Operational and Environmental Efficiency of Industrial Subscription Models: An Exploratory Study on the Data-Driven Printing Industry

The paper presents the results of an empirical study comparing the operational and environmental effects of using industrial printing machines under a subscription-based model (PaaS) versus a traditional ownership model. The analysis covered two identical, high-performance Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106-8P machines operating in print production facilities with similar production profiles. A range of quantitative indicators were examined, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), as well as parameters such as operating time, production cycles, and the amount of production waste over a 14-month period. The results indicate that the subscription model delivers benefits in terms of quality, stability, and reduced material losses, despite a lower production volume. Statistically significant differences in favor of the subscription model were recorded in OEE Speed, OEE 10,000, and waste indicators (Run Waste % and avg). The article demonstrates substantial, independent of scale effects, operational and environmental benefits of the subscription model in manufacturing industrial applications.