Inkjet & Digital Printing

Print as a key strategic asset for growth and innovation

Friday 25. May 2018 - European business leaders have identified new printing technologies as key enablers of agility and innovation. According to a new study commissioned by Ricoh Europe, the majority of the 3,150 decision makers surveyed say agility (77%) and innovation (69%) benefits are key investment drivers for new printing technologies.

These findings show that new forms of printing have become crucial components of business leaders’ strategies for success. The research also shows that 69% think printing will unlock revenue and 67% believe it will provide a source of competitive differentiation. These leaders back up this belief with financial commitment: 51% have already invested in new forms of printing with a further 36% planning to do so in the next five years.
Businesses are prioritising printing technologies in areas that directly improve the experience for their customers. Marketing (79%), product development (79%), and manufacturing (76%) departments have so far received the most investment from business leaders. Similarly, the need for faster product development (80%) and the ability to localise manufacturing closer to the end user (69%) have driven investment in Additive Manufacturing, catering for consumer demands for speed and personalisation.
Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Commercial Printing of the Commercial & Industrial Printing Group, Ricoh Europe, says: “New printing technologies, such as our recently launched Ricoh Pro C7200x Graphic Arts Edition digital sheetfed colour press that delivers a wealth of creative possibilities through its fifth colour capability, are helping Print Service Providers (PSPs) open new worlds of opportunity by transforming their operation. White plus CMYK in a single pass, neon toners and invisible red are enabling incredible new marketing and security applications.”
He continues: “Interesting too is that textiles and interior décor have been identified as growing markets in the latest FESPA 2018 Print Census. PSPs can broaden the conversations they are having with their clients by moving into these sectors with our flexible and versatile digital printing technologies. With systems such as our newly-launched Ri 100, Ri 3000 and Ri 6000 Direct to Garment solutions or our Ricoh Pro T7210 UV flatbed printer, they can deepen their client relationships, respond to expanding expectations and offer a highly personalised experience.”