By Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe
It is that time of year when we consider the trends likely to shape 2022 and how print operations can adapt to them, so they are at the forefront of new possibilities.
While the certainty with which predictions are made is by no means sure, even the ones formed on the soundest of information have been considerably challenged by the current unprecedented times.
These times are unlikely to see swift improvement.
It is clear the impact of the pandemic is going to shape the industry for far longer than any us of would ideally want.
Despite this operational backdrop, IDC, the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology research, analysis and advisory firm, has set out its thoughts for the future in its Worldwide Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions 2022 Predictions report.
There are three in particular we expect to define the print production environment.
Prediction 1: By 2023, 60% of managed print services customers will rate the vendor’s sustainability programme as a major factor in choosing a print service provider.
We have already seen how COP 26has begun to accelerate the discussions on how companies will manage their impact on the climate. As part of that, we believe there will be an increased focus on optimising supply chains and a greater focus on ensuring goods and services are procured with fewer CO2 emissions. Sustainability is something that Ricoh considers throughout its business and manufacturing operations as well as those of its clients. This is something I discussed in greater detail here.
Prediction 2: 60% of organisations will move to a subscription based model for print and print related services to support the needs of the hybrid workforce.
Ricoh’s software and workflow solutions provide a proven framework to deliver scalability for business growth and support a tailored strategy. These solutions are available in flexible subscription pricing models in both cloud and locally hosted versions and can be adapted and configured as required. They range from web enablement software connecting print businesses and their clients 24/7, allowing job submission and online ordering, and MIS solutions allowing estimating and planning designed specifically for digital print, to fully automated end-to-end workflow solutions.
Ricoh’s TotalFlow Cloud Suite comprises both Ricoh software and third party Ricoh-endorsed solutions. It includes RICOH Supervisor that accurately gathers operation wide data and, using the integrated business intelligence tool, helps to drive operational efficiencies by providing up to date management information and analysis via intuitive dashboards. All reports and analysis can be accessed locally and remotely.
Prediction 3: By 2024, 70% of global industrial print users will have adopted digital printing technology into their production/manufacturing operations.
We think this will take the form of cost effective, flexible, non-impact inkjet. I detailed how it enables operations to pivot their services here. The emerging opportunities for Direct To Garment were discussed by Axel Stuhlreiter here.
While these forward looking statements are being made in the face of a constantly changing environment, they take into account the core elements of an industry that is continually evolving.
More recently that evolution has been rapid and agile in response to a harsher climate but, importantly, substantial change was already underway.
How do you see 2022 shaping up and what are your thoughts on these predictions and how they will shape your coming year?
Finally, I would like to wish you and your family the best possible Christmas and a happy and successful 2022.
