Despite advances in technology, print is here for a good while longer.
This is the view of Lizette Ebersohn, channel account manager at Epson, who says it is advantageous for organisations to streamline their document management and document workflow when considering printing preferences.
ITWeb, in partnership with Epson, conducted an online printing survey during March to determine how South African organisations handle their printing.
"The main objective of this printing survey was to determine how South African businesses are managing their print volumes, knowing if ink quality is important to organisations, as well as determining what the most important factor is for them when it comes to printing technology for their organisation," says Ebersohn.
She explains that printing expenses can have a serious impact on an organisation's budget, so having a solid printing solution strategy in place can dramatically reduce costs.
"Most organisations, whether large or small, have to be aware of the cost of printing in their business as the production of documents has become such a large portion of business expenditure."
Ebersohn believes organisations have the power to control expenditure linked to their printing requirements by applying well thought-out and effectively implemented printing solutions.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the success or failure of an organisation's printing solutions. A cause of failure can be that desktop printers are not included as part of an organisation's network. The cost of these printers cannot be calculated accurately.
"In quite a lot of organisations, there is still is a resistance to workgroup printers versus desktop printers," notes Ebersohn.
She stresses that printing solutions can only be effective if they are implemented and measured correctly.
Ebersohn acknowledges that printing solution trends are changing within South Africa, as they are globally. "Such changing trends have resulted in revolutionary printing capabilities which include products such as multi-functional printers, mobile printing technology (wireless and Ethernet printers) and 3D printers."
Recent printing trends have also resulted in the size of printers changing, which allows for better use of office space and portability.
"Trends have also seen the transition from laserjet to inkjet printing and growth in the label printing industry."
Ebersohn says the concept of a paperless office is currently a hot topic. "However, recent studies have shown an increase in printing within the South African market."
She believes despite the increasing number of mobile devices and gadgets, organisations find printing easier and more convenient.
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