AI IN PRINT
A reseller can then follow up, depending on what the answer is. “If the answer is yes, then they can ask several questions, such as ‘where did you identify maximum gains by implementing AI within your internal processes? What concerns do you have about adopting AI? What controls do you intend to implement to ensure that AI content is effectively validated before use? Have you considered using AI to optimise your labour- intensive document workflows, such as scanning, indexing, redaction and storage?’” Ian adds they can talk about AI-enabled devices and solutions and how they can enhance productivity in many areas. “But if the answer is no, then the reseller can open a conversation about using expertise, products and services to help them along their journey into the world of AI,” he says. “This might be about how to increase device uptime or how they may be able to streamline some internal processes using apps and devices.” Future As AI continues to develop, it is likely to have a growing influence on print. “As we are all asked to do more with less, AI will likely continue to disrupt our industry, removing or streamlining many document-intensive processes,” says Ian. “Where physical print remains a requirement, better connectivity and AI data analysis will allow for improved onsite call avoidance and first-time fix rates as engineers are provided with meaningful IoT data detailing the causes of failures, allowing them access to the right components to repair the device the first time.
“Increased automation and extraction capabilities will improve physical and digital document workflows. This will mean that employees spend less time on menial tasks such as re-keying data, manual filing, and routing information.” But Ian notes that we should also be mindful of security risks that will become prevalent as generative AI continues to provide new opportunities for bad actors to spoof identities. “For example, creating convincing real- time audio and video content may convince unsuspecting users to reveal privileged information,” they say. “User education of these threats and well-thought-out security policies for every device endpoint must be considered. Ensuring devices are configured with minimal open ports and that they are always running the latest firmware and security patches will be crucial in reducing the potential attack surface of networks.” Ian adds that AI will continue to be added to applications that drive more customer value. “This will enable customers to increase their productivity, drive improved service response through predictive algorithms, automate intelligence-based supply replenishment, enhance their security or find new ways to interact with their customers, even beyond print, such as in graphic communications,” he says. Huge appetite Kerry adds that the current appetite for AI is huge. “It’s likely we will see an increase in the introduction of AI into print, be this capture, personalisation, workflow and automations and predictive maintenance systems that not only anticipate issues but also optimise printer performance and quality control in real-time,” she says. Of course, with a developing technology, predictions are difficult to make. “We’re experiencing profound innovation at a rapid, near-breathless, pace in AI,” says Stuart. “As such, it’s a brave company that’s prepared to say with confidence what the landscape will look like for the print management software industry in 18 months. “While we’re comfortable making some assumptions about how AI will impact some aspects of print – such as data insights – right now, there’s much uncertainty about just how transformative the technology will be. If nothing else, the next 18 months in print are going to be fascinating, and there’s no doubt that there will be a few surprises along the way.”
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We should also be mindful of security risks that will become prevalent as generative AI continues to provide new opportunities for bad actors to spoof identities.
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