01732 759725
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PREDICTIONS
Helen George
Partner Marketing Manager,
KYOCERA Document Solutions
“Managed print service contracts will
continue to evolve and include content
management as a standard deliverable.
The print infrastructure will be used as the
on-ramp for digitising paper documents and,
in combination with scanners and document
management software, will provide
companies with the opportunity to share
information more effectively, support their
clients better, streamline their operational
processes and compete in what is becoming
a more digital world.
“Next year will also be a turning point
in the mainstream adoption of 3D print in
the enterprise market. Although 3D print has
been around for over 20 years, four main
changes will drive this growth: the reduction
in device prices, improved quality of the
printed object, greater ease of use and more
intuitive design applications, plus growing
business awareness of its transformational
potential.”
Ben Appleby
Technology Product Manager,
VOW
“I think that 2015 will see A3 print become
a focus for some of the major OEMs as they
focus more on the SOHO arena.
“In managed print, it is very likely that a
spectrum of machines that enable an even
more successful MPS proposition will be
produced.
“It’s also highly likely that an increase
in enhanced wireless technology is on its
way. We’ve already seen Samsung integrate
a tablet into their printer to replace the less
modern keypads or smaller touch screen
displays. This allows users to download from
their cloud or browse the internet while
standing at a printer.
“And finally, print costs are undoubtedly
going to become cheaper, with Epson’s
unveiling of its RIPS system (replaceable ink
pack system) with an ink capacity of 75,000
pages a good example.”
Shaun Wilkinson
Managing Director,
UTAX (UK)
“I firmly believe 2015 will be all about
adding value to print. While it’s obviously
still hugely important, high quality, reliable
hardware is now seen by consumers
as the norm, which means the point of
differentiation will revolve around print-
related business solutions.
“Print will become smarter and see
value added through the integration of
user-specific software solutions that increase
efficiency and reduce manual admin
processes. For example, end-users will be
looking for tailored document management
solutions that optimise workflows through
simplified digital document handling that
is consistent across an organisation. Fully
customisable operation panels will play a
vital role in helping to achieve this.
“Following on from this, it’s becoming
increasingly important for businesses to
incorporate the right mobile technology to
maximise office productivity. Yet, a fraction
of SMB employees have the freedom to print
from the device of their choice, whether
that’s a laptop, desktop, smartphone or
tablet. Mobile print features will therefore
be important, as will value added features
that facilitate information sharing and
collaboration, locally and globally.
“Security will continue to be high on
the agenda in 2015 and I predict end-users
will specifically demand print software that
encrypts data and prevents unauthorised
access to it. The same applies to document
management, so I expect to see more
requests for user-specific access control via
smart cards or PIN codes.
“While there are signs the economy is
recovering, the value proposition will still
be high on the agenda for many companies,
which means continued interest in managed
print solutions and total cost of ownership.
This is where machine quality and service
maintenance costs will really come into
play. In addition, the use of template-based
print management solutions will increase
to reduce the cost of printing letterheads
and forms externally, while device and
department or individual user settings
control the use of colour/mono and duplex
printing and monitor expenditure for
effective cost control.
“The best print solutions in 2015 will be
the ones that tie excellent, relevant hardware
together with solutions that make businesses
slicker, more secure, mobile and in an ideal
world, save some money too.”
Mark Smyth
Operations Director,
Vision PLC
“I believe 2015 will be another year of
consolidation and innovation. As the
economy continues to improve, businesses
will be keen to invest in technology that
helps drive efficiency and profitability and
we, the resellers, must take advantage of this
opportunity.
“Consolidation will come from both
manufacturers and resellers remaining
acquisitive with the aim of increasing market
share, revenues and margins, either as part
of a growth strategy or simply just to hold
their market position.
“Technology will continue to develop
with data storage and applications (apps)
really starting to emerge in our market.
This is another area that must be taken
advantage of and will result in a stronger
foothold for the print market in the
Information Technology space.
“2015 promises to be another exciting
year of change and development!”
...a fraction
of SMB
employees
have the
freedom to
print from
the device
of their
choice...
...continued
Helen George
Partner Marketing
Manager,
KYOCERA
Document
Solutions
Shaun Wilkinson
Managing Director, UTAX (UK)
