Harnessing AI: A Game-Changer for Managed Print Services

Where AI meets ink – redefining the print management landscape.

Key Highlights:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential to revolutionize print management and Managed Print Services (MPS), adding efficiency, security, and advanced features.
2. AI can enhance print security by providing forensic accounting and intrusion prevention, bolstering the overall cybersecurity profile of the MPS landscape.
3. Intelligent document processing (IDP), a new AI-powered technology, promises to streamline the handling of unstructured data, improving workflow accuracy and efficiency.

Greg's Words

No matter what the innovation, we are always left with a final statement and question:  "This is great technology and really interesting ideas - but, how can I generate revenue, today, with this?"  

With Artificial Intelligence, most of the financial impact is on the cost reduction, and increased productivity side of the equation.  Sure, we can reduce the cost of doing work with AI.  We can interface with prospects and customers with AI ChatBots, with no problem.  The cost benefits are obvious.  But putting together a product based on AI, for my existing Office Technology clients, is a major challenge.

AI is considered a process-enhancing solution.

It's like the inventors of refrigeration - they didn't get rich, but the companies that used refrigeration, like Coke, did.

We need to find that "Coke".

Meanwhile, folks in our niche are beginning to see, and talk about how AI will 'impact' managed print services, and to be frank, it is not new. it's just faster.

I have no doubt that we will see AI 'products' on the market within the next few months, before the end of the year.

We've put together a quick synopsis of the current outlook for MpS as the waves of AI wash onto our shores.

Enjoy.

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The rapidly evolving world of print management is being reshaped by a powerful player: artificial intelligence (AI). With its ability to automate and optimize complex processes, AI is breathing new life into Managed Print Services (MPS), turning the sector on its head. This transformation isn't just about technological evolution; it's about a paradigm shift in how we view and manage print services in the 21st century.

While the difference between print management and MPS might sometimes appear blurred, the two have distinct roles. As "The Evolution of Managed Print Services in 2023" (CIO Review, 2023) explains, print management involves software and tools that monitor and manage printing devices and workflows. On the other hand, MPS offers a holistic approach to managing an organization's document output, from hardware to workflow optimization.

However, as AI steadily infiltrates this industry, these definitions are set to evolve. What began as simple tracking and monitoring of printing tasks are now integrating advanced AI-based features. This transition was neatly encapsulated by Jamie Bsales of Keypoint Intelligence, who said in a recent article, "With the cloud, the sky’s the limit with what features can be added because you can layer in all sorts of processing in between" (Scott Cullen, 2023).

One of the areas where AI shines brightly is print security. West McDonald, president of the Managed Print Services Association, highlighted this in his conversation with Scott Cullen, stating, "Print security is going to become a bigger deal, and you’re going to see companies start flexing their muscles in that area—doing forensic accounting, stopping intrusions…" (Scott Cullen, 2023). By integrating AI into print security, organizations can fortify their cybersecurity stance and respond more swiftly and effectively to potential threats.

The emergence of Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), an AI-driven technology that manages unstructured data from various documents, underscores AI's potential to transform MPS. IDP holds the promise of significantly enhancing document-based workflows, cutting down manual data entry and reducing errors.

Moreover, the fusion of AI with cloud-based services is transforming traditional print management platforms, offering a seamless, integrated experience. By melding print infrastructure management with cost accounting, AI is enabling a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective approach to managing printing tasks. With the capability of universal drivers and eliminating the need for onsite print servers and queues, AI is helping make print management a more sustainable and eco-friendly proposition.

The rise of AI in print management is not without its challenges. As McDonald pointedly noted, "On the technical side, applying AI to keeping your data safe is fine, but the bad guys are going to be using AI to get in" (Scott Cullen, 2023). This serves as a reminder that while AI is a potent tool for enhancing security, it is not a magic bullet.

In essence, AI's impact on Managed Print Services is as transformative as it is disruptive. By streamlining processes, enhancing security, and adding efficiency, AI is redefining how we manage and optimize print services. As we continue to explore and understand this powerful intersection of technology, one thing is clear: the future of MPS is brighter, smarter, and more secure than ever before.

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Tweet: "Artificial Intelligence is shaking up the Managed Print Services landscape, bringing a new era of efficiency, security, and advanced features. The future of #MPS is here, and it's powered by #AI. #printmanagement"

References:

Source Title	Author	Date
The Evolution of Managed Print Services in 2023	CIO Review	2023
AI’s Impact on Managed Print Services	Scott Cullen	May 19, 2023

LinkedIn Introduction: Are you aware of the transformative power of AI in the Managed Print Services sector? From enhancing print security to streamlining workflow management, AI is turning the industry on its head. Dive into this fascinating discussion to understand how AI is not just technologically evolving MPS, but fundamentally changing how we view and manage print services.

Keyword List: AI in MPS, Print Management, Managed Print Services, Print Security, Intelligent Document Processing, AI-powered technology, Workflow optimization, AI and Cloud Services, Sustainable print management, AI challenges.

Image Prompt: A modern office setting, with a high-tech printer seamlessly integrated with various devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones), with AI icons and security symbols hovering around it, depicting AI-driven security and efficiency.

Search Question: "How is artificial intelligence transforming managed print services?"

Suggested Song: "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan. It's a classic tune that aptly reflects the transformative shift brought by AI in the Managed Print Services sector.