Print in the Channel - issue #7

MPS FOR THE LEGAL SECTOR

Printing money The legal sector relies on paper for its daily operations more than many other professions, which mean printing is a crucial aspect. With many under financial pressure, there is a focus from law firms on getting value for money. This means managed print services can be crucial.

For UK law firms, these are good times. Total revenue from legal activities in the UK increased to £41.4 billion, according to figures from TheCityUK, and is set to have grown again in 2022. The UK is the largest legal services market in Europe and second only to the US globally. With so much legal activity in the UK – from commercial property to divorces – it is inevitable that a lot of paperwork is generated. While like every sector there are attempts to cut down on this among law firms, many still rely on physical copies of documents, which means that managed print services (MPS) is crucial for them. “Engaging with a MPS partner can provide the software, documents and devices needed to work productively in the office, at home, or on the move,” says Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar, director of indirect sales at Ricoh UK. “These groups are looking to invest in a MPS, which brings together their digital strategy and physical processes with efficiency and precision, as they deal with pressing and sensitive matters daily. “Looking at the latest MFPs, for example, these act as a cornerstone in a smooth- running law firm, turning tedious tasks and paper trails into efficient digital processes. They cut down on waste and take less energy to complete, especially if they were designed with a 360° approach to sustainability.”

Support and security Rowan adds that isn’t just about providing software and equipment, law firms also need ongoing support. “As a client-focused sector, they need on-the-ground support, which means employees need the right tools to provide quality client service,” he says. “With employees and customers accessing and sharing sensitive data from many points, they also prioritise security, and a solid MPS should have this embedded throughout. Law firms are looking for agility and efficiency so employees can spend their time on the nuances of their cases, rather than handling documents. “We are all aware at this point that every single connected device on an organisation’s network is a potential opportunity for cyberattacks and malicious activity. For legal firms, these points of entry are numerous. Not only do you have clients and employees sharing sensitive personal and financial information, but you also have several locations such as the office, the home and the courts to take into consideration. “This means there is a litany of entry points for hackers to access sensitive and private information. This is exactly where a MPS can act as an incredible asset for legal firms, as security is embedded in the foundation of how documents are processed, printed and shared. “As we know though, cybersecurity is only one small aspect of a business’s security process. MPS can lock down printers and ensure printer and data encryption, this means there is a physical process and protection in place to safeguard documents.” Offer more than just MPS Claire Lippett, transition sales at Kyocera, adds that MPS providers need to offer customers an ongoing strategy to move beyond MPS alone, by developing solutions and services for the digital and hybrid workplace. “Therefore, forward-thinking MPS providers are now playing a central role in

Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar director of indirect sales Ricoh UK

ricoh.co.uk

Looking at the

latest MFPs, for example, these act as a cornerstone in a smooth-running law firm, turning tedious tasks and

paper trails into efficient digital processes.

48

Powered by