What will the future of printing look like for businesses?
As businesses increasingly look to digitise their processes, they are forced to reckon with where and how printing will fit into their future. For many organisations, printing is still a necessary and central part of the way they function. As such, this doesn’t signify the end of the road for printing, but rather, a time to pivot and recalibrate.
We know that the way we work has irrevocably changed to become more digital and connected. Printing services have had to evolve alongside this shift, leading to the development of new cutting-edge technology at its core. So what will the future of printing look like in organisations where it will remain relevant for years to come?
Greater shift to cloud print management solutions
Cloud-based print management is emerging as a pivotal solution to help organisations streamline workflows and enhance business efficiency. This transition represents a departure from traditional, localised print infrastructure, and it offers a host of benefits that extend beyond simple cost savings.
Cloud print management empowers your organisation with centralised control and scalability. Gone are the days of managing an array of disparate printers and copiers across multiple locations. Instead, cloud-based systems enable businesses to manage their printing resources from a unified platform, enabling remote management and real-time monitoring. This flexibility not only reduces your operational complexity but also paves the way for agility in the face of evolving business demands. Plus, cloud software’s inherent scalability ensures that organisations can effortlessly adjust their print infrastructure to match their future needs.
Growing integration with digital and mobile technologies
The integration of digital and mobile technologies into printing services gives organisations the ability to operate across geographical boundaries and time zones. Print jobs don’t have to be tethered to specific physical locations or devices; digital and mobile integration enables users to initiate and manage print tasks remotely. Through mobile applications and web-based interfaces, employees can effortlessly submit printing requests, modify settings, and track progress from their devices for added convenience and agility. This heightened accessibility can streamline your workflows, enhance collaboration and seamlessly align with the dynamic pace of your business operations.
With digital and mobile technologies, you also have access to a treasure trove of data-driven insights. By leveraging data analytics and user preferences, you can tailor print resources to align with your company’s unique needs and optimise resource allocation.
Increased print network security
As more people are working from home, more access points can expose a company's network. Traditional print networks have often been overlooked as potential entry points for cyberattacks, leaving an open door for hackers to access sensitive business information. The future of printing must respond to the new age of enhanced document security to ensure your work environment remains protected from current and emerging threats associated with printing.
Future-fit print devices can dramatically increase your company’s security posture through features such as advanced encryption, multifactor authentication, and intrusion detection to bar unauthorised access and data breaches. Plus, some print providers offer security patches and updates to be administered across your print network to further increase your resilience against new threats and vulnerabilities.
Going paper-lite, not paperless
Responsible business practices and sustainability will continue to play a big role in organisations in years to come. So the onus is on organisations to depart from paper-intensive workflows to more eco-conscious and efficient ones. Going paper-lite acknowledges the continued need for print in your organisation while aligning it with a commitment to sustainability. Rather than abandoning paper altogether, this approach prioritises sensible paper use by opting for digital alternatives where possible. By leveraging advanced document management systems and electronic workflows, organisations can reduce paper consumption and minimise waste. This not only contributes to a reduced carbon footprint but also yields cost savings, as printing expenses decrease alongside a reduction in paper, ink and storage requirements.
The paper-lite approach also translates to responsible business practices that resonate with stakeholders and consumers alike. Through transparent communication and demonstrated commitment to sustainability, your organisation can bolster its reputation as a socially responsible company.
In an era where seamless connectivity, instant accessibility, tightened security and environmental responsibility continue to reign supreme, organisations are compelled to optimise their printing strategies. As print technologies continue to advance, organisations that embrace the future of printing will experience optimised business processes that foster innovation, efficiency and a competitive edge in the years that lie ahead.
Managed Print Services is a flexible and scalable print solution that can meet the changing needs of your organisation in the new era of work. Learn how you can reduce your costs, minimise risk, improve your environmental footprint and gain greater control of your print environment with a Managed Print solution.