For all the talk of paperless offices and digital transformation, the printer remains a key part of many business operations.
But the role of print is changing. Customers are no longer looking for devices alone, they want solutions that are flexible, secure, sustainable and designed to support modern ways of working.
For channel partners, this shift offers the chance to move beyond hardware sales and become trusted advisors, helping clients rethink their print strategies for the digital age.
Smarter devices for smarter work
The latest generation of multifunction printers (MFPs) now serve as smart hubs for the workplace, with features that support document workflows, automate routine tasks and connect directly to the cloud.
Scalable technology, remote updates and predictive maintenance allow businesses to expand functionality as they grow, without replacing hardware. For organisations with distributed workforces, such as those across South Africa, the ability to manage devices remotely and keep them up to date without onsite intervention delivers both cost savings and higher uptime.
“Ricoh has played an active role in developing this approach, offering intelligent devices that adapt to changing business needs through app-based upgrades and remote fleet management tools,” says Jolene Castelyn, marketing executive at Ricoh South Africa.
Cloud printing for a hybrid world
Hybrid work is here to stay, and print solutions need to support this reality. Secure print-from-anywhere technology and cloud-based print management platforms now allow employees to send documents to print queues from any location and collect them when they are ready.
Integration with services like Microsoft Universal Print and Google Workspace ensures these platforms work within existing digital environments. “For IT teams, cloud print management provides centralised control and greater visibility across multiple sites, reducing the complexity of managing print infrastructure,” Castelyn says.
Keeping print secure
Just 19% of IT decision makers say they are completely confident and in 2023, 68% reported a data loss as a result of unsecure printing practices. As data breaches continue to make headlines and regulations such as South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) demand compliance, print security cannot be an afterthought.
Uncollected printouts, unsecured devices and unauthorised access to print networks are common risks.
Modern print solutions now include robust security features as standard:
- User authentication through PIN codes, ID cards or mobile devices
- Secure print release that prevents sensitive documents from being left unattended
- Hard drive encryption and automatic data overwrite
Sustainability as standard
Energy efficiency and waste reduction are not only environmental concerns but also important for controlling costs. Today’s printers come equipped with features such as low-energy modes, duplex printing defaults and toner-saving options. Many devices now use recycled materials, and there are programmes in place for recycling consumables.
In the South African market, where both cost efficiency and environmental responsibility are high priorities, partners can add value by offering print audits, advising on right-sizing device fleets and providing access to carbon balancing services.
From ownership to access
The global Managed Print Services (MPS) market was valued at approximately $46,73-billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10,1% from 2024 to 2030, reaching $89,26-billion by 2030. and Print-as-a-Service agreements bundle hardware, maintenance, supplies and analytics into a single monthly cost.
“This model helps businesses avoid large upfront investments while gaining predictability and flexibility,” Castelyn adds. “It also supports scalability, making it easier for businesses to adjust their print environment as their needs change.”
The evolving role of the partner
The most successful channel partners are those who understand their clients’ business challenges and help design solutions that improve workflows, support compliance and enable digital transformation.
The role now extends into:
- Workflow automation and document management consulting
- Security and compliance support
- Sustainability guidance and performance measurement
- Flexible service delivery through cloud-based tools and subscription models