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The Future of Printing in 2019

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The last decade has brought numerous changes in technology and how it affects an office workspace, and the last year of 2010s will be no different. Though consumers often think of how technological advancements affect their computers, many overlook a process they complete daily: printing. We asked Greg Bailey, Infomax’s director of sales, to discuss printing trends in 2019. Here are some of those trends.

Security

Cyberthreats keep pace with the growing number of devices connecting to the internet. All businesses print confidential information, such as employees’ or customers’ personal information, sensitive company data or financial documents. It’s possible for hackers to tap into networks and see documents that are sent to presses. For these reasons, security is going to be one of the biggest demands in the printing industry for years to come, Greg said. Infomax’s printer and document management services provide multiple layers of protection.

Pay-as-you-go models are going to be more popular in coming years so clients have more flexibility in printing and know budgeting costs before they complete a print job. The perk is that businesses and administrators can monitor who is printing and which types of documents are printed. For some of these models, users will sign in before printing or use an ID badge to collect classified documents. Infomax’s print services also track and allow usage-based billing for individual clients, departments or projects so companies know where much of their printing costs originate. Additionally, more printers have document capture services that are adding more security by storing sensitive documents when they are printed. Print-to-voidance — which prevents sensitive documents from being stored on a system after they’re printed — could also gain in popularity. 

Artificial intelligence

Technology continues to advance, no matter the medium or method. Printers are no exception as artificial intelligence enters the industry. AI is generally defined as the ability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior. Though it might sound fanciful, AI technologies are already helping to make printing processes more effective and efficient.

Printers already use AI to automate more routine tasks, freeing up time for employees to work on more strategic work. Some of those routine tasks include direct mail and catalogs, according to Xerox. As more data about mail recipients becomes available, AI can use data to create more relevant content in mailings to specific recipients. Additionally, software allows a printer to optimize document layouts to minimize waste. Data about a printer also can be sent back to manufacturers to compare data to expected performance, determining if software updates or adjustments need to be made. However, the use of AI in the industry is not yet widespread.

“Manufacturers are beginning to use artificial intelligence, but they’re still in the infancy of that,” Greg said. “There are peaks and valleys.”

Flexible format

Though it used to be a luxury, color printing has taken over. Businesses and their clients want the eye-catching visuals that come with color-printed products. And inkjet printers reign supreme in their abilities to create crisp visuals as well as text-based documents. The next few years will also bring a growth in large-format printing that allows marketers to reach a bigger audience through printed banners, stickers and posters. Clients will have easier accessibility to large format printers, such as the Canon Oce Colorado, one of the large-format printers Infomax currently has in the showroom.

Changing technology

Here’s one thing we can always count on: technology will advance. Many businesses want to stay on top of current trends and outfit their offices with updated systems that save money, perform better than previous models and provide more security. That’s why Infomax provides printer leasing options for their clients, and Greg said he only expects that program to gain in popularity. Most clients take advantage of that program and upgrade their presses after a few years.

Call us today to learn more about our printing services at 1-800-727-4629.

Eliminate Printing Woes with Managed Print Services (MPS)

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Printing is a must-have function for your company. But, you and your staff are understandably getting tired of the hassle and complications that accompany managing your print fleet—especially with all of the new technology that’s built into modern devices. Fortunately, the management of your printing environment is one responsibility that you can outsource to experts, thanks to Managed Print Services (MPS). With MPS, your service partner handles your entire print infrastructure—equipment maintenance, supplies, service, monitoring, security, and even system design.

Do any of the following issues plague your company? If so, Managed Print Services can help.

• High Costs — A company’s printing costs can amount to as much as SEVEN PERCENT of its total annual revenue. MPS, however, can lower your total cost of ownership by as much as 30 percent by optimizing your machines, right-sizing your fleet, and handling its maintenance.

• Printer Performance Problems — With Managed Print Services, your printer fleet is continually monitored for technical issues, supply needs, preventive maintenance, and more. Your MPS partner eliminates wasteful downtime and proactively prevents problems through updates and patches.

• Supply Headaches — Ordering supplies and inventory management are also part of the MPS package. With active monitoring, your supplies will automatically be ordered for you when needed, and there’s no reason to waste valuable office space stockpiling toner. MPS eliminates last-minute supply runs and keeps your purchases optimized through standardization across the fleet.

• Productivity Drain — The initial MPS assessment will tell you whether the equipment you currently have is actually meeting your company’s workflow needs. Your MPS partner will provide a print solution designed to optimize your team’s workflows, from machine sharing to device placement. You’ll also free your IT staff’s time to handle value-adding projects instead of being bogged down performing printer troubleshooting.

• Lack of Expertise — Your organization has tons of expertise at its disposal; unfortunately, it’s probably not in print management. MPS providers employ professional specialists with advanced training, broad experience, and a critical perspective that will result in the most effective solutions to meet your business’ needs.

You have enough on your plate, so take printing woes and worries off your list by teaming up with a Managed Print Services provider. Infomax would love to help, so contact us today for a free MPS assessment.