PRINTITRESELLER.UK 39 VOX POP continued... As yet another year draws to a close, key industry players share their thoughts on what 2024 will hold for the print and IT sectors Print predictions: part one Mark Ash, Chief Revenue Officer, Konica Minolta: The UK print and IT sectors are both expected to grow in 2024, driven by increasing demand for digital printing and cloud computing services. In the print sector, we can anticipate a continued shift towards digitalisation, with an emphasis on sustainability and cost-efficiency. As businesses increasingly prioritise eco-friendly practices, Konica Minolta will be at the forefront of offering innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints while improving productivity. The adoption of cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI-driven technologies will remain pivotal. Cloud computing is expected to continue to be adopted by businesses of all sizes in 2024, as it offers a number of benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Data security is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes, and this is expected to drive demand for IT security solutions in 2024. AI and machine learning are being used in a variety of ways in the print and IT sectors. For example, AI is being used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of digital printing processes, and machine learning is being used to develop new IT security solutions. A great example of this is AI being overlaid on to CCTV to create intelligent video, where the use cases are vast – from detecting product defects, picking errors in warehousing and logistics, through to identifying potential fires in waste management. Each example can save business millions of pounds per annum! Konica Minolta will align its IT services to provide comprehensive solutions that facilitate seamless integration with the print environment, enhancing overall operational efficiency for businesses. We also believe that that collaboration and adaptability will be key to success in both sectors. Our indirect channel is continuing to grow, and Konica Minolta aims to foster partnerships and leverage its expertise to address the evolving needs of businesses. In summary, 2024 promises to be a dynamic year for the UK print and IT sectors, with Konica Minolta driving innovation and sustainability to meet the changing demands of the market. www.konicaminolta.co.uk Shaun Wilkinson, Managing Director, UTAX: 2024 will be a time of continued opportunity. Customers will continue to look for tighter cost control and efficiencies within their businesses and will want to procure their managed print systems from partners that show a high level of professional service, at the best possible price points. Products such as the cloud-based Utax Fleet Services and Cloud Print and Scan are industry leading products that really help dealers to deliver fast efficient service at the best possible price points, whilst facilitating the removal of costly on-premise print server infrastructure. Print volumes will continue to decline. Those partners that pivot to providing more value added services will thrive as they become more integrated into the customers’ IT service provision. www.utax.co.uk Steve Hawkins, Owner and Managing Director, Xeretec: Next year will be an interesting one with employers Mark Ash Cloud computing is expected to continue to be adopted by businesses of all sizes in 2024, as it offers a number of benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost savings
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