Why is managed print important?

It is expected that by 2014, 50% of all imaging devices in business will be under some form of managed print services contract.

The benefit for businesses in shifting to a managed print approach has always been that they receive the right machines, in the right place, for the right jobs. The brand or vendor should be second to functionality and business need.

However, buoyed by customer demand, the managed print space is becoming increasingly crowded with many vendors developing offerings in this space.

The trouble is that not all managed print offerings are created equal and not all provide the right machines.

Vendor neutrality is important because it delivers the significant advantage of not being hindered by the need to ‘move boxes’. Vendor neutral companies can provide:

• The right device for the right use, regardless of brand
• Consolidation of machines – less machines are often recommended but the functionality of the devices may be better

• Solutions that work with the devices to help companies print less rather than more
• Advice on what parts of an existing fleet of devices need to be upgraded

This assures customers that machines and solutions are tailored to the efficiencies they can deliver rather than the profit margins of a single vendor. We believe it is important that businesses look for neutrality and understand that the true value from managed print services only comes with independence.