Print in the Channel - issue #33

PREVIEW 2026

CONTINUED

will be overcoming the misconception that digital transformation is a one- off project. Many customers still underestimate the hidden costs of manual document handling, delays, errors, compliance risks and operational blind spots. Those who reposition print as part of a broader intelligence strategy, powered by automation and IDP, will be

best placed to succeed. Ultimately, I believe 2026 will reward those who help customers bridge the gap between entrenched paper workflows and the need for data driven operations. The print channel’s future lies not in the volume of pages produced, but the value of the information those pages contain. n

Deyon Antoine , product manager, ToshibaTec We’re optimistic about Toshiba prospects in 2026, and not despite the decline in traditional print volumes, but because of it. As organisations continue to move away from paper-first processes, we’ve redefined our focus: innovating around services that deliver real business value, not just hardware.

scanning and archiving 🔥 Continued expansion in barcode labelling, a strong recurring revenue stream driven connectivity, integration and PDF-first print 🔥 AI-powered digitisation, transforming MFPs into intelligent capture and workflow hubs that facilitate end-to- end business processes 🔥 Security and compliance, steered by identity-centric access controls, alongside robust hybrid-cloud options 🔥 An emphasis on sustainability, with a circular-design ethos, longevity and eco-smart toner recycling. However, this transformation carries challenges; hybrid work, cloud migration and AI-driven expectations raise the bar on security and governance. Shrinking margins in hardware will force vendors to embrace services, automation and sustainability strategies. Success hinges on evolving from device vendors to transformation partners, trusted providers who deliver cloud, security and intelligent workflow outcomes. In 2026, it won’t be about print it will be about positioning print as a gateway to digital transformation. With our integrated Toshiba ecosystem from e‑FOLLOW.cloud and e‑BRIDGE MFPs to A‑BRID powered label printers we’re confident we’ll continue empowering customers with measurable value in an AI-powered, data-driven world. n

The wider print channel finds itself at a turning point. Service-led models including cloud print management, workflow automation and IDP will define winners. Toshiba’s e‑FOLLOW. cloud SaaS platform underpins this shift, enabling secure, serverless cloud print environments for hybrid teams. In tandem, our e‑BRIDGE family of MFPs integrates natively with back-end systems like CRM and ERP, delivering seamless data capture and secure workflows. Adjacent growth markets are equally promising. Our A‑BRID-powered industrial barcode and label printers bring smart, PDF-first printing and cloud- managed fleet visibility to logistics, retail and manufacturing, embedding print into mission-critical processes. For Capex-prioritised sectors, we’ve also enabled leasing solutions to unlock access to these platforms during budget uncertainty. Throughout 2026, major trends will include: 🔥 Deeper adoption of cloud-enabled document services, for automated

Deyon Antoine

toshibatec.co.uk

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