There are a number of reasons for why some of the top businesses in the world make use of an automated document factory (ADF) within their day-to-day operations. However, ultimately, control has to be the common denominator.

Printing companies with an ADF in place are able to smoothly compile, print, mail/ship and analyse a wide range of marketing documentation. This could be in the form of transaction printing (bills, checks, policies, etc.) or marketing materials (brochures, literature, etc). Businesses with an ADF can control the content, speed and quality of the document run at any time they want.
Although the principle of ADF can be applied in the digital environment, it is most commonly associated with printed documentation. As a business has control of whether to distribute its material in a printed or electric form, it begs the question: which is better?
Despite the emergence of mass emailing, actually receiving a physical document that is addressed to you is satisfying. Even though an email can contain your name on it, there is something distinctly corporate about receiving a mail-shot online compared to through the door or on your desk.
As ADF has the ability to personalise documents, it also has no disadvantages over any other form of printing or emailing and sending.
Printed documentation offer permanence in a way that an email never can – until the email is printed of course. However, a physical document is needed on more than a few occasions. For example, contracts, pay slips and human resource matters should always come printed for legal purposes.
Similarly in business, letters, memos and briefings can all be carried around if they are on paper. This makes paper more versatile than its digital counterpart; particularly as digital communications, if not stored, will require the internet to access them.