The world of work is changing at an ever-increasing pace. Therefore, keeping up with (or getting out in front of) office technology trends now could increase your workplace productivity, streamline business processes and reduce office waste.
Gordon Flesch Company has been an office technology provider since 1956 and we’ve seen workplaces dramatically evolve over the decades. One thing we’ve learned is how to monitor the pulse of the business world and provide our customers with office technology solutions designed to optimize their workplace.
Here’s the top five industry trends in office printing that we see emerging for 2024:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the world of office printers in 2024. With AI capabilities, printers can now analyze data, make intelligent decisions, and optimize printing workflows. AI-powered printers can learn from user preferences, anticipate printing needs and automatically adjust settings for optimal results. This not only saves time and effort but also improves overall printing efficiency and accuracy.
Furthermore, AI can enable printers to detect and prevent potential issues, even before they occur. By continuously monitoring printer performance and analyzing data, AI-powered printers can identify maintenance needs, predict component failures and even order replacement supplies automatically. This proactive approach eliminates downtime and ensures uninterrupted printing operations.
In addition, AI can enhance the security of office printers. AI algorithms can detect and prevent unauthorized access, identify potential security threats and protect sensitive information. With AI-powered printers, businesses can have greater peace of mind knowing that their printing infrastructure is better protected against cyberattacks and data breaches.
The expansion of hybrid work models, where employees split their time between remote and office work, has significant implications for printer technology in 2024. With employees working from a variety of locations, the demand for flexible and versatile printing solutions has increased. Businesses now require printers that can seamlessly integrate with cloud-based platforms, enabling remote printing and document sharing.
Hybrid work also calls for enhanced mobile printing capabilities. Employees need the ability to print from their smartphones, tablets and laptops, regardless of their location. Printers that support secure mobile printing technologies, such as uniFLOW or PaperCut are forecasted to be popular in 2024.
Moreover, printer technology will need to adapt to the changing collaboration needs of hybrid work environments. Printers with built-in collaboration features, such as document scanning and sending to an email address or internal organizational file will facilitate seamless collaboration and streamline workflows.
With cyberthreats and attacks on the rise, the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect office printers (and any other networked office technology) is paramount in 2024. Cyberthreats are evolving, and printers can be vulnerable entry points for hackers. To address this, printer manufacturers are focusing on implementing advanced security features.
In 2024, businesses can expect printers with enhanced authentication features, such as biometric authentication and smart card readers. These features ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive printing functions and data.
Additionally, printers will feature improved encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and storage. Secure printing options, such as confidential print release, will also be available to prevent unauthorized access to printed documents.
Furthermore, printer manufacturers will provide regular firmware updates to address any security vulnerabilities and ensure printers are protected against emerging threats. It is crucial for every business to stay proactive in updating their printer firmware to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
RELATED: Why Your Managed Print Provider Should Have a Security Council
Environmental sustainability is an integral part of any office environment. Even more so, in 2024. Today’s newer generation of multifunctional printers are equipped with energy-saving modes when not in use and can be configured to combine multiple office productivity functions within one compact device. Printing, copying, scanning and faxing (or any combination of these) functions can be designed to be included within the same, shared office device.
Many businesses have also been choosing to reevaluate their office technology for maximum business process optimization and to reduce paper waste. We expect to see this trend continue through 2024 and beyond.
In addition, a review of a business’s current office technology devices, fleet use data and a short discussion about business goals is often all that is needed to help a knowledgeable office technology provider design an older print fleet into a cost-effective and more environmentally sustainable office solution.
The simple printer of yesteryear has grown-up and is now poised to serve a broader purpose beyond printing. Today’s office printers are more commonly multifunctional devices that integrate seamlessly into a modern workplace.
One of the key trends is the integration of document scanning and digital archiving capabilities into printers. This allows businesses to digitize their paper documents, store them electronically, and easily retrieve and share them when needed. By eliminating paper-based processes, businesses can increase efficiency and reduce storage costs.
Furthermore, printers will offer advanced document management features, such as automated document routing and indexing. These features enable businesses to streamline their document workflows, automate repetitive tasks and improve overall productivity.
Don’t let the wrong technology hold your business back. Contact the Gordon Flesch Company for a no obligation expert review of your office equipment and take a look at what Managed Print could do for you.
We are ready to partner with you to identify any technology gaps or opportunities for improvement. Take advantage of our fresh, outside perspective and request a free office technology needs assessment, today!
