Traditional printing often creates headaches for IT, from managing countless drivers to securing sensitive data and wrestling with legacy infrastructure. But a new era of printing is emerging, driven by Microsoft's Modern Print Platform and complemented by innovations like Canon Print Assist. This shift is about simplifying, securing, and optimizing a fundamental business process.

The Dawn of Driverless Printing: Microsoft's Modern Print Platform

Production printing has always been about speed, precision, and efficiency. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking these priorities to the next level—making high-volume print environments smarter, more reliable, and increasingly personalized.

Here’s how AI is reshaping the world of production print.

Smarter Automation and Quality Control

AI-powered systems can automate complex tasks like job setup, color calibration, and error detection. This reduces the need for manual intervention and speeds up the entire printing process. For example, AI algorithms analyze color consistency across prints and make real-time adjustments to maintain quality—helping to reduce costly reprints.

Multifunction printers (MFPs) are a staple in most offices, but they’re also a potential security risk. While many organizations focus on cybersecurity, physical printer security often gets overlooked. The result? Sensitive documents sitting in trays, unauthorized access to scan or fax functions, and zero accountability for what’s been printed.

Here’s how to tighten physical security around your print environment before it becomes a liability.

The Risks of Uncollected Documents

One of the most common issues: printed pages left sitting in the output tray. It may not seem like a big deal—until someone accidentally picks up a document with sensitive financial data, HR information, or client records. For businesses handling confidential materials, this is a clear risk.

If your organization handles high-volume or specialized printing, a digital press can be a game-changer. From marketing materials to internal documents, the right equipment improves efficiency, quality, and turnaround time.

But with so many models available, how do you know which digital press is right for your needs?

Print Quality and Speed

Two of the most important factors are resolution and speed. Look for:

• High DPI (dots per inch) for sharp, professional-quality prints
• Fast output speeds to support large batches or quick turnarounds
• Consistent color calibration across print jobs

Whether you're producing customer-facing materials or internal reports, consistency and clarity matter.

Versatility and Media Compatibility

Modern digital presses can handle more than just standard paper. Consider:

Multifunction printers (MFPs) have become essential tools in most office environments. But while businesses work hard to protect laptops, servers, and networks, printers often get left out of the cybersecurity conversation.

That’s a problem—because printers are connected to your network, and if they’re not secure, they can become entry points for cyberattacks.

Why Printers Are an Overlooked Risk

MFPs store and transmit sensitive data, from scanned documents to print logs. And like any other connected device, they run on firmware—software that can be exploited if it’s outdated. Hackers know this, and increasingly target unsecured printers to access business networks.