As the print industry evolves, several key trends are shaping the landscape for managed print providers. Rising delivery costs, stemming from increases in raw materials and labour, are creating a challenging environment. Coupled with intensifying competition, many partners face a shrinking customer base and declining print volumes. This scenario is leading to a consolidation of both partners and customers in the market.
To remain competitive, print providers must focus on delivering superior service at lower costs. At Intuitive, we know that data plays a crucial role in this transformation, influencing how businesses engage with their customers and optimize their operations.
Firstly, delivering enhanced customer service is now essential for business survival. Gone are the days when providers could install equipment and disengage for years. Today’s customers expect continuous added-value engagement. This shift necessitates a proactive approach where resellers not only respond to issues but anticipate needs, fostering a more robust relationship. The key to anticipating needs is through sharing data around print / scan and copy data in a highly visual way. Find out more about our Intuitive DX dashboards which do just that.
Secondly, leveraging print data is key to identifying repetitive processes that can be digitized. Customers are facing real challenges with staff shortages and the rising costs associated with using temporary staff. The use of print data allows partners to assist customers in identifying which digitisation projects will have the highest impact. Furthermore, it positions the partner as a trusted advisor to the customer for the delivery of digital transformation projects.
The providers who recognize and adapt to these trends will thrive in this evolving marketplace. In contrast, those who resist change risk obsolescence. We have noticed a significant shift in mindset over the past five years. Initially, partners were hesitant to share print data with customers, fearing it might compromise their competitive advantage. However, this perspective has changed. Engaging with customers transparently about print data is now seen as a necessary strategy to protect and grow revenues. And of course, those organisations which put this front and centre of their sales strategy will be the ones to succeed.
In summary, the MPS landscape is at a pivotal juncture. By focusing on enhanced customer service and utilizing data to optimize processes, providers can navigate the challenges posed by rising costs and competition. The future will belong to those who embrace these changes and prioritize meaningful customer engagement.
This article first appeared in Print IT Reseller Magazine – read the full magazine here
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