Automation in publishing is evolving rapidly, offering new ways for news organizations to streamline operations and focus on storytelling. A recent webinar hosted by Editor & Publisher Magazine spotlighted auto-pagination, showcasing how this cutting-edge print workflow automation technology, developed by Atex, is reshaping the landscape of print publishing.
Auto-pagination, a key feature of Atex’s suite of products, simplifies the production process while preserving the unique design of each publication. It’s a solution designed to meet the growing challenges faced by publishers, from shrinking budgets to increasing production demands.
The case for auto-pagination: Why it matters
Atex, a leader in content management and publishing solutions since 1973, has continuously adapted to the industry’s shifting needs. Their latest innovation — auto-pagination — is all about helping publishers “do more with less.”
This technology automates the layout process without compromising the design ethos of a publication. By integrating into existing workflows, auto-pagination enables teams to focus on higher-value activities, such as creating compelling content and building audience engagement.
Real-world success: Tindle Newspapers
Tindle Newspapers, a prominent publishing group in the U.K., offers a compelling example of auto-pagination in action. Managing 20 regional titles alongside digital platforms and radio stations, Tindle faced the challenge of balancing high production demands with limited resources.
By adopting Atex’s auto-pagination tools, Tindle achieved remarkable results:
How auto-pagination works
For those new to the concept, auto-pagination automates the layout process while preserving a publication’s unique look and feel. As a first step, editors create a “news list” to feed the layout automation engine, selecting which articles they want to assign to the various sections of the newspaper. News lists can also be created automatically based on content attributes.
Then pages are created according to the "style" of the title with content placed automatically based on customizable rules.
This process ensures that design quality remains consistent, even as workflows become more streamlined. The technology is particularly valuable for publishers operating under financial pressures, helping them maintain titles that might otherwise face closure.
Seamless integration and flexible solutions
Atex’s modular approach makes its tools accessible to publishers of all sizes. Atex integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, ensuring minimal disruption.
MyType, recently launched CMS for news websites by Atex, supports the entire publishing process — from news gathering, to news production, distribution and monetization. It includes advanced AI-powered tools like translations, audio/video transcriptions, writer and SEO assistant, proofreading, further enhancing productivity.
The role of AI in publishing
AI plays a significant role in Atex’s automation solutions, powering tools that enhance both efficiency and creativity. From auto-fitting content to optimizing headlines for print and digital, AI enables publishers to maximize their efforts while maintaining their brand identity.
Far from replacing human creativity, these tools are designed to complement it. By automating repetitive tasks, journalists and designers can focus on what they do best: telling impactful stories.
The ROI of automation
Adopting automation offers immediate returns on investment. Auto-pagination reduces costs associated with licenses, hosting and manual labor, while the productivity gains speak for themselves.
One of the standout advantages is the preservation of a publication’s unique design, ensuring brand consistency even as workflows become more automated. This balance between efficiency and creativity is critical in today’s publishing landscape.
Call to action: Exploring the future of publishing
In an industry grappling with rising costs and shrinking revenues, automation isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity. Tools like auto-pagination empower publishers to streamline operations while preserving the heart of their work: high-quality content.
For those looking to learn more, Atex offers personalized demos to showcase how these solutions can integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. This is a crucial opportunity for publishers to explore innovative tools that can secure their future in a competitive industry.
Watch the webinar
To dive deeper into auto-pagination possibilities and hear insights from industry experts, check out the full webinar on YouTube.
Conclusion
Auto-pagination and automation are reshaping publishing, offering solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Whether by reducing costs, improving workflows or freeing up creative teams, these technologies provide a way forward. As emphasized in the webinar, the goal isn’t to replace people but to empower them, ensuring that legacy publications remain viable and impactful for years to come.
To learn more about how Atex can transform your business efficiently, get in touch now: Contact Us.
