TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING, and the rate of evolution continues to speed up. But the promotional products industry is still very much built on relationships, creativity and logistics. Even as new systems come on line and our companies lean into AI-based operation, digital transformation should amplify those strengths rather than replace them. When manufacturers, distributors and decorators invest in modern systems, secure practices and a digitally fluent workforce, they unlock faster lead times, better margins and richer customer experiences while protecting brand reputation. So amid all the change, what is digital transformation in today’s industry? A Secure Foundation Security must be the starting point for any transformation. Begin with a simple, enforceable baseline: strong authentication, uptodate patching and encrypted backups. Treat customer lists, art files, supplier pricing and payment data as crown jewels and limit access to only those who need it. Add multifactor authentication across email, CRM and supplier portals, and schedule quarterly backups with offsite encryption to reduce ransomware exposure. Create a clear incident playbook that names the decision-maker and lists steps to contain breaches and communication templates for customers and partners. Small teams can rely on an external security consultant or a company for a oneday assessment and prioritized remediation list. The industry wins when vendors share threat information and demand basic security guarantees from each other. Modern Systems & Workflows Legacy systems slow response times and create avoidable errors. Prioritize replacing or augmenting outdated software with cloudfriendly, modular solutions that integrate via APIs. Start with highimpact areas: order management, inventory tracking and proof approval flows. Automating artwork approvals with timestamped records and digital signatures reduces misprints and disputes costs. Try adopting a phased approach. Pilot a modern order management system with one product category, measure cycle time and error reduction, then expand. Keep The world has changed since this buzzy phrase came into vogue. By Shawn Reed metamorworks / Shutterstock.com What Is Digital Transformation In 2026? 28 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Voices | Innovation
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