Hybrid work is no longer an experiment; it’s the operating model. For in-plant print operations, this shift presents both risk and opportunity. As organizations decentralize their workforce and digitize workflows, internal print teams must evolve beyond “order takers” to remain indispensable to the business. 

 The good news? In-plant print operations are uniquely positioned to thrive in a hybrid environment — if they adapt intentionally. 

 This guide breaks down how in-plant teams can modernize, prove value, and stay relevant as work becomes more distributed, on-demand, and data-driven.

Government agencies are entering 2026 under familiar pressure: tighter budgets, higher service expectations, increased compliance requirements, and limited staffing. For operations leaders, the challenge isn’t introducing flashy new technology; it’s simplifying the systems teams rely on every day. 

Print and document workflows remain some of the most overlooked areas of operational inefficiency. Disconnected devices, manual processes, and fragmented document storage quietly slow down work across departments. In 2026, agencies that focus on simplification — not just digitization — will see the biggest gains in efficiency, security, and service delivery. 

Commercial print shops are under more pressure than ever. Customers expect faster turnarounds, real-time updates, consistent pricing, and fewer errors while margins continue to tighten. In 2026, the print shops that thrive won’t necessarily be the ones running the fastest presses, but the ones running the smartest workflows. 

The good news? Automation on the front end of the print process — job intake, preparation, and customer communication — can deliver immediate gains without disrupting production. 

Education teams in 2026 are more distributed than ever, but alignment is non-negotiable. From curriculum and admissions to in-plant and administrative teams, work now spans campuses, locations, and hybrid environments. When document and print workflows are fragmented, productivity slows and risk increases. Modern campuses stay in sync by modernizing how documents move, print, and scale. 

For law firms, modernization is a delicate balancing act. Clients expect speed, transparency, and seamless communication. Attorneys need uninterrupted access to documents and systems to protect billable time. And firm leaders must ensure compliance, security, and continuity without introducing unnecessary risk. 

The good news? Modernizing the legal workflow doesn’t require ripping out systems or forcing your firm through a painful transition. The most successful firms are modernizing incrementally, focusing on how information moves through the practice rather than chasing technology for technology’s sake. 

As enterprises head into 2026, modernization is everywhere — cloud, AI, automation, cybersecurity. Budgets are large, and expectations are higher than ever, yet many organizations face the same challenge: too many investments, not enough results. 

True modernization isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about removing friction across systems, teams, and workflows. The enterprises that will win in 2026 are those making disciplined, outcome-driven investments — and being just as intentional about where not to spend. 

Below is a practical checklist to help enterprise leaders modernize with clarity and confidence.  

As manufacturers head into 2026, operational readiness isn’t just about automation, robotics, or ERP upgrades — it’s about how information moves across the plant floor. Work orders, quality checks, safety documents, maintenance logs, and compliance records all drive daily production. When these communications are slow or disconnected, productivity stalls.  

The manufacturers that will win in 2026 are treating print and communication workflows as productivity infrastructure — not background utilities.