Multiple Gains

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As several corporate houses are fast adopting
computer
systems and other equipments, which are expected to perform a variety
of
functions embedded in one, various devices like notebook computers,
storage
products and several built-in wireless technologies and cellular
routers have
been able to showcase their multi-tasking productivity approach.
However,
printers are now no exception to these multi-tasking devices, being the
latest
entrant in this field. Convergence of printing, scanning, fax, copying,
emailing, user restrictions, security, wired and Wi-Fi technology is
bringing about
optimization of resources and maximization of functionality which are
the basic
reasons for going in for multifunctional printers (MFPs).

MFPs are fast becoming a preferred option for
enterprises
(small work groups) and SMEs of all sizes, as compared to stand alone
devices.
Analyzing the trend, the major question that arises is-Why did the
industry
realize all of a sudden the importance of MFPs, if it has been
available in the
market for at least five years. Experts feel, it is a result of global
recession.
Explaining the same, Shailendra Aragula, Country Manager for India at
Lexmark said, “Although Indian enterprises of all sizes have emerged
from
recession now, but they are still very conscious about their operating
costs
and looking forward to further optimize it. In such a scenario, MFPs
have had
and will have a very important role to play.” Clearly, a resultant
benefit of
the MFP includes a significant cost savings in paper reduction and ink
costs
(since personal printers are eliminated) and a simplified work flow
(documents
can be printed and collated by some of the more advanced systems). As
organizations review their print expenses and attempt to better align
printing
fleets with their needs and often couple document management tools and
services,
they tend to achieve their objectives more rapidly. It is also
considered
nowadays, that more and more enterprises will also look to upgrading
their
print infrastructure once they realize their printing costs are on
higher side.
With the industry still conscious of operating costs, and responding
fast to
the demand for latest techno­logies; vendors too have tried their
best to
unveil new products, which can cater to the needs of their customers.
Recently,
HP India unveiled a new HP LaserJet Pro M1213nf MFP. According to the
company,
this MFP features HP Auto-On/Auto-Off and HP Smart Install
technologies, and is
designed to simplify everyday office tasks like print, copy, scan and
fax from
one compact machine with Ethernet connectivity and energy saving
features. The
company claims that the Auto-On/Auto-Off technology makes the device
cost-effective and helps save energy without sacrificing speed. This
printer
may be ideal for business users with small and medium size offices, who
require
an affordable, full-featured device to meet their multiple requirements
at
work.

Holding onto a similar conviction, Samsung
claimed, that it
has recently launched an eco-friendly MFP CLX-3185FN, which combines
multiple
pages into a single print out, saving time, paper, toner, money and
even the
environment. Ranjit Yadav, Country Head-Mobile
& IT, Samsung India,
said, “Corporate as well as SOHO segments want
to save on space, power, price, maintenance and func­tionalities.
It allows
consumers to drag and drop content from different sources and
consoli­­dates
into one page, thus maximizing user experience. Adding to the heap of
MFPs in
the Indian market, we will be launching

33 printers across mono and color single function laser printers and
multi-function printers at a price range of Rs 5,499 to

Rs 2,30,000.” Not only they are energy-efficient, but also serve as
products to
boost up the work productivity at offices or professional work group.
“Since
many MFPs are network-ready and designed to handle heavy demands, they
can definitely
help boost productivity in the office by functioning as a centralized
print and
document management station. Now, users need not clutter a corner of
their
office with several different machines,” Aragula added.

Further talking about the growing demand of MFPs
in the
Indian market, and the vendors striving hard to make it to the top with
the
most prominent portfolio, Lexmark, has claimed to have announced more
than 70
new products over the last one year. And, within that group, all of the
mid-range and work group MFPs have the very popular e-task interface,
which
provides a 7” or 9” color screen, that allow users a variety of
functions in a
clear under­standable format. One of the major stake­holders in
this sector,
Xerox too has also launched three multi function printer over the last
one
year. The company claims, that WorkCentre 7120 multifunction system is
a true
workhorse for SMB's and corporate and easily integrates into the
network.
Explaining about Xerox products, Vipin Tuteja, Executive
Director-Marketing,
Business Support and International Business, Xerox India says, “Xerox
MFPs are
equipped with the latest technology offering from Xerox- the HI Q LED
technology, which is an environment friendly technology offering
competitive
advantage over cost with 20 percent efficiency.” Not only the vendors,
but also
several solution providers, too agree with the mushrooming growth in
the demand
of MFPs. They say, now more and more customers look at devices, which
give them
functionality beyond printing.

According to Bharuch-based Media Infocom, which
operates in
hardware and peripheral space in the market, currently, major vendors
are
coming up with the multifunction printer which include menu-driven
facilities,
compatibility with software, scan to e-mail, user restrictions,
security and
firewall features, wire and wireless printers, duplex printing
facility, color
and photo quality, inkjets and laser jets, Bluetooth and mobile
connectivity.
The solution provider also claimed that the vendors may lose in terms
of box
moving, but on the other hand the niche market is being created by
providing
technology products. The sales part will be more of a concept selling
than box
pushing. Profits may increase for the vendor, who specializes in
providing
awareness, training and support to the customers. Vinod Mulchandani,
CEO of
Mumbai-based Aarvee Computers explained, “Vendors like HP have brought
some
very exciting laser multifunction printers at attractive prices and
strong
value proposition, which makes the technology shift from single
function to
multi function a lot easier.” Even holding onto similar line of
thoughts,
Prashant Ugemuge, CEO of Nagpur-based Vidarbha Infotech said that HP
products
are more popular among customers in the market.

But, the optimum utilization of
multi­functional devices is
still unexplored as users are still unaware of the price and
performance
benefits, that can be gained by investing in these devices as opposed
to a
stand-alone device. “Major hindrance in the growth of these printers is
IT
companies, as printers, copiers and document management have never been
the
most sought after area in the IT department's eyes. As a result, it has
not
been a focus area for IT executives or the rank and file in IT
organizations,”
said Sanjay Jain, CEO of Jabalpur-based Microland Computers.

However, the combination of continued focus on
corporate
cost cutting, MFPs combined with managed print services is becoming a
strategic
focus for industry leaders. Also, with multi-products rolled into one,
at times
reliability levels tend to slip. “Another major fear peculiar to an MFP
is
that, in the case of a breakdown all the operations can come to a
standstill.
The sale of the product is demonstration-led, so demos are necessary,
which is
difficult and hence the training video or wizard on printer will help
to do the
chores perfectly,” said Talkin Zamindar, CEO of Bharuch-based Media
Infocom.
“Being a relatively new offering, the industry and the channel will
both have
to gear up with technical expertise to provide the necessary guidance.”

However, multi function printers have become an
indispensable component of the corporate sector. Wireless is an
attractive
feature in MFPs, and with technology products in general. Over the next
five
years, the number of Wi-Fi-enabled devices is expected to increase from
over
500 million in 2009 to almost two billion in 2014, according to market
researcher In-Stat. “Demand for MFPs is expected to catapult as Indian
enterprises of all sizes embrace the model of cost optimization and are
under
pressure to control their cost and simultaneously watch over the work
productivity. The MFPs coupled with work flow solutions will offer
Indian
enterprises of all sizes, cost savings and at the same time, make them
adopt
the mantra - print less, save more,” concluded Saifee Merchant, CEO of
Best
International, a Mumbai-based solution provider.