Why Installation Is the Missing Link in Wide-Format Printing Workflows

TRADITIONALLY, WIDE-FORMAT digital printers have seen their end-to-end workflow as everything that happens inside of the print shop. But what if the most critical part lies beyond — when the final product reaches the customers?

Wide-format printing and signage businesses are always seeking ways to streamline operations, eliminating wasted time, costly mistakes, and inefficient processes.

In 2025, addressing these efficiency gaps remains a top priority. To achieve this, print service providers are increasingly turning to automation to reduce downtime, minimize errors, and boost overall productivity.

Big Picture’s November/December survey revealed that 74% of printing companies used automation in 2024 to optimize workflows. In just two years, the adoption of “some automation” has grown from 19% to 44%. While most software manufacturers offer solutions that claim to improve production operations, installations often fall behind, creating a gap in the workflow that printing businesses can no longer afford to ignore.

Using purpose-built installation project management software that integrates with the other systems you already use can help create a more streamlined and integrated workflow.

Why Do Installations Matter?

In many cases, installation is the one element that can’t be rescheduled. Whether it’s a job for a store opening, an exhibition, or a sports event, the installation deadline is immovable. Production, on the other hand, often has more flexibility. Studios can adjust, new materials can be sourced, schedules can shift, and work can even be outsourced to work around a breakdown. Yet, some printers historically have seen installation as a necessity rather than an opportunity — something they must do because the client wants it or simply because they printed the job.

In recent years, more PSPs have been recognizing the opportunities in installations, project management, and even design and consultancy at the start of a project. These areas often present the chance to increase revenue and boost profits. In some cases, they can even be the most profitable parts of the job.

Many of the wide-format print and signage businesses thriving today are those who understand that managing installations isn’t just about completing a necessary task. It’s about turning it into a profitable part of their businesses. Instead of just handling installations when clients request them, these printers proactively offer them as part of their service. This positions them as providers of a complete, end-to-end solution.

For these businesses, installations are often the most visible and tangible part of a print or signage project. It’s where the hard work of the entire team comes to life, leaving a lasting impression on both clients and their customers. By going beyond just printing and focusing on how the finished artwork looks when installed, printing companies build trust with clients and increase their revenue by offering a complete, end-to-end solution.

Offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution — from winning the order to completing the installation — ensures full control over the process and delivers high-quality results every time.

Overlooked Workflow Essentials

Printers often invest heavily in their production workflow and factory software. However, when it comes to managing installations, businesses rarely integrate them with the rest of the workflow. Installations often are treated as a separate process, leading to disorganized workflows.

Typically, printers fall into one of two scenarios. In the first one, a person or team solely is responsible for managing installations but is disconnected from the rest of the operation. While this gives control over the installation schedule, project managers often lack visibility into what’s happening with their jobs.

In the second scenario, project managers handle the entire job, including installations. This allows them to keep clients updated but creates inefficiencies. Often, project managers tend to work with their preferred installers, leading to a lack of visibility across the business. This not only costs more but also can result in inconsistent work quality.

Printers already operate in a low-margin industry, so taking every opportunity to improve profits is critical — and it’s entirely within their control. Efficiently managing installations is one of those opportunities. It can save costs and eliminate the risk of errors and reprints. It also strengthens customer relationships by ensuring timely, high-quality installations, increasing chances for repeat business.

The ERP system is an industry-specific installation tool. This integration creates a continuous flow of information from production to installation, eliminating manual data entry. As a result, the team can manage projects from start to finish without delays.

Bridging the Workflow Gaps

While installations can operate as separate business units (and sometimes are even completely outsourced to third parties), there’s no reason they shouldn’t be fully connected to the rest of the workflow. By integrating every part of the process and ensuring they work together seamlessly, PSPs can create a much more efficient and cohesive operation.

Using purpose-built installation project management software that integrates with the other systems you already use can help create a more streamlined and integrated workflow. It automates repetitive tasks while giving sales, project management, production, and installation teams full visibility and control.

For example, a last-minute artwork change shouldn’t require phone calls or emails. Software for wide-format print installations handles this automatically, notifying relevant parties and enabling further communication if needed. This allows installation managers to focus on more meaningful aspects of their work like on-site challenges, complex issues, and advising project managers and customers.

Instead of acting as system administrators, they can dedicate their time to tasks that generate revenue, create opportunities, and deliver actual value for customers. As a result, the entire process becomes more efficient, profitable, and straightforward for the entire team.

Here’s an example to consider: Imagine a printing company that relies on an ERP system to manage production but handles installations separately. The installation team needs to manually input job details, leading to wasted time and potential errors. This creates a disconnect between production and installation, slowing everything down.

Now, picture connecting the ERP system with an industry-specific installation tool. This integration creates a continuous flow of information from production to installation, eliminating manual data entry. As a result, the team can manage their projects from start to finish without delays, delivering faster and more accurate results.

Start with the End in Mind

When planning a print or signage project, installation never should be an afterthought. By factoring installation into the process early on and adopting specialized software tools, companies can create a smooth, streamlined workflow that ensures every step of the project is coordinated and executed efficiently.

However, before considering new software or process changes, print shops need to identify their current inefficiencies and opportunities. Even if the workflow is running smoothly, it might not be operating at its full potential. By completely understanding your inefficiencies, you can determine what solution you’re looking for, what changes you need, and if the solutions you’re considering will help you achieve your goals.

End-to-end management of wide-format printing and signage projects must include installation to truly succeed. Focusing solely on production is not only outdated but risky — without proper installation, even the best prints can fall flat, leaving clients and their customers dissatisfied.

Today’s forward-thinking printing companies understand this. Offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution — from winning the order to completing the installation — ensures full control over the process and delivers high-quality results every time.

With purpose-built software designed for the industry, this approach becomes effortless. These solutions automate the connection between production and installation, creating a more cohesive and agile process, eliminating silos, and minimizing repetitive tasks.

When every step of a printing and signage project works in harmony, the result is clear: Happy clients who come back for more, driving steady growth and lasting success for the print and sign shop.