OPA members explore paper inventory and CRM strategies at OMAS session

The Offset Printers' Association recently hosted a knowledge session for its members, featuring a presentation by the team from Optimal Matching & Sourcing, known as OMAS. The focus was on paper inventory and customer management solutions for printing and packaging businesses.

The session centred on practical strategies to optimise paper stock levels and improve client engagement. Attendees included printers, packaging converters and industry stakeholders, many of whom identified inventory volatility and customer retention as pressing operational concerns.

The OMAS team outlined approaches to inventory tracking, including real-time monitoring systems designed to reduce overstocking and minimise waste. In an environment where raw material prices fluctuate and storage costs remain high, tighter stock control can directly improve cash flow and working capital efficiency.

Alongside inventory management, the presentation examined integrated customer relationship management tools tailored for printers. These systems, the speakers noted, enable better order forecasting, structured client communication and transparent job tracking, supporting on-time deliveries and repeat business.

Participants discussed common challenges such as fluctuating paper prices, demand variability and the need for more agile supply chains. One attendee observed that optimised systems could help reduce holding costs while strengthening long-term customer relationships.

The discussion was set against broader market trends. According to industry projections shared during the session, the global paper printing market is expected to reach USD 331.54-billion in 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.76% to USD 398.80-billion by 2030, driven largely by packaging demand and sustainability considerations.

In packaging applications, which account for a significant share of print volumes, effective inventory control supports responsiveness to e-commerce-driven customisation. The speakers noted that inventory turnover ratios of four to five times annually are often necessary in packaging to avoid material degradation and maintain flexibility.

The role of CRM systems was also highlighted with reference to performance metrics. Businesses adopting structured CRM tools report improved sales revenue, higher customer satisfaction and better service quality. In a sector where acquiring new clients is more expensive than retaining existing ones, even a modest increase in retention can have a measurable impact on profitability.

Prof Kamal Chopra said the session addressed a critical need. “In today’s volatile market, mastering paper inventory and client management is essential for sustainability and profitability. The OMAS presentation equipped packaging and printing entrepreneurs with tools to convert operational challenges into structured opportunities,” he said.

The event forms part of the association’s ongoing professional development initiatives for India’s print community. OPA stated that it plans to organise additional workshops in the coming months, aimed at helping members navigate supply chain complexities and adopt technology-driven systems to improve efficiency and customer-centric service.