Clarity Software outlines what print and signage businesses need from their software systems as they prepare for 2026
When you’ve spent years working in the print, signage, and graphics industries, you start to see the shifts before they arrive. At Clarity Software, Sam Yarnall, head of sales and marketing, and her team have had a front-row seat to those changes.
“Companies are realising that manual processes and disconnected systems are holding them back,” Sam explains. “The demand for data-driven insights and complete visibility across operations has grown significantly. Customers are also expecting faster, more personalised service, pushing print businesses to rethink how they manage everything from quoting to delivery.”
Connected workflows will move from nice-to-have to essential
One of Sam’s predictions for 2026 is clear: “The drive for connected workflows and automation will only accelerate. Businesses will expect their CRM, quoting and production tools to work seamlessly together, with data flowing across every stage of the customer journey.”
That prediction is backed by wider industry findings. Recent research found that 80% of print professionals see AI and automation as essential for improving workflows. For many in the signage trade, this means moving away from spreadsheets, isolated estimating software, and manual handoffs. The front office and the factory floor need to be part of the same system.
“The best time to prepare for the future is now,” Sam advises. “Start by auditing your current workflow and identifying where time and money are being lost through manual processes or multiple systems.”
Real-time insights will drive decisions, not just reports
In 2026, analytics will no longer sit quietly in dashboards. They will shape everyday business choices. “The need for real-time insights will continue to shape business decisions, as companies use data to improve accuracy, profitability, and customer experience,” says Sam.
The signage sector is particularly ready for this shift. While the printed signage market continues to grow steadily, the digital signage segment is expanding rapidly. That means businesses that still rely on disconnected tools risk falling behind.
“Invest in a scalable software solution that can grow and adapt with your business,” Sam says. “Most importantly, empower your team to make the most of the tools you implement. Software is only as effective as the people who use it, so ongoing training will be key.”
Integration over isolation
It is no longer enough to automate one part of the workflow and leave the rest disconnected. Sam believes the real opportunity lies in integration. “Businesses will expect their CRM, quoting, and production tools to work seamlessly together, with data flowing across every stage of the customer journey.”
Industry experts have described this challenge as “islands of automation” — individual tools that operate well on their own but fail to connect. In signage, where a job might move from design to print to installation, data needs to flow effortlessly between stages.
“Imagine your quoting system, your job ticketing, and your finishing schedule all speaking the same language,” says Sam. “No duplication, no bottlenecks. That’s the kind of future that separates the survivors from the strugglers.”
Efficiency, integration, and insight: the 2026 essentials
Sam’s final message is simple but powerful. “As we move into 2026, only businesses that invest in their processes will thrive. Efficiency, integration, and business insights are no longer optional. They’re essential to staying competitive in a fast-evolving marketplace.”
Whether you run a small signage business wrapping vehicles or a print company turning out high-volume large format panels, the same principles apply: faster quoting, smarter workflows, tighter integration, and fewer surprises.
“At Clarity Software, we’re committed to helping businesses unlock their potential through smarter systems, better visibility, and the confidence to grow,” says Sam.
If you’re in print or signage and wondering whether now is the time to act, Sam’s advice is clear. Don’t wait. Audit your workflow. Invest in integration. Train your team. The market is changing fast, and the businesses that connect their systems today will be the ones leading tomorrow.
