Navigating the Print Revolution: 2025's Game-Changing Shifts in Managed Print Services

As we stand on the cusp of 2025, the office printing, document imaging, and Managed Print Services (MPS) industry is poised for unprecedented transformation. This article delves into the most impactful changes facing the industry, offering valuable insights for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), office dealers, service providers, and C-suite executives.

By examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, we aim to equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

The Three Most Impactful Changes in 2025:

1. AI-Driven Transformation: Artificial Intelligence will revolutionise the MPS industry, reshaping everything from cybersecurity to service innovation. With 84% of organisations planning to increase AI expenditure and 79% upgrading to AI PCs, the print industry must adapt swiftly. AI will enable predictive maintenance, enhance document processing, and drive analytics-based decision-making.
2. Sustainability Imperative: Environmental concerns will take center stage, with regulatory pressures and customer demands pushing the industry towards sustainable practices. Data-driven sustainability will become crucial, as 78% of organisations expect their suppliers to monitor the environmental impact of their print environment. This shift will necessitate innovative solutions for resource optimisation and waste reduction.
3. Hybrid Cloud Complexity: The print market will see increased fragmentation due to the adoption of hybrid cloud strategies. This will create a complex ecosystem of serverless print solutions, cloud print management, increased identity management and cloud-based MPS approaches. Security concerns will remain a significant barrier, with 32% of IT decision-makers citing data protection as their top concern.

Valuable Insights for Key Personas:

1. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): As an OEM, we recognise that hardware innovation will be crucial for differentiation in 2025. We must focus on developing devices with extended lifecycles, improved serviceability, and enhanced security features. Integrating AI capabilities into our products will be essential to meet the evolving needs of our customers and stay competitive in the market.
2. Office Dealers and Service Providers: As channel partners, we understand that embracing AI will be critical for our success in 2025. We must invest in AI expertise and solutions to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams. Developing a strong presence in cloud marketplaces and offering broader professional services will be key to our growth and relevance in the evolving MPS landscape.
3. CIOs and CFOs: The C-suite executive, will see the convergence of MPS and Managed IT Services as an opportunity to simplify our IT operations and reduce costs. They will be looking for providers who can offer comprehensive solutions that address their print needs while also supporting their broader IT infrastructure. Data security and sustainability will be top priorities in their decision-making process for MPS solutions.

Challenges Facing Each Persona in 2025: OEMs:

1. Balancing innovation with sustainability demands
2. Adapting to declining print volumes and changing customer needs
3. Integrating AI capabilities across product lines while ensuring security

Office Dealers and Service Providers:

1. Developing AI expertise to remain competitive
2. Navigating the complex hybrid cloud landscape
3. Expanding service offerings to include broader IT services

CIOs and CFOs:

1. Ensuring data security in an increasingly AI-driven environment
2. Balancing cost optimisation with the need for technological advancement
3. Measuring and reporting on sustainability metrics for print infrastructure

In Conclusion:

As we approach 2025, the Managed Print Services industry stands at a crossroads of innovation and challenge. The integration of AI, the push for sustainability, and the complexity of hybrid cloud environments will reshape the landscape, demanding adaptability and foresight from all stakeholders.

Success will hinge on embracing these changes, fostering innovation, and prioritising customer needs in an increasingly digital world.

In the words of Alvin Toffler, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." As we navigate the unknown future and rapidly changing technological environment, this wisdom rings truer than ever. The ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace change will be the cornerstone of success in the dynamic world of Managed Print Services in 2025 and beyond.

Authored and published by Mitchell Filby, Managing Director at First Rock Consulting.

Also thank you to Louella Fernandes from Quocirca for her recent article as it provided food for thought for what we could expect in 2025 and how all stakeholders could be impacted if we do not continually evolve.

https://quocirca.com/content/predictions-2025/

www.first-rock.com

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