Exclusive: HP’s Neil Westhof on AI revolutionising printing solutions

Neil Westhof, Senior Director of Printing Systems for Australia and New Zealand at HP, is excited for the future of work with HP's ambitious charge to revolutionise printing with the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

With AI seamlessly integrated into its solutions, HP is setting out to transform the way people print by making the process more intuitive, personalised, and secure.

"We're trying to enhance the experience for the user and make printing even more frictionless," Westhof explained. "Our goal is to eliminate common challenges, from printer setup to ongoing support, while also enabling creativity and accelerating collaboration."

From Data to Intuition: The Journey of AI in Printing

HP's foray into AI is not new. The company has long used machine learning, a subset of AI, to improve its services, particularly in predictive maintenance. By gathering data from printers in use, HP has been able to proactively address potential issues, minimising downtime for users.

"We've been leveraging machine learning to develop predictive maintenance solutions," Westhof said. "Now, we're taking it further, using that data to create an even better printing experience. For example, our Scan AI feature uses AI to read scanned documents, extract relevant data, and streamline processes for finance teams."

Perfect Output: Printing Simplicity at Its Best

Among the most exciting advancements is HP's "Perfect Output" feature, designed to deliver an ideal print result every time. Whether users are printing recipes or Excel spreadsheets, Perfect Output ensures that only the most relevant information is printed, removing unnecessary clutter or formatting issues.

"When you print from a webpage, you often get ads, banners, and other distractions," Westhof shared. "Perfect Output simplifies this, allowing you to print only what you need, like the recipe, with natural language commands."

In the workplace, Perfect Output solves a common frustration: messy Excel printouts.

"When you print Excel sheets, the results can often span multiple pages with misaligned tables," he explained.

"Perfect Output gives you previews with the best layout and allows adjustments through simple commands."

Currently in beta testing, Perfect Output has been met with enthusiasm by HP's partners.

Westhof anticipates that the feature will launch in 2025.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Integrating AI into printing has not been without its hurdles. Westhof outlined three key challenges: compatibility with legacy systems, data security, and workforce training.

"To bridge the gap between existing systems and AI functionality, we've invested in advanced middleware solutions," he said. "On data security, we're implementing robust encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring to comply with regulations like GDPR."

Upskilling employees to manage AI systems has been another focus. "We've invested heavily in training programs to equip our workforce with the necessary skills," Westhof added.

Enabling Creativity Through AI

HP is also using AI to ignite creativity. Westhof shared a personal story to illustrate the potential.

After attending a basketball game with his son, who idolises a player from the New Zealand Breakers, Westhof imagined a tool that could turn a family photo into a personalised poster with related themes.

"We want to enable users to create customised items like posters or greeting cards and print them locally or through external service providers," he said.

"This vision is still in its early stages, but it represents how we're using AI to foster creativity."

Sustainability and Personalisation in the AI Era

AI is also playing a pivotal role in HP's sustainability efforts. The technology can help users optimise their printing habits, such as reducing paper and ink usage, while also supporting the design of more eco-friendly products.

"In addition to saving resources, AI helps personalise the user experience," Westhof explained.

"From smarter workflows to tailored device settings, we're making printing more efficient and aligned with individual needs."

Prioritising Privacy in an AI World

As AI involves processing vast amounts of data, user privacy remains a critical priority for HP.

Westhof emphasised the importance of transparency and control. "Users should know how their data is collected and have the ability to manage their preferences," he said.

"Our tools, such as HP Sure Sense and Wolf Security, ensure that data is encrypted and protected from cyber threats."

AI has also helped HP introduce early-warning systems for potential security breaches. "For instance, HP Sure Sense analyses data to detect anomalies and flag possible malware, adding another layer of protection," Westhof added.

Shaping the Future of Printing

Looking ahead, Westhof envisions AI redefining the printing landscape by driving personalisation, enhancing user experience, and supporting sustainability.

He also believes AI will optimise business operations, from supply chains to document processing.

"Our aim is to create smarter, more intuitive products that set new industry standards," he said.

"AI is just the beginning of this journey."

As HP continues to expand its beta testing and gather feedback, Westhof remains confident in the transformative potential of AI. "For us, it's about making the user's life easier," he explained.

"At the end of the day, the real measure of success will be how well these innovations resonate with our customers."

HP's innovative approach, blending cutting-edge AI with a commitment to simplicity and sustainability, is setting the stage for a new era in printing.

As Westhof aptly put it, "AI will not just enhance existing products but truly redefine how we interact with technology."