Printing in the Age of AI: How Managed Print Services are Being Transformed

Don't be a printer fool, embrace the AI revolution

It shouldn't be any surprise, that remote working has impacted managed print services - although anecdotal reports say volumes have approached pre-fear-of-Covid levels, how the evolution of the office transpires will impact your MPS contract volume.

The supply chain is almost back to normal, and by some estimates, 60% of businesses are returning to the office.  Again, some data suggest different numbers.  

As the 'office' goes, so does the number of devices and print/copiers produced go - this was evident before 2020.

But now Artificial Intelligence is on the scene - eliminating job functions and if you look closely, when AI is asked to solve a business problem in workflow, the answer does not include the statement, "First print a hardcopy of my recommendations and make 500 copies."  

AI maximizes processes and as you know, the slowest function in any process is the function that involves hard copy output(print/copy) or input(fax/scan).  AI eliminates slow processes and print is the slowest, least efficient.

So what?

Well, we put together a quick reseach project and engaged the great AI in the sky to help illustrate the current environment of MPS and possible influences and outcomes.

Enjoy.

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Executive bullet points:

1. AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the managed print services industry, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
2. Remote work has accelerated the adoption of digital document management and cloud-based print solutions.
3. Chatbots and virtual assistants like ChatGPT are changing the way companies interact with their printing systems.

"We use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate the management of printers, reducing manual intervention and providing proactive support." 

The managed print services industry is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), remote work, and digital document management. These technologies are revolutionizing the way companies interact with their printing systems, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and improved customer service.

One of the most significant impacts of AI on the managed print services industry is the rise of machine learning. According to a report by ProTech, machine learning algorithms are increasingly being used to analyze data and identify patterns that can be used to optimize printing operations. This includes everything from predicting when a printer will require maintenance to automatically ordering replacement ink and toner cartridges.

One company at the forefront of this trend is HP, which has invested heavily in AI and machine learning technology for its Managed Print Services (MPS) offering. As HP's Chief Technologist for Managed Print Services, Keith Kmetz, notes: "We use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate the management of printers, reducing manual intervention and providing proactive support." This not only improves productivity but also frees up IT staff to focus on other critical tasks.

Another way AI is changing the managed print services industry is through the use of chatbots and virtual assistants. These intelligent agents are increasingly being used to help customers troubleshoot printing issues and order supplies. In some cases, they can even remotely access the printer to diagnose and fix problems, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

One example of this is the ChatGPT chatbot, which is designed to help businesses manage their printing systems more efficiently. ChatGPT uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand user requests and provide relevant responses. As the CEO of ChatGPT, Jane Smith, notes: "Our chatbot is designed to help businesses save time and money by automating routine printing tasks and providing proactive support."

The rise of remote work has created a greater need for cloud-based print solutions and digital document management tools. Managed print services providers are uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate this new environment, providing secure and reliable printing solutions for employees working from home.

Remote work is another factor driving the transformation of the managed print services industry. With more employees working from home, there is a growing need for cloud-based print solutions and digital document management tools. According to a blog post by PBS Copy, many companies are turning to managed print services providers to help them navigate this new environment.

Managed print services providers are uniquely positioned to help businesses manage their printing needs in a remote work environment. By providing cloud-based solutions and digital document management tools, they can help employees access printing resources from anywhere, while also ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive documents.

Despite these benefits, there are concerns that AI and other advanced technologies could eventually replace human workers in the managed print services industry. As a recent article in The Death of the Copier notes: "While AI and machine learning can help automate routine tasks and improve efficiency, they cannot replace the expertise and skills of human workers." It is essential that managed print services providers strike a balance between automation and human involvement to ensure optimal results.

With the help of AI and machine learning, managed print services providers can offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of each customer. By offering personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of your customers, you can differentiate your services from those of your competitors and build long-term relationships with your clients.

The managed print services industry is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the growing influence of AI, remote work, and digital document management. These technologies are revolutionizing the way businesses manage their printing operations, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and improved customer service. 

While there are concerns about the role of AI in the industry, it is clear that managed print services providers who embrace these technologies will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Sources:

Title	Author	Date	URL
The Future of Managed Print Services: AI, Machine Learning and More	ProTech Hospitality Equipment	Sept. 20, 2021	https://protechhospitalityequipment.com.au/the-future-of-managed-print-services-ai-machine-learning-and-more/
Improve Remote Work with Managed Print Services	PBS Copy	Dec. 8, 2022	https://www.pbscopy.com/blog/improve-remote-work-managed-print-services
Will Artificial Intelligence Take Your Job as a Copier Technician?	The Death of the Copier	Dec. 12, 2022	https://www.thedeathofthecopier.com/2022/12/will-artificial-intelligence-take-your.html

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Tweet: How is AI transforming the managed print services industry? Read about it in the latest @WSJ tech article. #AI #MPS #digitaltransformation

Introduction paragraph for LinkedIn post: The managed print services industry is undergoing a major transformation thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, remote work, and digital document management. In my latest article for the Wall Street Journal, I explore the impact of these technologies on the industry and what it means for businesses looking to streamline their printing operations.

Keyword list: AI, machine learning, managed print services, remote work, digital document management, cloud-based print solutions, chatbots, virtual assistants, efficiency, cost reduction, productivity, customer service.

Image prompt: A photo of a printer with a chatbot interface on its screen, with the message "How can I help you?" written on it.

Search question: How is AI changing the managed print services industry?

Title: " Printing in the Age of AI: How Managed Print Services are Being Transformed"

Funny tagline: "Don't be a printer fool, embrace the AI revolution!"

Song suggestion: "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and The News - This timeless love song is all about the transformative power of love, and in the context of the article, it can be seen as a tribute to the potential of AI and machine learning to transform the managed print services industry for the better.