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The most efficient and reliable printing services are essential in the AEC sector, which has consistently advanced the level of sophistication required of printing technologies and services. Rather than master an outside trade, many firms have traditionally opted to outsource printing, especially for bulk large format printing services. These AEC printing trends are shifting as more companies weigh the pros and cons of in-house printing vs. outsourcing.

It raises numerous questions. But in the end, there's a single transition point where the benefits of in-house printing eclipse those of outsourcing. Here, we'll outline the most critical factors for AEC professionals considering taking on their own large format printing needs.

The Advantages of Bringing AEC Firms' Printing In-House

Cost Savings

Increased Process Control

Improved Turnaround Time

On-Site Printing Capabilities Enhance Confidentiality and Security

When Should AEC Firms Consider In-House Printing?

If Your Firm Stabilises

If Your Employees Have the Technical Skills to Operate a Large Format Printer

If the Print Demand and Project Volume Become Too High

If the Initial Investment Required for In-House Printing Is Lower Than Outsourcing

Understanding Project Size and Print Volume

Why It Makes Sense to Outsource Printing for Smaller Projects

Why Large-Scale Printing Projects Justify Bringing AEC Printing In-House

Printing Complexity and Special Requirements

As far as training is concerned, large format printers and printer plotters sometimes need to be adjusted for different types of prints. The same is true for digital files, which must match all of the following:

• Printer settings
• Ink and paper type
• Monitor settings

Large Format Printing Is Complex and Requires Specialised Plotters

Customised Materials and Unique Finishes

Specialised AEC Printing Requires Customisation That Is Best Found In-House

In-House Printing Allows for Better Quality Control to Meet Specific Project Demands

Maintaining Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Along with greater security, in-house printing ensures your intellectual property is under full control. This may include such matters as speciality printer and file settings (often itself the result of invaluable creative effort), not just hard legal and security issues.

In-House Printing Provides Better Control Over Sensitive Project Documents

Less Risk of Data Breaches and Unauthorised Access

The Importance of Time and Flexibility in the AEC Sector

In-House Printing Set-Ups Can Provide Greater Flexibility to Meet Tight Deadlines

In-House Printing Can Better Accommodate Last-Minute Changes

Future Considerations About In-House AEC Printing

What Does Future Growth and Expansion of an AEC Firm's Printing Needs Look Like?

Anticipating Future Requirements

Reach Out to HP to Discuss Your Large Format Printing Needs

Every AEC firm's large format printing needs will be different, and their needs will change over time. Still, in-house printing is considered a better and more secure strategy the vast majority of the time. In some industries, it's even the de facto standard.

Contact an HP sales expert to learn more and start taking bold actions for AEC printing independence. Having spearheaded most of the world's current printer technology, we're always eager to learn more about what our partners in the AEC industry need to achieve greater success.

Download our eBook now and discover how innovation is streamlining workflows, producing prints of unmatched quality and increasing IT efficiency like never before.