The Digital Transformation of Managed Print Services

By

printing-chaos

Managed Print Services (MPS) are undergoing a significant digital transformation as workplaces increasingly adopt paperless or “print less” strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and streamline operations. Companies like HP, Ricoh, and Xerox are leading the way in this evolution, adapting their services to meet the changing needs of modern businesses.

HP: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions:

HP, a longstanding leader in printing technology, has been proactive in aligning its MPS offerings with the trend towards digital workplaces. Recognizing the environmental impact of printing, HP has introduced initiatives like the HP Planet Partners program, which focuses on recycling used cartridges and reducing waste. Additionally, HP offers advanced security features in its printers and MPS solutions, addressing the growing concerns about data privacy and protection in digital document management.

Ricoh: Embracing the Digital Shift:

Even before their recent acquisition of Fujitsu’s canner business, Ricoh has been expanding its MPS to include a range of digital services. The company has developed technologies for efficient digital document management, such as the Ricoh Intelligent Scanning feature, which allows for easier conversion of paper documents into digital formats. This not only aids in reducing paper use but also enhances productivity and accessibility. Furthermore, Ricoh’s Workplace Services extend beyond traditional printing, offering solutions for collaboration, workflow automation, and IT infrastructure management.

Xerox: A Leader in Digital Transformation:

Known for its innovation in printing technology, Xerox has also been a frontrunner in the transition towards digital document management. The company offers a comprehensive range of MPS solutions that include advanced document scanning and digital workflow integration, aiding businesses in their shift to paperless operations. Xerox’s ConnectKey technology, for instance, transforms traditional printing devices into smart, connected workplace assistants that integrate seamlessly with digital workflows. Additionally, Xerox provides robust data analytics and security solutions, ensuring that digital document management is both efficient and secure.

While the innovations introduced by these thought leaders are commendable as Managed Print Services (MPS) adapt to the increasingly paperless or “print-less” workplace environments, there are specific advancements and innovations we would like to see from industry leaders such as HP, Ricoh, and Xerox. These enhancements would not only align with current digital transformation trends but also significantly improve efficiency, sustainability, and security in business operations.

What We’d Like to See from HP:

Enhanced Cloud Integration: We would like to see HP expand its MPS offerings to include more robust cloud-based printing solutions. This would facilitate better remote access and management of print services, a crucial feature for the modern, increasingly remote workforce.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementations: Integrating AI to predict and analyze print usage patterns would be a significant step forward. We expect HP to utilize AI to offer more personalized print management solutions, optimizing printer fleet distribution and automating maintenance schedules to reduce costs and environmental impact.

What We Would Like to See from Ricoh:

Expanded Support for Remote Work: As remote work becomes more prevalent, it would be beneficial for Ricoh to enhance its MPS with advanced mobile printing solutions and secure remote access capabilities. This would provide greater flexibility and efficiency for remote employees.

Deployment of Advanced Analytics: We hope to see Ricoh leverage data analytics to provide deeper insights into print usage for businesses. Tools for tracking and reducing the carbon footprint associated with printing would be particularly valuable, aligning with corporate sustainability initiatives.

What We Would Like to See from Xerox:

Advanced Integration with Digital Workflows: Xerox could further develop its MPS by integrating more deeply with digital workflows and document management systems. This would help businesses transition smoothly from physical to digital documents.

Enhanced Customization and Flexibility: We would like to see Xerox offer more customizable MPS solutions tailored to the unique needs of different businesses, including scalable options for companies of various sizes and sectors.

The evolution of MPS in response to the shift towards paperless offices presents an exciting opportunity for companies like HP, Ricoh, and Xerox. By focusing on advancements such as cloud integration, AI, support for remote work, advanced analytics, improved document management, and enhanced security, these industry leaders can significantly elevate their offerings. Such innovations would not only meet the current needs of businesses but also set a new standard for managed print services in a digital-first world.