Print.IT Reseller - issue 59

01732 759725 40 VOX POP Continued... PrintIT Reseller invited some of the print industry’s manufacturers and analysts to share their print predictions for 2019 The year ahead Shaun Wilkinson, Managing Director, UTAX (UK) “Brexit negotiations in 2018 introduced market uncertainties, which remain unanswered for many. We continue to work amidst concerns and unknowns and consumer confidence continues to dip as we near closer to the deal deadline. “What is certain is that documents will continue to be a necessity for every organisation – the need will not diminish. However, the way in which end- users work will continue to change and efficient print methods which introduce time and cost savings will become a necessity. Software solutions and the management of documents, as well as hardware functionalities and quality will continue to grow in importance. “Organisations will continue to want to cut costs, introduce digital automations and track usage and as MPS is already commonly known and implemented for most organisations, consumers will no doubt be looking for the next step. UTAX Fleet Services (U.FS) presents this next step for UTAX Partners and is a key market differentiator; adding value to their managed print service offering. U.FS will also ensure that partners have the ability to perform key maintenance tasks and remotely troubleshoot issues on UTAX devices as well as perform firmware upgrades and setting adjustments. This remote solution will optimise dealers’ service processes and present savings on service costs while providing proactive support for end-users. “With the implementation of the GDPR earlier in 2018, solutions that help end-users introduce security processes and encompass digitisation will continue to prove popular. Solutions that allow the end-user to manage their fleet and report on print usage and accountability will also entice customers. “At UTAX, we will continue to encourage our partners to offer an all- encompassing solution. The combination of our devices and software provides partners with the ideal opportunity to maintain, upgrade and sell to their client base solutions that can make visible differences to business processes. “My final prediction for 2019 is that there will be increasing opportunities for vendors that can expand their vertical market expertise and meet the ever-changing consumer demands for automation. Traditional channel partners must be willing to enhance the customer experience and step outside their comfort zone to capitalise on these opportunities.” www.utaxuk.co.uk Cameron Smith, Head of Sales – ICT and Content Services, Kyocera Document Solutions UK “For me, the future of the IT industry is all about the consolidation of suppliers. Increasingly businesses are going through transformation and are driving towards greater efficiencies and effectiveness in their business. “One area of focus for 2019 will be the ratification of where they do business. They are going to be moving away from the traditional multi-supply channels and instead will look to a small number of key business partners to work closely with them and provide true value to the business. “Suppliers who only supply one service or product will need to diversify or become very specialist. If they do neither, then they are in for a very hard future.” www.kyoceradocumentsolutions. co.uk Tatsuo Murakami, Managing Director, RISO UK “Without a doubt, agility will be the key to success for the print and IT sectors throughout 2019. Why? Because for the UK as a whole, it will be an interesting year, with Brexit and politics dominating My final prediction for 2019 is that there will be increasing opportunities for vendors that can expand their vertical market expertise Cameron Smith Shaun Wilkinson