage print jobs autonomously from order intake to shipment. The system dynamically selects the most cost-effective production path based on factors such as machine capacity, current backlog, and delivery deadlines.
This innovation supports hybrid print environments—integrating traditional Speedmaster offset systems with digital platforms like Jetfire 50, the forthcoming Jetfire 75, and Versafire—creating a seamless bridge between offset and digital workflows. The software will be commercially available by the end of 2025 and is expected to become a cornerstone of future-ready print operations.
Industry Trends: From Manual Craft to Intelligent Workflow
SHIFT 2025’s discussions reflected a broader industry shift toward data-driven production and robotics-assisted manufacturing. Across packaging, label, and commercial printing, businesses are increasingly focusing on:
- Predictive workflow optimization powered by AI analytics.
- Real-time KPI tracking to enhance operational transparency.
- Hybrid equipment integration for flexible, multi-format output.
These strategies collectively address the industry’s twin challenges of cost containment and skilled labor scarcity, enabling print companies to remain agile and profitable.
HEIDELBERG’s Vision for a Connected Printing Future
“With SHIFT, HEIDELBERG has created a unique platform where participants can network, discuss the topic of digital transformation and gain inspiration for solutions. We want to support our customers as partners with all our process expertise and experience in process digitalization,” said Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology and Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, the company announced plans to continue the format with SHIFT 2026, solidifying its role as an innovation catalyst in the print industry’s digital evolution.
Strategic Outlook: Toward Intelligent, Automated Print Ecosystems
HEIDELBERG’s roadmap extends beyond traditional mechanical engineering into AI-driven process integration, robotics, and smart factory technologies. With operations across 170 countries and expertise spanning hardware, software, and service, the company aims to redefine printing productivity through intelligent automation and green technology initiatives.
Learn more about HEIDELBERG’s digital transformation strategy and upcoming Prinect Touch Free release at www.heidelberg.com.