Printer sales see slight fall while new technology introduced
The National Association for Printing Leadership recently reported that sales in the industry dropped 0.2 percent during quarter one 2013, bucking a trend of increased sales numbers seen during the previous three quarters. Data indicated that while this quarter saw a slight fall, the industry enjoyed 0.8, 0.7 and 0.6 percent sales increases in the last three quarters of 2012. The data was collected by interviewing hundreds of commercial and quick printers in North America.
"The hope was that we were finally progressing from sporadic upturns in activity to the consistent growth that begins to restore pricing, power and profitability, but we haven't made much progress lately," noted NAPL report authors Andrew Paparozzi and Joseph Vincenzino.
Looking past the numbers
While this news may be discouraging to some, researchers noted that executives in the printing industry were not overly concerned with the decrease in sales and were confident about future growth. They remained optimistic that given time, sales would eventually pick up.
"The disappointing start to 2013 hasn't affected confidence, but it has heightened uncertainty," reported study authors.
Following a long time shift in trend towards wireless and smartphone technology, some web to print solutions are continuing to provide innovative and fresh ideas for the industry. As Wireless Technology Advisor noted, 4G mobile wireless technology is giving the printing industry more reason to catch up.
An article in Coolest Gadgets noted that Samsung just introduced the first Near Field Communication enabled color laser printer in the industry. This printer and technology focuses on small businesses and homes where customers are used to fulfilling their printing needs directly from their smartphones.
A first of its' kind printer, the Samsung Xpress C410W technology enables users to wirelessly connect their smartphones to the printer and print, fax or scan documents quickly and conveniently. With the tap of a smartphone or tablet on the printer, documents or photos can be produced in color or black and white. The printer also has capabilities to connect with a contact book in a user's smartphone, allowing documents to be faxed and sent quickly and wirelessly.
This technology also allows users to utilize smartphone or tablet apps to complete their printing needs. This ability can help businesses operate efficiently and is especially important for companies that must meet rigid printing deadlines.
Web-to-print technology continues to offer marketers a streamlined approach to the printing process. Coupled with control over mailing materials, the process allows organizations to greatly benefit from increased sales in direct mail marketing campaigns.