Top Ten Copier & Imaging Industry Predictions for 2023
Please keep in mind that predictions are just that. In most cases I'm having fun with coming up with some extreme prognostications that may never come to fruition. However they do offer up some interesting "what ifs".
2022. was that a year we'd like to remember or a year we'd like to forget?
Change is constant and change is something that we need to embellish, how boring would our lives or industry would be without change.
Here's the thread for last years 2022 predictions
Top Ten Copier & Imaging Industry Predictions for 2023
1. Every year for the past ten years I've predicted consolidation of our copier manufacturers. Every one of those predictions have failed to come to fruition. Even though every manufacturer tries to put on a good face, it's my belief that we'll finally have a major consolidation with either Xerox or KonicaMinolta giving up the ghost.
2. Buzzwords for 2023 is AI (artificial intelligence) and RPA (robotic process intelligence).
3. Speed & Color Licensing for the last few years I've also predicting that some copier manufacturer will move to speed licensing for their MFPs. Manufacturers will finally see the light and reduce the office style A3 devices to two MFPs. One device will will be capable of speeds from 20-60 pages per minute and the other will offer 65 to 100 pages per minute. The dealer can them configure any speed that the client desires and then offer a subscription service if the client needs color.
4. Mega Dealers The pace of acquisition continues in our industry and the flow of PE acquisitions in 2022 was incredible. We will see one of these MEGA Dealers purchase another Mega here in the US to offer a real national footprint in the continental US.
5. Rebirth of the small business office technology dealers. The continuing acquisitions of mid-size office equipment/technology companies will give many entrepreneurs the opportunity to throw their hat in the ring. There's a reason those mid-size dealers did so well because of excellent service and support they offered. Many entrepreneurs will seize the opportunity to build new dealerships.
6. One OEM Copier manufacturer will only offering color MFPs in 2023 for the SMB market place. This is a rehash from last year. This also goes in line with my thoughts of having only one MFP for the SMB marketplace.
7. Once Toshiba Corp is purchased by JIP, then JIP will offer Toshiba Tec for sale. Who would be the bidders?
8. Diversification from the print industry will see Ricoh, Canon, KonicaMinolta, or Kyocera will start purchasing large regional MSP providers.
9. Renewed focus on Managed Print, it's a no-brainer that every printed page in every office needs to be captured by those dealers that still generate much of their revenue from the printed page. With the recent prediction of A4 page growth and A3 page decline in 2023 the writing is on the wall.
10. E-Commerce for sales reps, with the explosive growth of social media it's make sense that many sales reps will make the jump to offering their own e-commerce site. Most would tie this back to the dealership they work for while others will may explore how they can make this work on their own. Those reps with the reps that have branded themselves in their space have the best opportunities to succeed.
I enjoy writing these and please keep in mind that these predictions are intended to be more entertaining than factual. But, you never know what tomorrow will bring. Would love to hear comments!
-=Good Selling=-
Please post your predictions as well
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