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InfoTrends Study Identifies Opportunities For MFP And Single-Function Scanner Vendors
January 6, 2009
It is undeniable that scanning will remain an essential function in the office environment. In fact, in a new multi-client study from InfoTrends, over 50% of respondents indicated that their scanning had increased in the past year and over 60% expect it to grow even more over the next 3 years. The greatest percentage of documents were scanned for the purpose of maintaining them in archiving, document management, content management, or records management systems, which is not surprising due to the new regulations that are being put in place in these areas.

While it is clear that scanning will continue to grow, the proliferation of MFPs in the office has catalyzed uncertainty over who will gain the most share in this market. Will single-function scanners hold their ground or will MFPs take over? To answer this question, InfoTrends has conducted an in-depth multi-client study entitled Office Scanning in the U.S. Market: A Multi-Client Study.

According to the results of this study, opportunities exist for vendors of MFPs as well as stand-alone scanners, and this will continue into the future. Interestingly, cost savings was cited as a primary purchase motivator for MFPs as well as single-function scanners. Anne Valaitis, Associate Director of InfoTrends' Image Scanning Trends Service, commented, "Both MFPs and single-function scanners offer financial benefits, but in different ways. For instance, single-function scanners tend to be less expensive than multifunctional peripherals (MFPs), but MFPs might ultimately be more cost-effective if a single multifunctional machine can replace several standalone devices. Along these same lines, production devices will typically cost more than workgroup or desktop models, but the increased speed and volume capabilities may offset the additional cost of a faster machine."

InfoTrends believes that many companies, particularly larger ones, will implement many different types of scanners to meet their needs, embracing multifunctional as well as single-function devices designed for personal, workgroup, and production environments. Savvy scanner manufacturers will strive to offer a wide range of products to meet their clients' evolving needs. This study reveals important insight into the specific requirements of end-users in various company sizes and industries that is vital to manufacturers' ability to create the most successful product development and marketing plans.

Research for this study included a structured survey of over 400 end users of office document scanners as well as personal interviews with end users, dealers, and OEMs. It offers information on the key differentiators in scanning methods between MFPs and scanners, insight into customers' purchasing decisions, and a forecast and market sizing for electronic scans (page volumes).

About InfoTrends
InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com

SOURCE: InfoTrends
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