This Week in Imaging: How Exactly Do We Get People to Print More?

by Kathleen Wirth · December 13, 2024

One of the most fundamental trends in the office-print industry isn’t AI or managed print services, but continuing declining print volumes. For many, the solution to this challenge is to move into adjacent areas such as production and commercial print and IT services.

But the question still remains: how do we get people to print more – or at least better appreciate print?

And while it seems going digital is the be-all-and-all solution for efficiency, in some cases it may not be.

First, studies repeatedly show that information printed on paper leads to better retention and comprehension. That’s important not only in education but in any area where the document is mission-critical – for instance, proof-reading a document is usually more effective when it’s in paper form, and paper is more helpful when it comes to understanding graphics and visual layouts. And of course printed documents can help alleviate screen fatigue.

Second, print-outs makes it easier to follow along with presentations. We’ve all been there – following a presentation, but wanting to go back because you missed something. Print-outs also make it easier to take notes.

That said, if we’re going to encourage printing, we need to make sure it’s easy to print, with wireless connectivity for instance, and easy to print from smartphones and tablets.

Second, we need to make printing affordable – whether through print-supplies subscription programs or managed print services. When looking to reduce costs, the first thing many companies want to cut is print, as happened in the Great Recession, but cost-savings programs can change that.

Third, emphasize that printing can be sustainable, for instance, with paper sourced from renewable resources (consider partnering with PrintReLeaf and using its reforestation program).

While it’s true digital transformation continues to usurp many paper-based processes, print still has advantages, but it’s up to those in the industry to point them out. Those likely to advance are those that can make compelling reasons for print, and also make print easier, less-costly, more secure, and generally hassle-free compared to competitors.

This Week in Imaging

Commercial and Production Printing

Fujifilm Launches New Revoria Five- and Four-Color Production Presses

Security

New HP Report Outlines Lifecycle Cybersecurity Risks of Printers, PCs, and Other Endpoints

Office Printers and MFPs

Kyocera Forecasts Print Industry Trends for 2025

Epson Enhances Remote Services with Integration of EKM’s Fleet-Management Solution

Environmental Sustainability

PrintReleaf Expands Partnership with Xerox with Carbon Offset Program

Legal Briefs

Court Appoints Receiver to Obtain Judgement from Cartridge World North America