COMMENT
Looking forward with optimism
For the first issue of 2024, it is a good time to look ahead to what might be in store in the next 12 months in the print sector – and there are some real causes for optimism this year, economically and technologically.
Dan Parton
With Christmas now just a fading memory (even if the added inch on the waistline isn’t) everyone is firmly focused on getting out into the market and selling. For the first time in a few years, there is some genuine optimism in the print sector. As business and the wider economy has
combatted and much more. There are also technological developments that are creating excitement in the print sector. For instance, one of the standout technologies of 2023 was artificial intelligence (AI) and it is certain that its influence will continue to grow in 2024. While AI is still a rapidly developing technology its applications for businesses are becoming increasingly clear – and this includes in print. This is covered in-depth in our feature on p14 where some print leaders discuss its influence across the sector. Elsewhere in the issue, we look at confidential document scanning. Hybrid working has increased the demand for document signature software and scanning equipment in recent years, but it is also important that this is kept safe – the effects of a security breach for confidential documents can be severe. But there are plenty of solutions available and resellers can help to ensure that customers get the right solution for their needs for now and in the future. Read more on p30. As we have been looking ahead, is there anything that you would like to see covered in Print in the Channel this year? If there is a particular topic you think we should be covering, let me know at dan@newsinthechannel.com. Likewise, if you want to get involved in editorial, send news stories or op-eds, please drop me a line.
returned to something like normal – even if growth in the economy has
been slim to non-existent for some time – and people have begun to the return to the
Every quarter we make an award for the best campaign run in the magazine. This quarter Canon has been chosen as the winner. See page 51 for more on the award.
office in greater numbers, there are more selling opportunities for resellers. Many businesses are now looking to renew their fleets or, in some cases, looking at how they can increase efficiency with them and improve their bottom line – business is still difficult for many across the industrial spectrum. Whatever the reason for looking into their printer fleet, it is providing opportunities for resellers to work with customers to find solutions – and this is likely to continue throughout the year. This optimism in the sector is reflected in our 2024 preview feature, which starts on p41. We have asked a range of thought leaders throughout the print sector to give their opinions on how 2024 might pan out for them and the wider sector. This includes the rising impact of the sustainability agenda on the print sector, an anticipated economic recovery, the growing number of cybersecurity threats and how they will be
winner Q4 · 2023
best campaign
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