subject: Managed print services around the world [print this page] Managed print services around the world Managed print services around the world
A decade or so ago, not many businesses had heard of managed print services, let alone outsourced the management of their print resources to a company specialising in this service. Today, companies all over the world have begun to realise the value of managed print services (MPS) however, and slowly, businesses are starting to take stock of the volumes of printed material that is produced and wasted each year. From a financial point of view, it is easy to see why MPS have become so important saving companies thousands each year as they learn to prevent waste due to printers, fax machines, copiers and other print-based appliances. Then there is the practicality of having print resources managed, rather than trying to do this in-house. From an environmental point of view, green printing has taken the world by storm as a way of saving paper and ink, and reducing the environmental impact that mass printing has caused.
The print management field differs in each country however, with first world areas such as the US and Europe being among the first to recognise the huge demand for MPS solutions. Over time, countries such as South Africa, Australia and Asia have also begin to implement MPS solutions, which is slowly helping to address the balance and save costs, time and precious resources all over the world. A look at how each area is implementing MPS practices offers an interesting comparison of how MPS differs across the world:
South Africa
The managed print services industry in South Africa is still developing, however many MPS companies are slowly starting to change the way the local South African businesses operate in terms of print resources. The demand for increased corporate governance and sustainability in the country has been a huge factor in the growth of the industry, especially in large companies such as government institutions, educational institutions and other large multi-national organisations. Many companies still view print management services as a back office function however, and awareness is still something that needs to grow. The green advantage has helped many businesses consider MPS, and the cost saving is another huge factor in companies choosing MPS in South Africa.
Asia/Pacific
The demand for print management solutions across the Asia/Pacific realm is massive, with recent reports showing that the industry is expected to reach US$530 million in 2010 and surpass US$990 million in 2014. With a growth rate of 17%, the industry has had a huge makeover, with outsourcing and cloud technology proving a huge factor in the demand for outsourced print services across the region.
Europe
Events such as the annual MPS Conference bring together print management manufacturers, resellers, corporate decision makers, software providers and other print experts from all over Europe to discuss new trends and insights. Xerox is one of the top MPS providers in Europe, and is worth billions.
USA
MPS in the United States is a huge, multi-million dollar industry with many key players. Copy houses such as Canon, Minolta, Dell and HP are all key players, with many specialised print services offered on corporate level. The Managed Print Services Association acts as a governance and advisory board, regulating MPS operators and offering resources within the industry.
