2025 REVIEW
priority, particularly as hybrid working blurs the lines between office and remote environments. We’ve seen growing demand for hardware and document-level security features such as user authentication and secure print release, which are helping organisations
safeguard data integrity and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. While AI is not yet a core focus of the print hardware market, we are seeing its growing influence through third-party software integrations and workflow automation tools. n
Stuart Miller , UK&I director of channel partners, Canon This has been a year of steady progress
to drive innovation across the product lifecycle, with customers looking for solutions that deliver more with fewer resources. As measurable impact becomes the priority, trust and collaboration between manufacturers and partners remain essential. One of the biggest challenges for the print sector is talent. Manufacturers and partners need to invest in attracting new talent while upskilling existing teams so they can guide customers through their digital transformation journey. This requires building long-term trust, shifting the focus from purely transactional sales and developing a stronger value proposition. Economic pressures continue to create hesitation around technology investments, making it even more important for the print sector to demonstrate clear, long-term business outcomes. AI is becoming central to how the industry operates. Data analytics is enabling remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and automated workflows, improving uptime, reducing waste and freeing up engineers to focus on complex issues rather than repetitive tasks. But technology alone isn’t enough; the real value comes from combining human insight with data-driven intelligence. The future of print will be shaped by those who can harness AI responsibly to deliver measurable, sustainable progress. n
and renewed focus on value. We’ve continued to help our partners evolve beyond product sales towards service- led, data-driven business models. Customers are increasingly looking for smarter, more efficient ways of working, and our focus on connected devices, predictive servicing and workflow automation has positioned Canon UK&I well to support that. It’s been a year of evolution rather than disruption, with growth coming from solutions that improve efficiency and security across print environments. Against a backdrop of sustainability pressures, security threats and economic uncertainty, the print sector has shown real resilience. Many partners have adapted to shifting customer demands by focusing on measurable business outcomes rather than just hardware alone. Across the board, the conversation has moved from ‘what we sell’ to ‘what problems we solve’, reflected in the growth of sustainability initiatives, security tools and efficiency goals across the sector. AI, security and sustainability have defined the print sector in 2025. AI- powered tools are now improving everything from predictive maintenance to energy optimisation, while secure digital workflows are helping customers operate more reliably and efficiently. Sustainability expectations continue
Stuart Miller, UK&I director of channel partners
canon.co.uk
CONTINUED
printinthechannel.co.uk
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