Significant economic impacts accompanied the arrival of the Novel Coronavirus this Spring. Numerous jurisdictions imposed operating restrictions upon business activities. These orders sought to promote public health objectives by encouraging adherence to Social Distancing guidelines. Health authorities hoped to use these policies to help stem the spread of the contagious illness, COVID-19. Companies providing managed print services (“MPS”) had to adapt rapidly.
Just like companies in other economic sectors, firms in this innovative field survive by maintaining nimbler, more efficient, and more agile operations than their marketplace rivals. Pat Russell, the CEO of ImageNet Consulting, predicted this week some MPS firms have sustained losses due to a significantly reduced need for business printing during the shutdowns. He foresees fierce 2020 competition among surviving MPS providers.
Three Trends
Predicting new trends proves difficult even in the absence of unexpected widespread temporary closures. However, uncertainty about the current pandemic probably increases these challenges. Kyle Alspach suggests at least three significant developments may arise as a result of marketplace disruptions this Spring:
One: Competition Among MPS Providers Will Likely Increase
Prior to the pandemic, many experts forecast a bright future for MPS. As a commercial service, it offers both cost savings for customers and important environmental benefits. It seems likely to continue winning the interest of business leaders in the near future. Yet as many states and provinces gradually begin lifting stay-at-home orders, some MPS providers may report their firms sustained significant losses during March and April.
Two: Some Companies May Soon Offer Re-Fillable Ink Cartridges
Several printer manufacturers anticipate releasing products designed to work specifically with their own proprietary ink cartridges and/or toner labels (a bold strategy during a recession). They’ll offer re-fillable ink and/or toner to assist in managing the supply replacement process. These innovations may aid certain MPS companies in seamlessly managing the operation of lines of printers from manufacturers capable of supporting those products.
Three: App Creation Appears Likely to Expand
One innovation likely to continue during 2020 involves the use of customized apps to enhance printing and copying. For example, HP Workpath offers some 50 different add-on features for gadgets manufactured by HP, Inc. These services might appeal to some companies seeking managed printing. The variety of apps will permit customization.
