SCANNERS – MFP OR DEDICATED DEVICE
CONTINUED
Reseller conversations When discussing purchasing a scanner for an office, and whether to opt for a dedicated device or an MPF, resellers should bring up certain considerations for customers. Kevin says that the key for resellers is to start with the customer’s workflow requirements. “Resellers should ask questions like: how many documents are you scanning each day? Do you need secure cloud storage? Are you handling sensitive information that requires controlled access?” he says. “For customers focused on document capture and digital transformation, a dedicated scanner will usually offer greater performance, reliability and return on investment. For more general office needs, an MFP may suffice — but even then, it’s important to look at security features, scan quality and integration with existing systems. “Resellers also have an opportunity to introduce value-added services, such as Epson’s integration with third-party platforms like Docusoft, which enhances scanning workflows and allows for centralised document management and usage tracking.” Deyon adds that as well as business needs and use cases, security and connectivity should be considered. “With compliance and security – does the device need to have encryption or user authentication, does it need to log access and actions for compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or FINRA?” he says. “Also, does the device need to support searchable PDFs and metadata tagging? Does it need to connect with existing DMS, ECM, or cloud platforms like Microsoft 365’s SharePoint, OneDrive, DocuWare, Google Drive or Dropbox?” Deyon adds that resellers should also discuss the total cost of ownership, such as upfront vs long-term costs.
Continuing demand It is expected that demand for scanners – dedicated devices and MFPs – will continue to increase over the next five years. Deyon attributes the expected growth to several key drivers. This includes hybrid and remote work models. “Organisations are digitising paper workflows to support distributed teams for easier collaboration and reduce reliance on physical documents,” he says. “Also, industries like healthcare, finance and legal are investing in scanning solutions to meet strict documentation and retention requirements.” Scanners will also be in demands as technology develops, Deyon adds. “Scanners will be increasingly integrated with cloud platforms and document management systems, enabling real- time access and collaboration,” he says. “Also, features like optical character recognition, machine learning and automated indexing are making scanners more intelligent and efficient.” There is also a sustainability element. “Many organisations are pursuing paperless initiatives as part of their ESG strategies,” he says. Kevin agrees that demand for scanning will continue to increase. “Scanning has moved from a back-office task to a critical business function,” he adds. “With more companies embracing cloud-first strategies and hybrid work environments, the ability to digitise, store and share documents securely is only becoming more important. “We expect continued growth in the demand for networked, cloud-enabled, and secure scanning solutions, particularly in sectors under pressure to modernise legacy processes. Dedicated scanners are well-positioned to meet this demand, offering speed, accuracy, and security at scale. And as the technology continues to evolve, so will the opportunities for resellers and businesses alike.” n
Scanners will be increasingly integrated with cloud platforms and document management systems, enabling real- time access and collaboration. “ ”
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