Generation Y, comprising the millennials, is threatening paper-based processes in organisations.
This was the word from Robert Janssen, manager for professional sales and MDS sales at Ricoh, when addressing the Ricoh Managed Document Services Executive Forum yesterday at Montecasino.
According to Janssen, as Generation Y members gradually find themselves in the workplace, they do not see the significance of printing documents.
"Generation Y is rapidly moving into organisations and they are completely leaping paper-based processes. Though this is challenging, we need to embrace change."
He revealed that in the 80s, the office comprised hardware like printers, faxes and telephones; and in the 90s computers, e-mail and the Internet dominated communication systems. Now, he said, organisations are making use of social media, big data and cloud computing.
"Though paper is not going to be completely diminished, the way we communicate has changed," he said, adding, though, that paper will still be relevant mostly because of legislation.
Janssen also pointed out that as a result of Generation Y coming into the workplace, organisations should not make the mistake of only making technology-based decisions to drive business.
"Organisations now tend to be only making technology-driven decisions, forgetting that people may refuse to accept that technology. Sometimes technology can kill the human interaction that people need. Technology is cool, but people are amazing."
Thus, he urged, when making decisions, organisations should consider technology, processes and people.
"Walk in the shoes of your employees; and collaborate with them, for it is not a one-man band. You should engage with them in a different way and also lead in a consultative way; also build capacity and become a trusted advisor. Don't implement products; don't implement services," he concluded.
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