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It’s well over five centuries since German printing pioneer Johannes Gutenberg conceived of the printing press, which enabled literature and communications of all types to be produced en-masse in print.

It may seem a rather trivial invention compared to some of the new fangled gadgets of recent years, but the printing press facilitated communication on a global level, and was perhaps the very beginning of what we now refer to as ‘mass media’.

Moreover, such is the regard in which Gutenberg’s creation is held, it was voted the most significant invention of the past millennia by Time-Life magazine, which is some feat when you consider the wealth of contraptions that have been developed in the past couple of centuries alone that helped spur the technological revolution into motion.

Although the same basic, underlying concept still exists in modern day printers, the methods and technology used to produce the end print have changed beyond all recognition. As with televisions, telephones and almost all modes of communication, printing has moved into the digital realm too and Gutenberg himself would probably be impressed with the capabilities of many of the modern machines.

For small businesses with limited resources, there is the issue of time and cash to consider. Digital printing is a far more cost-effective means of producing small print runs; that is, anything less than about 1,000 units of full colour A4 pages. Importantly, companies no longer have to outsource their high-quality print requirements to external printing companies, given the plethora of high-quality, user friendly digital printers that are available to purchase.

Furthermore, digital printing gives businesses far greater control compared to traditional printing processes. For example, companies’ needs can change rather rapidly, which means their marketing messages will need to change swiftly too. Digital printing ‘on-demand’ allows businesses to test the marketplace, gauge the response of their target audience and then adjust the message accordingly at a later date, without costing an arm and a leg to do so.

However, one of the main benefits of modern day multifunction printers is their flexibility. From small, desk-based all-in-one scanners/laser printers, to large industrial-sized printers that combines printing, scanning, copying and faxing, 21st century printers are more about saving valuable company time and resources than simply providing a means of reproducing screen-based text onto paper. Furthermore, many of the printers can also sort, stack and staple documents, which saves a great deal of administrative time.

Printing methods have changed massively since Gutenberg first mastered the art of mass-producing text. The digital revolution has not only enhanced functionality, quality and speed, but it has also helped businesses to reduce costs and cut time-consuming manual tasks: and that can only be a good thing.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.