Print IT Reseller - issue 123

PRINTITRESELLER.UK 45 VOX POP Dave Higgott, Technical Director, PCL Direct Group: Innovation, R&D and a modernised approach will be key to creating more opportunities for growth in the industry. Technological innovations, such as, maybe, higher-grade toners, and engineering advancements will result in significant improvements in product performance, reliability, and sustainability, making remanufactured products more widely accepted and used in end-user applications. PCL Direct are always looking at ways to improve testing and further automate quality measures. We aim to continue to elevate the standards of remanufactured consumables, for compatibility and long life, that meet or exceed OEM standards. Market intelligence will certainly help to shape the way the industry moves forward and navigate the challenges that inevitably lay ahead, and, as a result, create more opportunities for everyone in the industry. https://pcl-direct.com continued... Dave Higgott Arjan Paulussen, Managing Director, Western Europe and English-speaking Africa, Lexmark: The printing industry is only beginning to scratch the surface of AI’s potential. AI‑powered predictive diagnostics are already in use, and as AI technology matures, we envision even more transformative applications. In the wake of generative AI’s explosive growth, harnessing the combined power of AI, big data, and analytics is more critical than ever. Device sensor data allows for optimised serviceability and maintenance, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction. AI-driven insights empower data-driven decision-making and identify new growth opportunities. AI is transforming office technology, automating routine tasks, analysing vast datasets, and personalising client experiences. Predictive maintenance algorithms can proactively identify potential printer issues, preventing disruptions before they affect customers. Further, AI-driven analytics also reveal hidden patterns and trends, leading to more informed decisions and improved business outcomes. Big data and analytics provide invaluable insights into client needs and preferences. Analysing data from device sensors allows for optimised serviceability and maintenance, minimising downtime and maximising customer satisfaction. Furthermore, advanced analytics can uncover new avenues for growth, such as market expansion or the development of new service offerings. Security will continue to be paramount, especially given the interconnected nature of modern printers. AI already plays a crucial role in edge network security, monitoring traffic for suspicious activity. For over 15 years, AI algorithms within network firewalls have been essential for threat detection. However, printers often are an overlooked security concern. Robust network architecture is key to enabling AI-powered monitoring of endpoint traffic, including printers. In addition, Lexmark embraces a systematic and holistic approach, from product development to use and disposal. This aims at protecting data and documents at every stage of document management processes. The increasing adoption of zero trust network principles further amplifies the opportunity for AI to enhance network security. Sustainability is another major trend that the print channel will need to continue to focus on. This is where Lexmark’s ‘‘intentional engineering’’ strategy comes into play. Our devices are built to last 7+ years at minimum; thanks to their robustness they can stay longer in the field. This helps to minimise the impact on the environment as fewer devices need to be remanufactured, recycled or get disposed of. While many companies in the print industry have adopted recycling programs and the used of post-consumer recycled materials, remanufacturing practices aren’t that widespread. Lexmark sets an example for the industry with its elaborate remanufacturing programmes for cartridges, LCCP, and for hardware, LECP. Among their great many benefits, such as lower raw material usage and reduced landfill waste, Lexmark cartridges contain, by weight, 43% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), with the target of 50% set for 2025. Our hardware contains 40% PCR content with our some of our new A3 9-Series printers already containing 73% recycled plastic. The future of printing is intelligent, intuitive and interconnected as well as green. At Lexmark, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this AI- und sustainabilitydriven transformation. We’re committed to collaborating with our channel partners to unlock the full potential of AI and durability and shape the future of printing, together. www.lexmark.com Arjan Paulussen Innovation, R&D and a modernised approach will be key to creating more opportunities for growth in the industry

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