Keypoint Intelligence recently conducted its 2023 direct marketing communications survey to better understand how businesses’ direct marketing practices are changing over time as they strive to meet their customers’ needs.

FESPA has published the headline findings of its 2023 Print Census, highlighting the impact of rising sustainability demands and evolving customer requirements on business models and investment plans.
Conducted in partnership with InfoTrends, a division of Keypoint Intelligence, this year’s Census further explored the long-term trends that emerged from the analysis of the 2018 Print Census, including revenue and industry outlook, the rise of environmental pressures, changing customer demands, future investment and purchasing plans, and business models and strategies.

Labor shortage has become one of the most pressing challenges for small and midsized enterprises (SME) in OECD countries. The manufacturing sector is hit especially hard by high job vacancy rates. Since robots are becoming easier to install, implement and operate, SMEs have greater access to automation. The new Go4Robotics online platform by IFR provides independent guidance for their automation journey.

The rising cybersecurity threat around political events is increasing in the coming weeks of the NATO Summit happening in Vilnius, Lithuania. Businesses directly and indirectly involved in these events face increased vulnerability and need to take proactive cyber security actions, expert Tomas Stamulis says.

The disrupted supply chains due to the effects of the Corona pandemic and the Ukraine war have led to product scarcity, rising costs, and extended delivery times. Increasing storage capacities is one possible solution. However, obtaining storage technology is currently also challenging and comes with high investment costs. Buying used equipment offers an alternative.

Keypoint Intelligence recently published a Buyer Persona Analysis of Gen Z consumers for OEMs looking to market to this audience. The report looks at what channels this demographic interacts with, values as it relates to brand selection and loyalty, and what marketing tools can be effective in reaching a Gen Z audience.

Majority of American consumers prefer a paper receipt over an electronic receipt for private retail purchases, according to latest study
Paper receipts have the decisive advantage of better protection of private data in the view of the majority of American consumers
Eight out of ten American consumers want to choose between a paper receipt and an electronic receipt for personal purchases

• Production increase of 7 percent for manufacturers of food processing and packaging machinery in 2022
• USA remains most important market, China with top growth
• Mechanical engineering needs less bureaucracy and open markets

Leaders and experts call for a new agenda to drive inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth

The Forum releases new data on the economic outlook and the future of jobs
Efforts to increase growth and create jobs must take into account profound changes in the economic landscape – advancing AI, greater localization and the green transition
Over 20 high-impact initiatives were advanced at the summit, with a focus on education, skills, health and jobs

Following the release of the latest UK Manufacturing PMI today, Andrew Matthews, partner at MHA, calls for the government to expand and simplify investment incentives:

• Film series will raise awareness of diversity and inclusion to encourage more women to take STEM career paths

• Three leaders from Sappi, Copperstone Resources and Tata Steel tell their stories of breaking down barriers across industries

• Figures from one industry show that less than a quarter of roles are currently held by women

Apex Becomes a 2023 Sponsor of WQED “Inquire Within” PBS Program.

Apex International, global manufacturer of anilox and embossing roll solutions, is proud to announce their sponsorship of WQED’s Inquire Within educational TV programs. This year long program is a collaboration between the WQED TV Network and multiple community organizations, to bring at-home education to underserved families.