Manufacturers continue innovation of core hardware devices to maintain office user relevancy.
On May 1, 2019, the Reiwa era began in Japan. That’s the day Emperor Akihito’s eldest son, Naruhito, ascended to the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan, concluding Heisei, the previous imperial era, which ended April 30, 2019.
Whenever a new emperor is enthroned, the Japanese calendar changes. If you ever have a chance to visit Japan, you may see references to this new era, but don’t be puzzled. The year 2019, which is universal, is commonly used in Japan as well.
While Japan is beginning a new era, so, too, are MFPs. Paper-based workflows are increasingly being superseded by digital workflows over the network. At the same time, security features that prevent viruses and malware from entering an organization via the network or networked devices such as MFPs and printers are becoming a necessity. Because paper and digital documents still coexist within the office, multifunction devices that support different workflows, offer a greater array of applications, and are more secure have become essential to end-users.
For MFP manufacturers””and dealers””competition is heating up as new features and applications emerge. The MFP business is basically a replacement business. That model requires far less energy than trying to acquire new users. However, in order to do that, new features and expanded functionality are necessary to encourage customers to replace their existing MFPs. Because of this, MFP manufacturers historically introduced MFPs with new functions approximately every three years. Examples of these developments include more compact and less expensive color MFPs, MFPs with enhanced scan and fax functions, larger operator panels, and easier to use UIs (user interfaces).
However, commoditization has triggered price competition, as there have been few groundbreaking new MFP functions introduced and no major functional differences between MFPs introduced by the various OEMs over the last few years.
The age of digitizing documents and leveraging the network represents an opportunity for the OEMs to take a commodity such as an MFP and attract customers to their brand. The latest MFPs offer improved network compatibility and enhanced cloud functions that provide access to various cloud services, and are designed for access by a mobile workforce. In addition, security measures have been taken to help prevent troublesome viruses and malware from entering via the network. In order to ensure that users can use MFPs on their network, a variety of enhancements have been made such as encryption and features that can detect if data or software have been tampered with. At the same time, MFPs not only still offers copy, print, and scan capabilities, but also connect to cloud services, functioning as a hub in the workplace to accommodate entire office workflows. These new MFPs can also help OEMs retain customers because they are well equipped for security and are designed to accommodate a mobile workforce.
As long as paper and electronic documents co-exist, MFPs will remain a key component of the office network. And OEMs will continue to ensure their latest generation of MFPs appeal to existing customers and prospects.
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