How Bringing Printing In-House Can Save Firms Time and Effort
When every decision you make feels like it impacts the budget and timeline—and, ultimately, your profit—efficiency is critical. One of the ways firms can save money is by managing their printing processes. While many companies rely on external vendors for wide-format printing—such as poster, plans, and drawings—investing in your own in-house printer or upgrading an older model, can lead to higher efficiency and significant cost savings.
Here’s how upgrading your printing equipment could help your firm keep more of its hard-earned revenue.
- Cut Costs on Outsourcing Fees
Outsourcing wide-format printing is convenient, but it comes with hidden costs. Each revision, extra site plan, or large-format rendering adds to your expenses. These costs can add up, particularly when working on multiple projects or dealing with frequent updates and changes. By investing in an in-house system, you eliminate those recurring expenses, often seeing a return on investment (ROI) in a short time.
For example, an AEC firm that prints 100 sets of blueprints per month could be spending thousands annually on outsourcing fees. Having your own printer, on the other hand, allows you to produce these materials at a fraction of the cost, offering substantial savings year after year.
- Save on Rush Fees and Shipping Costs
Deadlines leave little room for delays. If you rely on third-party print shops, rush fees and shipping costs can pack a punch. In-house printing allows you to meet your deadlines without those additional charges. You’ll also avoid costly delays waiting for deliveries or dealing with unexpected shipping issues.
- Greater Flexibility for Custom Projects
Marketing often calls for unique, eye-catching displays that align with specific branding or design requirements. An in-house printer gives your team the flexibility to experiment with different formats, sizes, messaging and materials, creating customized prints for any campaign or event. You’re no longer limited to the standard options of an external print shop—you can control every detail and make adjustments as needed. This flexibility empowers teams to adapt quickly to new ideas or last-minute changes without adapting to an outside vendor’s schedule or limitations.
- Manage Resources and Reduce Waste
When you outsource, you’re sometimes required to print in bulk to meet minimum order requirements, resulting in waste—both in materials and money. An in-house solution gives you complete control over the quantity you print, helping you manage resources more effectively. You’ll print only what you need, when you need it, without unnecessary overages.
- Improved Efficiency and Project Management
Waiting on external printers can slow you down, especially if last-minute changes are needed. With an in-house printer, you can produce drawings and plans on-demand whether on the job site or in the office, saving time and avoiding bottlenecks. Faster access to printed materials means more agile project management and increased productivity across your entire team.
Take Control of Your Printing
External vendors may not always be able to prioritize your needs, and you’re left waiting while your project timelines suffer. In-house printing allows you to have complete control over your schedule, ensuring you always have the materials you need at the exact moment you need them. Whether it’s printing updated blueprints for a site meeting or producing high-quality renderings for a client presentation, having your own equipment ensures that your printing process never holds you back.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Investing in an in-house wide-format printer—or upgrading an older, in efficient unit—is a smart move for AEC firms looking to save on printing costs, reduce project delays, and improve productivity. If you’re interested in learning more about the equipment options available and how they can benefit your firm, reach out to us today! We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
