01/07/2026
Beyond the Press: A Roadmap to Enhanced Performance Through NPPS
Source: Dr. Ralph Williams, Jones College of Business, January 5, 2026
Based on responses from 102 printing companies who participated in the Printing Industries Performance Insights survey, the study examines how NPPS are being utilized, their relationship to profitability, and what leaders can do to execute them effectively.
A quick snapshot:
- On average, about 20% of the responding firms’ total revenue now comes from NPPS
- Firms are approaching NPPS as a strategic growth lever, not a last-ditch effort
Key points from survey answers and leader comments:
- Nearly half of firms offer three or fewer NPPS, reinforcing the value of focus over complexity
- A higher share of NPPS revenue is associated with higher EBITDA margins (correlation, not causation)
- Customer input matters most when deciding which NPPS to offer
- Firms with clear NPPS goals, NPPS budgets, and NPPS performance metrics tend to report stronger profitability
- NPPS are pursued to become a one-stop shop and support long-term success, not out of desperation
What this means for owners and executives:
- Start with fit, not breadth. Use NPPS to strengthen existing customer relationships
- Base your NPPS decisions on customer needs, not on your intuition - seek customer input
- Consider outsourcing as a proving ground before producing NPPS in-house
- Manage NPPS like a real business: objectives, budgets, metrics, and regular review
Important note:
These findings reflect observed relationships, not guaranteed outcomes. Execution quality, capabilities, and strategic alignment remain critical.