Yashwi Jain: Battling bottlenecks with AI and automation: Good news for print

Q: How do you leverage your unique blend of skills - computer science background and early exposure to printing - to further disrupt traditional printing processes at Sequoia Print?
Yashwi Jain (YJ): My approach is to bring together technology and print in a way that makes the overall process smoother and smarter. On the client side, I focus on making communication and onboarding clearer and faster. Internally, I am working on tools that help us plan better and reduce inefficiencies. I believe small improvements at each stage — from artwork to final output — can free up time, improve accuracy, and create a more reliable experience for clients.

Q: The pre-press automation script you built significantly reduces manual time. What was the most challenging aspect of developing and implementing this tool?
YJ: The toughest part was not writing the script, but extracting the real requirements. In legacy workflows, people are used to “how things have always been done”, so even basic answers, like the total number of SKUs for testing, varied depending on who we asked. We had to standardise a process before automating. Implementation was the second challenge. Scripts are only as good as the variety of cases they are tested on. We had to design for flexibility — handling dieline variations, layerings, and file management — so the script did not break under real-world usage.

Q: You developed a production data system with an AI assistant. Can you share a specific example of how this system has helped Sequoia Print optimise its operations?
YJ: Machine and manpower mapping. The system showed that during certain jobs, machines were underutilised, not because of low demand, but because operators were waiting for plate-making or approvals. That visibility helped us re-sequence tasks. Another insight was about job complexity versus time logged. Shorter runs with multiple changeovers were consuming disproportionate set-up hours. This was something we intuitively suspected but never had quantified proof for until the system showed it.

Q: Beyond the technical projects, what is your philosophy on talent development within the print and packaging industry?
YJ: I am very new to the industry myself, so I am still learning. However, coming from a software background, I was used to instant results. Printing is different; the learning curve is slower and more hands-on. I believe in cross-functionality starting out: trying mockups, production planning, and actually seeing how an idea takes shape into packaging. In Kolkata, where the industry is established but sometimes a bit traditional, I think this mix of confidence and curiosity is what will push the next generation forward.

Q: What is your long-term vision for Sequoia Print?
YJ: My long-term vision for Sequoia Print is to steadily grow into a trusted partner for prototyping and packaging solutions in India. We are focusing on creating an experience that is reliable, transparent, and technically sound. Over time, I hope this approach will strengthen our reputation and also contribute to raising the standards of how packaging services are delivered, both locally and eventually at a broader level.