DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Embracing digital transformation with print Many smaller businesses are still at an early stage of their digital transformation journey. But printers, especially MFPs, can be a vital step as businesses look to embrace digital practices – but how can resellers help customers to get the right solutions for their needs?
Digitalisation has been a focus for many larger businesses for years, and this has filtered down to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) too in recent years as they recognise the benefits of it and the need to keep pace with their rivals. But for some SMBs, digitalisation is a journey that they are still in the opening stages of, and many perceive there to be barriers to achieving this. But these can be overcome – and printers can have a vital role to play as SMBs begin to digitalise. Gary Mellor, head of digital transformation services at Sharp UK, notes that there are some common barriers to digital transformation for smaller businesses. “Smaller businesses often operate on tighter budgets, making it challenging to invest in new technologies and infrastructure necessary for digital transformation,” he says. “With the cost of doing business increasing in recent years, budgets are now being stretched even further. “Understandably, many small businesses do not have in-house IT expertise, which can hinder their ability to implement and manage digital tools effectively. This can also make it difficult to evaluate which new tools would add the most value for them. “When new digital tools are implemented, they may not integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes, resulting in disruptions and inefficiencies. This can also leave gaps in security. Small businesses may be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and many lack the resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures.” Futureproofing Khalid Aziz, marketing director B2B, Canon UK and Ireland, says that digital transformation is a top priority for businesses looking to futureproof their workflows. “While there’s a growing opportunity to cater
digitalisation processes to a variety of unique requirements, businesses often struggle to know where to begin,” he says. “Many smaller businesses experience challenges when it comes to navigating the installation and integration of new technology, as well as any training required. It’s important for businesses to understand that digital transformation is not an immediate one-size-fits- all solution. Successful transformation requires continued investment from the business, supported by trusted technology providers. “Making document management as seamless and secure as possible should be the first step in the digital transformation journey. MFPs are fundamental here, with the ability to streamline and simplify print and scan functions into automated, all-in-one devices.” Importance of MFPs Indeed, MFPs can be important for small businesses as they start on the digitalisation journey. “Printers can be perceived as a more ‘traditional’ business investment, but MFPs bring a raft of efficiencies that can help deliver digitisation goals,” says Gary. “MFPs combine printing, scanning, copying and document sharing into one device, reducing the need for multiple pieces of equipment, resulting space and cost savings. “MFPs can also be integrated with document capture and management systems, allowing businesses to digitise paper documents. This can improve and enhance internal processes for storage, retrieval and sharing of information. By automating document handling processes, MFPs can streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention, which in turn enhances productivity.” Overcoming space issues Terry Caulfield, chief commercial officer at Brother UK, notes that MFPs can also help SMBs to overcome another common problem
Gary Mellor head of digital transformation services
sharp.co.uk
When new digital tools are implemented, they may not integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes, resulting in disruptions and inefficiencies. “
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