REVIEW OF 2023
and our solutions’ – has been front of mind for many of our customers, and we’re really pleased to see it hasn’t taken a back seat despite the challenges customers are facing in the market. As we look toward 2024 though, there’s a sense of deja vu; we predicted 2023 would have an uncertain start to the year, but with the current geopolitical and economic situation, we think that uncertainty may also slip into the first half of 2024. That said, customer needs continue to evolve and the transition to cloud gathers pace, so naturally we’re working closer with our partners to help them deliver cloud-based solutions for their customers to make print easier and more
secure, while delivering tangible value, ROI and sustainability benefits for today’s hybrid workforce. We continue to be adaptable and flexible – yet consistent in our values – to work with our partners
to respond effectively to the demands that we anticipate 2024 will place on all businesses globally.
Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar , director, partner channel, Ricoh The hybrid work model remained a core feature for businesses in 2023 with
numerous benefits of automation. Going into 2024, it is vital that print infrastructures actively support flexible working practices and support the continuously evolving workplace, as well as positively boosting ESG credentials. Elsewhere, the reduction of pricing from tier one suppliers looking to obtain larger market share has had a significant effect on trading this year. Customers evaluating their existing print fleet has also been a huge driver in 2023. With more businesses embracing hybrid working, we have seen a large reduction in fleet sizes across the board, as the blend of home and office working has reduced a demand for office print. Looking to 2024, the Ricoh portfolio is getting stronger year on year, generating new opportunities with our existing partners, but also with new partners outside of the regular office print environment. Our new IMC range, Ricoh Smart Integration and Docuware will help us to create a document workflow bridge in the home and office working environment. This will ensure our customers can electronically manage and share documents seamlessly and efficiently, regardless of their location. These are key prerequisites for a successful digital transformation. Our ambition for 2024 is to continue driving growth for our partners – existing and new – reinforcing our position in the market as a workspace integrator with innovative and sustainable workspace solutions.
employees and electronic devices spread across multiple offices and remote locations. Businesses are being increasingly diligent when evaluating their requirements and are aware of the need to accommodate the transition to, and new demands of, home-to- office working. As a result, we have seen an increase in new sales, as more buyers are investing in innovative and new technology to facilitate hybrid working. In addition, over 2023 we have seen a sharp increase in the demand for sustainable products, but also solutions that provide visibility and transparency when it comes to ESG reporting. More and more businesses are demanding greater accountability for green products from cradle to grave. The launch of our latest IM C range of A3 multifunctional printers in June generated great interest with its market-leading sustainability features. Low running costs have also been high on customers’ agenda this year as we have seen a dramatic increase in commercial utility costs. This is where our latest MFP represents a seed change for the industry, with the lowest energy consumption in the market today. In terms of office print, partners are increasingly looking at trusted suppliers to help them accelerate their own and their customers’ digital transformation. It is essential that we continue to work with partners to help them embrace and invest in digital transformation and ultimately reap the
Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar
ricoh.co.uk
CONTINUED
printinthechannel.co.uk
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