Print in the Channel – Issue #34

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Issue #34

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COMMENT

Growing opportunities While traditional print volumes might be declining, there are other areas of print that are growing, which means that resellers and MPS providers should look at offering a diverse range of products and services to maximise their potential for profitability.

The death of the print has been exaggerated. Many of us will be veterans of the ‘paperless office’ era and will know that they never happened – and there is little prospect of it either. While it might be true that overall print volumes have decreased over the years, it is still a vital part of many businesses. As more people return to the office, print volumes are even increasing in some sectors of the economy – and the volume of new product launches in this sector is testament to the continuing demand for print. One of the sectors where print volumes have largely held up is education. Teachers still rely on print for classroom resources – everything from pictures to colour in to scripts for school drama productions – and admin staff also often print resources too. This, of course, presents opportunities for resellers – and multifunctional printers are a key part of this. Read more on p28. But for businesses in the print channel, it makes sense to have a product portfolio that embraces more than just traditional print – it brings opportunities for bringing in new revenue and diversifies the risk, as if one sector isn’t performing so well, another may be growing. One area of print that is growing is

wide format, with demand growing across a range of retail sectors, and the types of application it is being used for is also growing, including short run items, and printing on various types of textiles and boards. This presents plenty of opportunities for resellers that are already in the market or are considering making the leap into it. Read more on p35. Another growing area of print is mobile label printers. In a feature on p24, we look at how mobile label

Dan Parton

printers are becoming more popular in healthcare settings and can help clinical staff to be more efficient and

spend more time with patients, rather than on admin tasks.

These features show that there is plenty of activity across print, and numerous of opportunities for resellers to capitalise on in the coming years. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. Print in the Channel is for everyone working in the print channel, so if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future issue – or have a news story or opinion piece you would like to submit for consideration for publication – please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com. n

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CONTENTS

News You should know p8 Product launches Epson p14 Kyocera p18 Cover story Kyocera. Scan. Store. Print. p16 Interview: Sharp Paul Leach p20 Mobile label printers in healthcare p24 MFPs for education p28 Wide format printers p34 Sustainable consumables p38 Secure MPS p42 EKM An emerging force p47 Making Tax Digital p48 Eagle Eye BI Barcode readers p52 People p54

For Sharp, 2025 was a significant year with the launch of a refreshed visual identity and significant activity in the print and document management sectors, which is expected to continue in 2026. Interview: Paul Leach, Sharp – p20

With sustainability continuing to ascend the list of priorities, customers are looking at all aspects of a business’ operations to find ways to reduce their environmental impact. One way to do this is through using sustainable consumables in printers – but what options are available, and what difference can they make? Sustainable consumables – p38

Mobile label printers in healthcare – p24

As healthcare organisations increasingly digitalise their operations and look for ways to free up staff for more patient- focused duties, an increasing number are turning to mobile label printers to help.

Product Launches Epson – p14

Epson has launched SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer that aims to tap into the growing demand for textile transfer printing by delivering a device that enables users to have greater productivity.

Kyocera UK has unveiled Kyocera Business Solutions, a complete cloud suite designed to help hybrid businesses streamline document capture, centralise secure content management and enable flexible cloud-based printing.

Kyocera – p18

CONTENTS

Demand for wide format printing and printers is growing across a range of retail sectors, and the types of application being used is also growing, including short run items, and printing on various types of textiles and boards. Wide format printers – p34

Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ printinthechannel.com Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ printinthechannel.com Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ printinthechannel.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus.bester@ stockinthechannel.com

Secure MPS – p42

Managed print services continue to grow in popularity, but a key concern for many customers is ensuring that it is kept secure. Increasingly, specialist MPS and cloud management security solutions are seen as the way forward. Printing is still a crucial part of everyday operations for education providers, and multifunctional printers provide an effective option – but their demands are evolving, which resellers should be alive to.

MFPs for education – p28

Making Tax Digital – p48

Business intelligence – p52

With Making Tax Digital being gradually introduced for SMBs, it presents opportunities for resellers to create new revenue streams with data capture and workflow automation solutions, says Andrew Graham, channel development manager at PFU (EMEA).

From handheld units at retail checkout to rugged scanners in warehouses and logistics hubs, barcode readers are the backbone of real-time inventory, checkout efficiency and automated stock movement, keeping goods flowing and tills ringing without a hiccup.

Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:

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NEWS

Epson celebrates Keypoint Intelligence Awards wins

Epson has secured a range of accolades at industry analysts Keypoint Intelligence’s annual awards, securing praise for its Heat-Free business inkjet printers and its business scanner line-up. The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890 and the WorkForce Enterprise AM-C550 secured 2025 Pick Awards in the A4 category having delivered a ‘strong performance in all print speed tests’. Further, the printers demonstrated ‘faster- than-average job streams and first-print- out-times that help make for productive, multi-user environments’. Their ‘simple operation’ and ‘impressive range of apps’ as well as ‘professional image quality’ and ‘cloud and mobile print support’ also drew recognition from Keypoint Intelligence. Further praise was directed towards Epson’s WorkForce Enterprise AM- C5000, which secured an Outstanding

Achievement Award in Reliability . “We’re thrilled to have received so much recognition during the Keypoint Intelligence 2025 Awards and are delighted that the efforts we make with our products and their capabilities have been recognised by such a prestigious analyst group,” said Karl Angove, Epson Europe. Alongside its printers, Epson’s business scanner range also achieved recognition as the 2025 Scanner Line of the year. The range was identified for its ‘excellent performance during Keypoint Intelligence’s testing’ with the analyst group praising it as a ‘fresh, broad portfolio with strong features set that can meet and exceed the needs of different working environments.’ The range was further praised for its ‘exceptional ease of use, notable image quality and excellent software offering’. n

Karl Angove

epson.co.uk

AI becomes defining force in print and capture market

AI is moving from experimental add on to essential enabler across the global print and capture industry, according to Quocirca’s AI Vendor Landscape 2026 report. As organisations intensify digital transformation initiatives, print manufacturers and ISVs are embedding AI across devices, platforms, software and managed services to drive productivity, automation, security and sustainability. The report shows that AI now accounts for an average of 22% of total IT budgets, with two thirds of organisations expecting increased AI spending this year. Print vendors are responding with accelerated innovation, expanding AI powered solutions for predictive maintenance, document processing, workflow automation, cybersecurity and environmental performance. The study highlights a shift from device centric innovation to AI enabled platforms,

intelligence and automation across the full print ecosystem. Key growth areas include: ✒ Intelligent document processing: Vendors are rapidly enhancing data extraction, classification and routing through machine learning, NLP and advanced OCR. Vendors are also integrating generative AI summary capabilities to support document capture solutions ✒ Predictive maintenance and device optimisation: AI powered analytics help predict part failures, automate consumables replenishment, refine print job routing, and enhance uptime, creating substantial value for managed print services environments ✒ Document and device security: MFPs are recognised attack vectors, and vendors are embedding AI to detect anomalies, block threats, automatically apply optimal security configurations

quocirca.com

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NEWS

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and enable compliant content handling ✒ Environmental monitoring and

the top application for AI in print ✒ Rise of agentic AI: Agentic AI, which can make autonomous decisions and execute tasks across systems, is the next major technology disruptor. Leading vendors are already exploring agent driven orchestration for workflows, service operations and fleet management. n

sustainability: Reducing waste, optimising consumables, tracking

carbon emissions, and improving energy efficiency are top priorities for reducing the environmental impact of print infrastructure. 32% of IT decision makers see reducing environmental impact as

Major update for ScanSnap iX2500

This allows users to quickly and easily use iX2500 units across different locations, on another floor or a shared office. In addition, ScanSnap Go makes it easier to share the scanner among family members. Users can simply bring a smartphone close to instantly connect to any iX2500 with their own scan settings. If users already use an iX2500, ScanSnap Go will temporarily connect their smartphone to the iX2500 when they bring it close. The same settings they usually use will appear on the scanner touch panel. This means users can instantly use any iX2500 anywhere with the same feel as their usual ScanSnap iX2500. Once disconnected, user information is cleared from the iX2500 unit itself, ensuring security. n

PFU Ltd has released a major update for the flagship model of its ScanSnap series of image scanners, the ScanSnap iX2500, which digitises documents quickly with one touch. This update introduces the ScanSnap Go feature*, which allows users to instantly enjoy their own personalised scanning experience with any iX2500 by simply holding a smartphone close to it – ideal for shared offices, hot-desking environments and other flexible workspaces. With a tap, customised scan profile settings appear on the scanner’s touchscreen (including the user’s usual destinations they are set up to scan to), allowing any iX2500 to function as their own personal scanner, transcending time, location and device.

pfu.ricoh.com/global

Mimaki receives 3M approval

Mimaki Engineering’s large-format printer UCJV330 series and the UV- curable inks LUS-170 and LUS-175 used in the printer have been approved for the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty Program. The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty Program is the most comprehensive finished graphics warranty in the industry. The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty provides non-prorated warranty coverage for the graphic’s intended lifespan, including protection against fading, cracking, peeling, blistering, discoloration and other aspects of graphic performance, thereby providing print service companies and their customers

with the peace of mind and confidence that their graphics will perform as expected for the intended lifetime of the printed graphic. UV-curable inks eliminate the need for post-print drying, enabling immediate lamination and installation. Furthermore, LUS-170/LUS-175 ink possesses high stretchability, achieving excellent conformability to curved surfaces. This certification enables Mimaki to offer customers time performance and high application performance in graphic production, such as signage and vehicle wraps and the added value of long-term durability warranty. n

mimaki.com

NEWS

Testing of Fujifilm’s Acuity Triton with AQUAFUZE ink technology report benefits

Early beta testing of Fujifilm’s Acuity Triton with AQUAFUZE ink technology has shown that it has major benefits in terms of flexibility, productivity and application quality. Glasgow-based signs and vehicle branding specialist FastSigns Scotland was selected in early 2025 as one of the first global beta sites for Fujifilm’s new Acuity Triton printer, powered by AQUAFUZE ink technology. The company has worked closely with Fujifilm since then to validate the printer and ink system in real-world production environments. The Acuity Triton, combined with AQUAFUZE ink provides the benefits of eco-solvent and UV technologies in a single solution. It enables instant drying and outstanding scratch resistance, while also offering the flexibility required for applications such as vehicle graphics.

FastSigns Scotland has completed an extensive range of signage solutions across hospitality, retail and manufacturing sectors. To support this breadth of work, the company required a technology that could combine precision, reliability and environmental responsibility. “The machine is very easy to run, from loading media to the RIP software – everything just works with very little effort,” said managing director Robert Lambie. “The print quality is brilliant: vibrant, razor-sharp, even on text only a few millimetres high. And being able to laminate prints straight out of the machine is a massive bonus. “AQUAFUZE LED UV, water-based ink is a genuine game-changing technology – reducing energy use and cutting running costs, while also opening up more media options. It’s the right step for our business!” n

Robert Lambie

fastsignsltd.com

Canon launches new inspection unit for imagePRESS V series

Canon has launched its new Inspection Unit-C1 module for the imagePRESS V series of production colour digital presses. This delivers enhanced efficiency and new features to optimise the accurate production of variable data content, including barcodes, without the need for a manual review of each printed page. Canon’s Inspection Unit-C1 replaces its previous unit, introduced in 2021, and sets a higher standard for efficiency and output integrity in digital printing.

The new Inspection Unit-C1 module helps to optimise the accurate production of variable data content, including barcodes, without requiring a manual review of each printed page. When a defect is detected, the system automatically purges the affected sheet(s) and performs recovery printing, completing the job without additional input. This automation enables consistent, high-precision inspection while reducing operator workload and improving overall

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NEWS IN DEPTH

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production efficiency. The Inspection Unit-C1 adds advanced capabilities to the imagePRESS V series, including barcode reading, data matching and text recognition to address a wide range of printing requirements. It ensures reliable variable printing, even for information impossible to inspect visually. Equipped with intelligent functions that reference the actual content of printed materials, the system supports a range of variable printing applications. For jobs containing data such as barcodes that cannot be visually

verified, the module automatically reads and validates each code against pre- registered CSV data. In double-sided applications, it can also read text in specified areas on both sides and confirm accuracy, helping to prevent layout- related misprints. Additionally, the Inspection Unit-C1 supports colour fluctuation inspection at designated points within the print data. The system automatically detects colour variations during production and initiates purge and recovery operations as needed. n

canon.co.uk

Greens Ltd invests in new Ricoh printers

Greens Ltd has bought a Ricoh Pro 8400 and two new Ricoh Pro C9500 printers as it scales production to meet growing client demand across multiple sectors. Greens Ltd. produces clinical research materials for drug trials, with its complex document construction and global distribution. Other main areas of operation include data and transactional print, mailing and distribution. In addition, Greens Ltd. is a key UK evaluation site for Ricoh at three production sites (London, Burgess Hill and High Wycombe). It is currently trialling Ricoh Predictive Insight, an advanced analytics dashboard set to replace Ricoh Supervisor, as well as Batch Builder and Ricoh Process Director to automate and

greensdigital.com

streamline job submission from the web- to-print platform, Doxzoo. “At Greens Ltd., we’re focused on delivering consistent, high-quality print for our clients across a wide range of sectors,” said Martin Day, group operations director at Greens Ltd. “By continuing our partnership with Ricoh, we’ve strengthened our production capacity, standardised colour and pricing across all engines, and increased our overall efficiency. Ricoh’s service and support have been key to helping us meet the demands of a growing client base.” Scott Gardiner, strategic account manager – High Speed Inkjet Solutions at Ricoh UK, added: “We’ve been a trusted partner of Greens Ltd… for over a decade now. Its latest investment in the Ricoh Pro 8400 and Pro C9500 devices to diversify its range of print products demonstrates not only its commitment to improving productivity and print quality, but also the company’s continued trust in Ricoh technology and the reliability we deliver.” n

Greens Ltd.: Martin Day, Group Operations Director (left) and Adam Branaghan, Head of Operations (right)

printinthechannel.co.uk

PRODUCT LAUNCH Epson SureColor G9000

Sure thing Epson has launched SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer that aims to tap into the growing demand for textile transfer printing by delivering a device that enables users to have greater productivity.

In recent years, one of the fastest growing parts of the print sector has been in textile transfer printing. The fashion for garments and accessories with printed logos or designs shows no signs of slowing any time soon, and many businesses are now looking to expand their presence in or move into this market to capitalise on its growth. Printer manufacturers are also responding to this increasing demand for direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing. This includes Epson, which has been active in this market for years, and has recently launched its latest model for this sector, the SureColor G9000, a high-production DTFilm printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. The SureColor G9000 joins Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000. The SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and

textile producers. DTFilm printing creates heat-applied transfers that can be applied to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather and rigid surfaces. Epson note that the SC-G9000 offers a complete Epson solution as it has an Epson-manufactured printer and printhead, as well as inks and software. This, say Epson, ensures optimal quality, system compatibility and long-term reliability. Range of features As you would expect, the SC-G9000 has a range of features that commercial garment decorators and textile producers are looking for. For instance, the SC- G9000 integrates PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead technology, a built-in front heater and large 1.6L UltraChrome DF ink pouches for sustained throughput. Crucially for companies in this sector,

PRODUCT LAUNCH Epson SureColor G9000

which are often under time pressure to produce garment runs, the SC-GH9000 has a default 1200×600dpi resolution, which achieves faster production speeds with superior image quality compared to previous models, while a new built-in after-heater prevents ink dripping and broadens media compatibility. The system supports automatic daily maintenance, including a fabric wiper that cleans the printhead and automated cleaning of the suction cap. This automation significantly reduces operator time and ensures maximum uptime, making it ideal for busy production environments. The SC-G9000 also features: ➡ 2.64” PrecisionCore micro TFP printhead with symmetrical nozzle arrangement, providing high productivity while maintaining high image quality ➡ Media capacity up to 1,626mm wide rolls, supporting all common DTFilm media widths on the market ➡ User-replaceable printheads, reducing downtime and service intervention ➡ Minimal user maintenance, with an optimised fabric wiper system requiring only periodic replacement ➡ A 4.3-inch touchscreen, signal lamp, and internal print-area lighting for clear visual feedback during production. The printer ships with Epson Edge Print Pro and Fiery Digital Factory Epson Production Edition RIP software, plus supports leading third-party ISV RIP

solutions, ensuring seamless workflow compatibility. The SC-G9000 will be sold as a printer-only unit, with dedicated reseller partners supplying compatible powder shakers or curing units, along with films, powders and other consumables. Leading a fast-growing market The new model continues Epson’s investment in high-growth textile segments. Since 2020, DTFilm has become one of the fastest-expanding digital textile printing technologies, with 8% forecast annual growth, while traditional direct-to-garment printing volumes decline. The SC-G9000 builds on this momentum. “With the launch of the SC-G9000, Epson is strengthening its leadership in the fast-growing DTFilm market,” said Grant Cooke, product manager, Commercial & Industrial Printing, Epson Europe. “Customers have told us they need greater productivity, more reliability and less hands-on maintenance. The SC-G9000 delivers on all fronts, giving demanding production environments a high-performance solution engineered entirely by Epson. “Using proven technology from existing Epson platforms

Grant Cooke

epson.co.uk

The SC-G9000 delivers on all fronts, giving demanding production environments a high-performance solution engineered entirely by Epson. “ ”

such as the SC-R5000 and SC-F3000, the SC-G9000 delivers the speed, reliability and image quality customers expect from Epson, all while reducing the total cost of ownership and time to market for businesses expanding into

DTFilm production.” n

printinthechannel.co.uk

Cover story

PRODUCT LAUNCH KYOCERA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Complete cover Kyocera UK has unveiled Kyocera Business Solutions, a complete cloud suite designed to help hybrid businesses streamline document capture, centralise secure content management and enable flexible cloud-based printing.

Businesses in many sectors are increasingly look to digitalise more of their operations, especially in the office, to help boost efficiency and productivity and keep up with rivals in a competitive marketplace. Increasingly, businesses look for solutions across the document lifecycle, from scan, to print to storage as part of this digitisation, but often there is not one solution available that covers this – usually solutions cover one part, but not all. But a solution has arrived from Kyocera Document Solutions UK, called Kyocera Business Solutions, which addresses this gap. It is a suite of cloud-based applications designed to bring simplicity to document scanning, workflow automation, secure storage and print management processes for agile, hybrid workplaces. Kyocera Business Solutions delivers enterprise-grade functionality right out of the box, helping organisations reduce complexity, improve productivity, and maintain security across every device. It is built on the Kyocera Digital Cloud Platform, which provides secure, multi- tenant architecture, centralised policy management and partner extensibility for rapid innovation. Kyocera Business Solutions includes three integrated services:

Kyocera Business Solutions delivers enterprise-grade functionality right out of the box, helping organisations reduce complexity, improve productivity, and maintain security across every device.

HyPAS app ☁ Built-in OCR and indexing features to support searchable PDFs and multiple output formats ☁ Integrates with third-party repositories such as OneDrive, SharePoint and Google Drive. This service is particularly useful for things like contract management automation, as KCC can capture agreements, extract key details and route them to the correct legal or procurement workflows automatically, ensuring consistent storage and timely renewal alerts. Kyocera Cloud Information Manager (KCIM) ☁ An advanced document management tool with OCR, one-click indexing and advanced search functions ☁ Mobile-friendly for hybrid work environments ☁ Secure by design: encryption, role- based access controls and audit trails come as standard ☁ Compliance-ready with automated retention policies and traceability. KCIM is effective, for example, in accelerating invoice approvals through

Kyocera Cloud Capture (KCC) ☁ Secure scanning with user

authentication via PIN, IC card or username and password ☁ Centralised workflow control via a secure web portal and embedded

PRODUCT LAUNCH KYOCERA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

modular subscription tiers that offer flexible choice, partners can tailor the right solution for every customer with ease. Secure, scalable and simple Kyocera Document Solutions is designed to cover the document lifecycle. “In today’s decentralised and hybrid work environment, businesses need solutions that are secure, scalable and simple to deploy,” said Graham Foxwell, product marketing lead, Kyocera Document Solutions UK. “Most tools currently available on the market handle only one part of the document lifecycle: capture, storage or print. Kyocera Business Solutions delivers all of this in a single stack. This reduces IT complexity, vendor count and total cost of ownership, while ensuring consistent performance, security and reporting. “We also designed Kyocera Business Solutions very much with our channel partners in mind. Given the simplicity of the offering, partners can guarantee shorter deployment times, while opening up access to easier cross-sell opportunities and stronger differentiation in competitive bids.” n

automatic indexing and policy-driven retention.

Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan (KCPS ) ☁ Secure print release through card, PIN or SSO, with users able to collect documents at any device ☁ No VPN required, ensuring reliable connectivity across locations ☁ Integrates natively with Microsoft Entra ID for secure sign-in and policy control ☁ Includes print policies to enforce duplex/mono printing and reduce waste. KCPS is particularly useful in enabling secure printing from home or branch offices, without print servers or complex VPN setups. Channel ready Kyocera Business Solutions is fully channel ready, enabling partners to deliver value quickly and profitably. Its server free cloud platform streamlines sales conversations and supports fast, low complexity deployments. The new devices also come with Kyocera’s business solutions already installed and ready to activate, accelerating customer onboarding. Combined with

Graham Foxwell

kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk

“

In today’s decentralised and hybrid work environment, businesses need solutions that are secure, scalable, and simple to deploy.

”

printinthechannel.co.uk

SHARP

Cutting edge For Sharp, 2025 was a significant year with the launch of a refreshed visual identity and significant activity in the print and document management sectors, which is expected to continue in 2026.

demands by ensuring our range of MFPs connect directly to all popular cloud storage services. We’ll continue to expand and evolve our portfolio of solutions to meet these changing needs in the marketplace. What is your assessment of the UK print market currently? PL: The UK print market is evolving, shaped by shifting workplace dynamics, the adoption of AI and innovation, and heightened expectations around sustainability and security. Speaking with our partners, we know organisations are increasingly seeking print solutions that deliver reliable performance and integrate seamlessly with digital workflows and cloud environments. The rise of hybrid and remote working has accelerated demand for devices that support flexible, secure and efficient document management, with features such as real time monitoring, remote management and advanced security protocols becoming standard requirements. Sustainability is now a central consideration. Customers expect technology partners to demonstrate clear environmental responsibility, while delivering integrated managed print, IT services and audio-visual solutions through a single partner. The reseller community also remains a cornerstone of the UK print sector, providing essential expertise, local support and tailored solutions to a diverse range of customers. Our investment in partner platforms and resources helps resellers respond quickly to evolving customer needs. Overall, the UK print market is competitive and resilient, with innovation,

The print and document management sectors are evolving quickly in the UK, and manufacturers such as Sharp are at the vanguard, helping resellers to capitalise on the opportunities there. Here, Paul Leach, sales director Information Systems at Sharp UK, talks about these sectors, how they are faring and his hopes for the future.

Print in the Channel: How was 2025 for Sharp?

Paul Leach

Paul Leach: 2025 was a transformative year for Sharp, marked by the launch of our new proposition and refreshed visual identity, bringing everything together as a technology partner. We also completed a major refresh of our A3 portfolio and significantly expanded our A4 offering, with further innovations previewed at our Inspire Expo. Looking back at 2025, our main successes included increased market share in the 31-45ppm segment, major investments in partner platforms, and heightened eco credentials in the new products we introduced to the market. However, 2025 didn’t come without change and a need to adapt client and partner expectations around sustainability and security requirements.

sharp.co.uk

Is there greater demand for the integration of print and document

management services? PL: Demand for integrated print and document management services is growing, driven by hybrid work and digital transformation. At Sharp, we’re responding to these ever-changing

SHARP

integration and sustainability driving its evolution. Manufacturers and partners that can deliver holistic, secure, sustainable and digitally enabled solutions are well positioned to thrive.

We couldn’t cover trends without mentioning AI, which is continuing to accelerate with AI driven platforms enabling smarter automation, predictive maintenance and enhanced workflow efficiency. The impact of AI is especially noticeable in the advancement of document management software, where intelligent technologies are increasingly being used to optimise workflows and provide meaningful, data driven recommendations. Finally, the role of the reseller is evolving, with partners expected to provide more consultative, value-added services that address the spectrum of customer needs from technology integration and support to sustainability and compliance. Collectively, these trends position technology partners, like Sharp, and resellers to deliver greater value to their customers.

How important is the reseller community in the print market?

PL: Resellers are not just sales channels; they’re trusted advisors who bring deep market knowledge, technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of their clients’ unique business challenges. The reseller community is vital to our go-to market strategy, and the investment we have recently made in partner support, including our SharpOne partner portal and Partnershop reflects this. Both allow us to help partners streamline access to marketing assets, service support and ordering.

“

Sustainability is another major

trend, with businesses

placing greater emphasis on the environmental impact of their technology choices, which is reflected in the growing demand for devices made with recycled materials, energy efficient operations, and comprehensive recycling and remanufacturing programmes.

What are the main trends in the market currently?

How important is sustainability for customers, and what is

PL: There are several key trends that are shaping the market, with one of the biggest being the ongoing shift towards digital transformation and the integration of print solutions with cloud-based workflows. Speaking with our partners, they’re increasingly seeking platforms that enable seamless connectivity between devices, cloud storage and document management systems, supporting the rise of new working models. Sustainability is another major trend, with businesses placing greater emphasis on the environmental impact of their technology choices, which is reflected in the growing demand for devices made with recycled materials, energy efficient operations, and comprehensive recycling and remanufacturing programmes. Security remains a top priority. Our partners are looking for solutions with robust security protocols, real time monitoring and compliance with evolving regulations to stay ahead of these new threats.

Sharp doing to make its products more sustainable? PL: Sustainability is increasingly important for Sharp customers, and we embed environmental responsibility into product innovations, increasing recycled materials in devices – up to 50% PCR in BP MFPs – introducing energy-saving features and offering free toner recycling. Our Eco Vision 2050 strategy is also guiding our long-term sustainability efforts, including energy efficient technologies and minimising lifecycle impact.

What is Sharp doing to ensure its print devices are as secure

”

as possible? PL: We’re enhancing the security of our print devices to address the growing risks posed by cyberthreats. Our new MFPs are equipped with advanced security features such as secure print capabilities, robust device authentication and real time monitoring.

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SHARP

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We’re also working with security experts such as Bitdefender to offer antivirus protection for our devices. By integrating these measures and maintaining a strong focus on compliance, we’re ensuring that customers can operate with confidence, knowing their data and workflows are well protected. How is AI fitting into Sharp’s plan for print? PL: AI is a central element in our print strategy, powering new solutions that enhance automation, efficiency and security. By leveraging AI, we can deliver more intelligent, adaptive and user- friendly print solutions that meet the evolving demands of our partners.

stay competitive and future ready.

What are customers looking for in document management

software currently? PL: Customers are seeking document management software that delivers simplicity, flexibility and robust protection. As digitalisation accelerates, they want solutions that are intuitive to use, can be accessed from anywhere, and integrate smoothly with other business tools and cloud services. There is also a growing expectation for advanced features like automated workflows, intelligent search and real-time collaboration capabilities. As organisations become more digitally mature, their requirements are shifting towards platforms that manage documents efficiently and support compliance, scalability and seamless adaptation to changing work environments.

“

What plans do Sharp have for print in 2026?

Organisations are recognising the value of centralised, easily accessible document solutions that can adapt to office and remote work environments. As a result, there is a clear and growing need for platforms that offer seamless integration and enhanced security.

PL: Building on last year’s success, we’re planning more innovative launches in 2026, including the official launch of the MX428F A4 mono desktop MFP and high- speed colour A3 MFPs. These releases will continue to focus on sustainability, enhanced security and seamless integration to ensure we’re keeping up with new demands.

What are Sharp’s plans for the document management market

in 2026? PL: We have an ambitious vision for the document management market in 2026, with a strong focus on innovation, integration and sustainability. Taking learnings from the last year and working closely with partners, we’re committed to expanding our solutions portfolio by introducing new features and updates that leverage the latest advancements in AI and cloud technology. Our roadmap for 2026 also emphasises sustainability and security, with new software releases designed to help customers track their environmental impact and maintain robust data protection. In 2026 and beyond Sharp will continue to roll out significant updates and new launches in the document management space, ensuring customers and partners have access to tools that support digital transformation, operational efficiency and long-term business resilience. n

What is your assessment of the document management

sector currently? PL: The document management sector is in a strong phase of expansion, fuelled by the ongoing shift towards digitalisation and the need for more agile, responsive business operations. Organisations are recognising the value of centralised, easily accessible document solutions that can adapt to office and remote work environments. As a result, there is a clear and growing need for platforms that offer seamless integration and enhanced security. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing, with businesses continuing to invest in document management technologies to

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MOBILE LABEL PRINTERS IN HEALTHCARE

Health and efficiency As healthcare organisations increasingly digitalise their operations and look for ways to free up staff for more patient-focused duties, an increasing number are turning to mobile label printers to help – and this provides opportunities for resellers.

MOBILE LABEL PRINTERS IN HEALTHCARE

The UK healthcare system remains under stress, with an ageing population presenting with more and increasingly complex healthcare issues, as well as a shortfall in the number of staff required. This means that healthcare organisations are looking for ways to help free up staff from administrative tasks to focus more on patient care – and mobile printers can help with this. “With workforce and space at a premium in healthcare settings like hospitals, there’s a definite switch to mobile printers, as much for their ergonomics as for their capabilities in supporting patient bedside care and test result workflows,” says Benoit Charnallet, product manager for TSC Auto ID EMEA. “The healthcare industry is said to report a 25% increase in mobile printers, driven by the need for fast, accurate documentation in dynamic environments. “As healthcare systems globally continue their journey of digitalisation and adopt smart technology like barcode scanners capable of reading linear codes as well as newer 2D variants like QR codes, it’s inevitable we’ll see a parallel rise in barcode printers too. According to GS1, healthcare regulators in more than 70 countries mandate GS1 DataMatrix codes for medical devices, accelerating upgrades enabling printers to deliver micro-barcodes on constrained labelling areas.” Deyon Antoine, product marketing manager at Toshiba Tec UK Imaging Systems Ltd, adds that demand for mobile label printers in healthcare is becoming more predictable and structural. “Healthcare organisations are increasingly embedding bedside and point of care workflows across pharmacy, pathology and patient identification workflows to improve safety and unlock bed capacity,” he says. “As a result, mobile label printers are no longer treated as tactical purchases but as part of standard clinical infrastructure. This creates repeatable opportunities rather

than one-off hardware deals, particularly within NHS trusts and integrated care systems under pressure to improve flow, patient safety and efficiency.”

Contributors

Changing expectations But while demand is increasing in

healthcare settings, users’ expectations of what they want from a mobile print device are also changing. “User demand is shifting away from raw specifications and towards workflow fit,” says Deyon. “Clinicians still expect reliability and accuracy, but they now prioritise devices that work naturally within a full shift. Lightweight, wearable or trolley mounted designs, one-handed operation and flexible media handling are becoming baseline expectations. This changes how partners should qualify opportunities: the key question is no longer ‘what printer do you need?’ but ‘where and how will it be used during the day?’ “Toshiba’s healthcare portfolio is built for bedside and pharmacy workflows, with compact, rugged mobile units and media options tuned for specimen, wristband and medication labels.” Benoit says healthcare customers will prioritise durable, easy-to-clean devices that integrate with existing hospital information systems and electronic health records systems. “We provide practical, scalable identification solutions that support traceability, regulatory compliance and consistent data capture across the patient journey,” he adds. “Our Alpha Series, for example, supports bedside and on-the-move labelling for specimen collection, medication and patient ID, reducing transcription errors and saving clinical time. The value is immediate: fewer manual steps, faster workflows and improved patient safety.” Innovations Customers’ changing expectations are also helping to drive product development and innovations in this

Benoit Charnallet

emea.tscprinters.com

Deyon Antoine

toshibatec.co.uk

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Lightweight, wearable or trolley mounted designs, one handed operation and flexible media handling are becoming baseline expectations.

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CONTINUED

printinthechannel.co.uk

MOBILE LABEL PRINTERS IN HEALTHCARE

CONTINUED

sector. “Antimicrobial casings on printers for easy clean/disinfection are becoming a prerequisite to minimise the risk of infections, as are medical grade power supplies to ensure safe and reliable use in healthcare facilities,” says Benoit. “One thing that we introduced last year is an optional ribbon-cartridge design for hassle-free and mess-free installation. We recognised healthcare workers need clean environments, so we developed a new ribbon cartridge that allows users to replace the ribbon without coming into contact with messy wax or resin.” Deyon agrees that disinfectant ready housings, with sealed controls to address infection prevention concerns are becoming more popular. “Wireless connectivity has also become a differentiator, with dual radio designs, fast roaming and instant wake behaviour positioned as essential for clinical reliability,” he adds. “Battery life is now framed in practical terms too, with ‘full shift’ operation and real time battery health indicators supporting 24/7 environments.”

patient discharge and minimising wasted staff time and supporting standardised IT management. “Lead with outcomes backed by NHS references; proof points that open doors with pharmacy, pathology and ward leadership. Then widen the conversation to managed print and device strategy – Toshiba devices can sit inside a trust’s fleet with remote configuration, security alignment and lifecycle services, which can be key differentiators for MSPs. These can help turn box sales into multi‑year support and optimisation contracts.” Benoit says that in busy healthcare settings, staff need solutions that will accelerate yet streamline workflows, while also improving point-of-care testing (POCT). “By integrating POCT capabilities into the medical carts used for patient bedside care, health professionals can quickly and efficiently conduct diagnostic tests,” he adds. “Labelling is a critical part of that POCT process to label up specimens and medication, so mobile printers are ideal for this role. “Resellers should also be promoting the antimicrobial, easy to disinfect and robust casings of mobile printers, their fast and reliable connectivity, and their IEC 60601-1 medical grade power supplies. It’s also worth mentioning mobile printer accessories like belt clips for hands-free freedom to administer nursing care. “In busy healthcare estates like hospitals, having dynamic remote printer management is essential to support multiple management tasks, reduce maintenance costs and avoid downtime of business-critical devices.” Benoit also notes the benefits of linerless labelling. “In busy healthcare settings, being able to print any length of label without changing media rolls simplifies work processes,” he adds. “Having no liner to dispose of eliminates not only contamination risks from the waste but also potential slip hazards from discarded backings. But, perhaps, most importantly,

By integrating POCT capabilities into the medical carts used for patient bedside care, health professionals can quickly and efficiently conduct diagnostic tests. “ ”

Reseller conversations When talking to customers in the healthcare sector about mobile printers, there are certain aspects resellers should focus on. “This is where channel partners can add real value,” says Deyon. “Successful conversations focus less on hardware and more on outcomes, such as reducing medication errors, speeding up

MOBILE LABEL PRINTERS IN HEALTHCARE

being able to deliver a label at patient point of care that details the five rights of medication administration (right drug, right dose, right route, right patient, right time) means there’s less risk of human error or threat to patient health/safety.” Future Both commentators expect this market to continue to grow. “The portable printer market is expected to reach $21.3 billion by 2032, driven by on-the- go print functionality for operational efficiency,” notes Benoit. “The thermal segment is said to have the fastest CAGR of 8.56% over 2025-2032, because of demand for low-maintenance and effective printing. Our healthcare versions of mobile and desktop printers are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems without needing to change infrastructures or processes, and we’re told our remote management

tools provide stronger value-add to our customers.” Benoit adds that linerless labelling will also grow for labelling medications, patient records, laboratory samples and medical devices, enhancing accuracy and traceability. “Equally I can also see demand growing for miniaturised, more powerful RFID tags to be used in tagging such things as medical instruments and implants,” he adds. Deyon adds that growth in healthcare barcode/mobile printing will be driven by safety, compliance and workflow decentralisation. “As healthcare providers move from pilots to embedded bedside workflows, demand is becoming structural rather than experimental,” he says. “This represents an opportunity to shift from box selling to longer-term engagements built around workflow optimisation, managed services and clinical infrastructure support.” n

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As healthcare providers move from pilots to embedded bedside workflows, demand is becoming structural rather than experimental.

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