Since its inception, the internet has enabled so many innovations and in so doing has had a massive democratising impact.  The access and potential that it gives to anyone with a connection and a PC, handset or tablet levels the playing field in so many ways. As a result, individuals and smaller businesses can take advantage of resources previously only available to the biggest organisations in terms of technology, global reach, economies of scale, and buying power. Anywhere in the world!

So imagine a print management software platform for printers that also has the advantage with huge buying power and logistical advantages. This is GelatoConnect! The advantages of GelatoConnect, as validated by McKinsey and Company, include a 3-7 percentage point increase in profitability for print producers by eliminating operational inefficiencies, improving procurement, reducing excess inventory, and optimising shipping solutions. Sounds too good to be true? Read on…

In short, GelatoConnect is the end to end software that manages procurement, workflow and logistics. And this now becomes available for anyone to access and benefit from. GelatoConnect now provides the ability for a single production hub to leverage everything Gelato has built and developed over the past 15 years, plus all of the economies of scale that this network is already generating. Henrik Muller-Hansen is the Founder and CEO of Gelato explained in an interview with ‘What They Think’. “If you are a single production hub generating 5, 10, 20 million (dollars), you may now have the ability to connect to a network that is controlling billions of dollars, as well as all the software power that comes with it. We hope that these makers will be able to compete head to head over time with some of the largest retailers on the planet! Because together we provide a very unique, scalable and efficient business model. So we drive the demand through the creator economy and we enable the makers through the software and economies of scale that our network has generated over several years.” 

GelatoConnect is a print management software system that has come out of the development of the Gelato platform. Since 2007, Gelato has developed its online print platform with 140 printers in 32 different countries. This already enables so much. Gelato has proven to be a successful model that is both refined and robust. Gelato saw early on the potential of creating a global online print offering to make print buying, and print production easier and accessible for buyers and makers. As their strapline explains, ‘Gelato has created the world's largest network for local production and distribution of customised products. Together we bring creativity to life - and into business.’

Recognising the consumer trend for customisation and individual self expression, whether this is decor, wall art, coffee mugs, clothing or print of any sort, creators, powered by some great platforms such as Etsy and Shopify, are creating products to serve a growing consumer demand for personalised, short run production that is showing no signs of slowing down.  GelatoConnect also breaks down barriers by connecting two previously separate groups of people, and opens up new opportunities for consumers, creators and makers. 

Simon Smogur, CEO, ESP, UK has already adopted GelatoConnect and enthused about the impact: "Seamlessly integrating procurement, workflow and shipping into one intuitive application. GelatoConnect ensures my machines are seamlessly integrated, providing real time insights into my equipment, packers and carriers performance. Gelato’s software is poised to redefine our industry and I am witnessing tangible improvements in our production efficiencies and cost base in real time.”

The advantage is that this workflow in the middle is now connected to the entire value chain meaning massive advantages in logistics, economies of scale, and a much more scalable software platform.  In addition, ESP values the pace at which Gelato is developing and improving the product - and the fact a user can use a smartphone to help control his production hub in real time.

In the times we live in where volatility is normalised and continual rises in cost of raw materials, combined with general cost of living challenges, anything that can help improve productivity and profitability should be of massive interest to anyone with a printing operation! To that extent the launch of GelatoConnect is well timed and their presence at Drupa perfectly positioned. To find out more about GelatoConnect, why not visit their booth at Drupa?!

The Impact of Gelato Connect in Brief

Overall GelatoConnect is an all-in-one printing management software that helps printing partners to cut costs, improve efficiencies, and automate workflows to increase their GPM effectively.

GelatoConnect comes with 3 modules, that can be subscribed to independently:

1. Procurement: Printing Partners can acquire raw materials from Gelato, reducing costs by up to 20% and reducing stock needs up to 30%.

2. Workflow: Seamless order intake, intelligent pre-flight, gamified QC, and machine-specific file optimization. Reduce rework by 10-70%

3. Logistics: GelatoConnect handles all elements of carrier integration, incl. maintenance of APIs, tracking, address verification, and creation of shipping labels. Reducing shipping costs up to 35%.

Find out more by visiting Gelato in Hall 9 A at Drupa May 28 - 8 June 7