PrintAction

Features Opinion Tech
2022: The year of digital print

December 30, 2021  By Eef de Ridder



It is that time of year when we consider the trends likely to shape 2022 and how print operations can adapt to them, so they are at the forefront of new possibilities.

While the certainty with which predictions are made is by no means sure, even the ones formed on the soundest of information have been considerably challenged by the current unprecedented times.

These times are unlikely to see swift improvement.

Advertisement

It is clear the impact of the pandemic is going to shape the industry for far longer than any us of would ideally want.

Despite this operational backdrop, IDC, the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology research, analysis and advisory firm,  has set out its thoughts for the future in its Worldwide Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions 2022 Predictions report.

There are three in particular we expect to define the print production environment.

Prediction 1: By 2023, 60 per cent of managed print services customers will rate the vendor’s sustainability programme as a major factor in choosing a print service provider.

We have already seen how COP 26 has begun to accelerate the discussions on how companies will manage their impact on the climate. As part of that, we believe there will be an increased focus on optimizing supply chains and a greater focus on ensuring goods and services are procured with fewer CO2 emissions.

Prediction 2:  Sixty per cent of organizations will move to a subscription-based model for print and print-related services to support the needs of the hybrid workforce.

Prediction 3: By 2024, 70 per cent of global industrial print users will have adopted digital printing technology into their production/manufacturing operations. We think this will take the form of cost effective, flexible, non-impact inkjet.

While these forward-looking statements are being made in the face of a constantly changing environment, they take into account the core elements of an industry that is continually evolving.

More recently that evolution has been rapid and agile in response to a harsher climate but, importantly, substantial change was already underway.

How do you see 2022 shaping up and what are your thoughts on these predictions and how they will shape your coming year?

Eef de Ridder is vice-president of the Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe.


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below