A new approach to printing technology
At its annual HP Imagine innovation event, HP presented new technologies related to the future of work, focusing on its HP Print AI solution. We discuss here some of its key features and effects on the market.Why we need human-produced content if AI is to survive
By now, we all know that artificial intelligence (AI) can struggle sometimes with the “intelligence” part due to hallucinations and decreases in capability. We discuss here the dangers of allowing AI to be trained on itself.Insights from Keypoint Intelligence’s latest study
Keypoint Intelligence recently published a comprehensive report exploring the critical role of executive leadership in AI adoption and the challenges they face, highlighting the very real and very present challenge of moving forward whether we’re ready to or not.Insights from Keypoint Intelligence’s State of AI Readiness research
The healthcare industry is undergoing a transformation due to technological advancements, like artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss here some key points from our recent Healthcare AI State of Readiness analysis.Pioneers, laggards, and everyone in between
As AI revolutionizes industries and reshapes our daily lives, the need for thoughtful regulation becomes increasingly apparent. We discuss here some key initiatives and concerns to providing structure regarding AI worldwide.How can Adobe’s Embedded Print Engine enhance your business printing?
Choosing a printer for your business has both never been easier and never been harder.Taking a necessity and making it an asset
Cybersecurity is a necessary element in today’s business world. We discuss here some key features that can be used to maximize cybersecurity's features.Insights from Keypoint Intelligence's Channel Survey
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a transformative force for office equipment dealers. We examine here how AI is being utilized to drive innovation and streamline processes within the sector.Revolutionizing personalized marketing with AI
Boostt.ai specializes in utilizing AI to boost marketing effectiveness by integrating first-party customer data. We provide here a key overview of Boostt.ai's key technology and offerings.Research findings from Keypoint’s AI Readiness survey
Keypoint Intelligence's recent AI Readiness survey reveals some surprising insights that cut through the hype and paint a more nuanced picture of AI’s current impact and future potential. We discuss some of the key findings of our study here.A roadmap to success
As organizations recognize the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI), many are eager to embark on their own AI journeys. We provide here a roadmap to help you get started and achieve success with generative AI.Having connectivity and engagement problems? AI can solve that
It’s very likely that, within arm’s reach, there are multiple devices that allow you to communicate with others, yet keeping employees connected and engaged has never been harder.Artificial Intelligence can be used for good, but the potential for evil is real
By now, most people have at least dabbled with one of the leading generative-AI offerings. We recently explored some banter with Gemini that stemmed from legitimate research around artificial intelligence’s abilities, which led to an entertaining discussion.A quick overview on how to chat with robots
There are numerous examples of chatbots that are emerging recently with new AI initiatives. This infographic provides a top-level overview of chatbots and their functions.Moving the needle for several markets
On March 24, HP announced several innovations that will be showcased at drupa, with additional announcements made around hardware, software, robotics, and even artificial intelligence (AI).A step towards responsible innovation using artificial intelligence
The White House is taking a step forward in managing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in government with a new policy that tells federal agencies what they need to do to address the risks of using AI.Using age to understand technology adoption
In today's fast-paced digital world, the concept of digital literacy is very relevant. While younger generations may seem to effortlessly navigate technology, older adults often face challenges in keeping up.Stopping generative AI from taking too much
Social media has become a way for generative artificial intelligence (AI) to gain countless amounts of source data to feed into their programs, but now artists are fighting back. We discuss here the idea of "data poisoning" and the software designed to do so.What the EU AI Act means for regulations put on artificial intelligence moving forward
Governance around AI has become an increasingly important area of discussion and, so far, there has not been much action taken to address the risks it potentially poses. We discuss here the recently endorsed Artificial Intelligence Act in the European Union as well as the effects it can have on AI.Blind faith in AI is causing trouble for its users
Recently, an event calling itself “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” was created with artificial intelligence and ended up being a disaster, partially due to an over-reliance on AI. We discuss here some of the most recent examples of blind trust in AI and suggest some ways to overcome these problems.The demographics of generative AI use
The power of generative AI has been unleashed to the masses and its capabilities seem limitless. Keypoint Intelligence recently conducted our Consumer Survey 2023 study to dig further into the consumer perspective and case uses for generative AI, which we discuss here.Can artificial intelligence transform the enterprise document process?
Adobe recently announced the release of new AI-powered capabilities that focus on enhancing productivity, efficiency, and ease of use when working with documents. We discuss here how this integration of conversational AI has the potential to fundamentally transform how we interact with and extract value from documents.Latest Keypoint Intelligence study explores key trends
This month, Keypoint Intelligence released the Managed IT Services (MITS) Partner Market Insights through our Office CompleteView Advisory Service.COVID popularized them, but will this take them out?
QR codes have become a critical link between print and digital communications, enabling marketers to direct consumers to websites to further personalize, direct, and track their customer experience. We discuss here the recent QR patent lawsuits brought on by Symbology Innovations and the effect they can have on the market.If you’re not already on the train, you are late to the game
The whole concept of e-commerce and sales enablement is neither a conservative play nor a risk/reward scenario—rather, it is a way of diversifying your organization and making it more nimble.Looking at our audio series in advance of the worldwide celebration of the format
September 30 is International Podcast Day. Come February, it will be 20 years since the word “podcast” was born. The medium keeps evolving and remains as powerful as ever.A digital revolution is changing the way we buy our keepsakes
The widespread popularity of smartphones means that the average consumer is likely to take photographs with their mobile phones these days. And, given their size and portability, it’s an easy and convenient way for people to capture moments.A closer look at one aspect of Keypoint Intelligence’s Primary Research study
Digital transformation (DX) is the process of applying technology to improve the way a business runs. We discuss here how DX can affect vendors and technology providers as well as share some key findings from a recent Keypoint Intelligence study.Hardware, software, and services are at the heart of the dealer and customer event
For the first time since before the pandemic, Toshiba America Business Solutions’ Electronic Imaging Division gathered dealers, customers, and key business partners to showcase offerings and impart guidance on its direction and initiatives.Which large-scale technology service providers made the cut this year?
While the mega dealers comprise just a fraction of the roughly 1,800 outfits in the United States, a heck of a lot of attention and focus is put on this group of 18.Keypoint Intelligence’s coverage of IT continues, along with RPA and the Pitt-WVU rivalry
Like the countries that make up Europe, the dealer landscape on that continent is also just different than in the United States—and (oftentimes) more intriguing.Industry leaders in South Africa share valuable insights
On August 24, Women in Print’s third and final event was held at the exquisite Cassia Restaurant located at Nitida Wine Farm in the Cape.What teachers think about digitalization in education
Of the educators I had the chance to talk to, it goes without saying that most of them credit the COVID-19 pandemic with the decreased turn to printed documents since everyone had to get used to online learning.We talk about the 2023 European Software Outlook report and automation
Chatting with the head of Keypoint Intelligence’s Production Workflow Advisory Service, Greg Cholmondeley about trends towards automation in the print services industry and how its implementation will be beneficial.Sustainability, the Metaverse, and the dawn of Industry 5.0
The textile and apparel industries have been in the process of a digital transformation for over two decades. We discuss some of the key digital elements in the market and what they can mean for the industry.Our Office Group leader has plenty to offer to this compelling print services organization
Deborah Hawkins knows the market for workplace technology and has helped build Office Group practice areas at Keypoint (and its predecessors) for 20 years.The sudden decrease in accuracy for ChatGPT is a cause for concern
A recent research paper out of Stanford University and UC Berkeley is claiming that ChatGPT is degrading in accuracy. We discuss here the concerns this development can have on AI use as well as other pitfalls and problems arising in artificial intelligence development.Analyzing demand for RPA in the North American market
Keypoint Intelligence recently published a Multi-Client Study on robotic process automation (RPA) that surveyed 825 respondents from mid-size and large companies in the US. We discuss here some of the key findings of the study.Proprietary study delivers insights on where companies are on their DX journeys
Where are organizations on their digital transformation journeys, and what are their plans for DX, workflow, intelligent document processing, and other smart solutions? That’s what we set out to discover in our 2023 IT Decisionmaker primary research study.How have things been going since the company’s dealer meeting?
Hard to believe it’s been three months since the Sharp National Dealer Meeting 2023, which carried “Opportunity Meets Execution” as its theme.How this innovative technology creates greater flexibility in the outputting of documents
The last few years have seen a transformation in the way we work.How to make AR sexy again
Augmented reality is a solution that has fallen to the wayside from the invention of more recent developments, such as artificial intelligence. We discuss here how AR can still be a viable software for companies to use and provide examples of current AR programs.What’s been on the minds of dealers and what are they thinking about moving forward?
It’s true that Keypoint Intelligence focuses a lot of time and energy on the vendor side of the print industry, but that does not mean we shy away from the channel.There’s always M&A activity, but how active has it been?
Acquisitions come in all shapes and sizes. Consolidation will continue like clockwork—basically no different than the sun rising and setting.Make AI work for you
AI is on a path to change how businesses and its employees operate.Why everyone should take the initiative and learn how to leverage artificial intelligence
AI is more than just a buzzword; it is capable of revolutionizing business efforts organizations make. We discuss here the need for AI literacy as well as the benefits it can have for businesses.Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises continues its growth in IT and everywhere else, too
IT is like one of those monsters that absorbs everything in its path and just keeps growing. Luke Ubelhor of Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises is the kind of guy who likes to help make sense of the IT beast.Sometimes classics exist for a reason
While quick response codes have been utilized for a variety of uses, one that has yet to gain approval is QR code menus. We discuss here the benefits of a QR code menu as well as the resistance to use it.How in-plants have evolved and where they are heading next.
The IPMA (In-plant Print and Mail Association) 2023 conference brought 142 in-plant attendees from 88 companies to Bonita Springs, Florida.Safeguarding the digital frontier
The necessity for effective cybersecurity measures has never been more vital in today's quickly evolving digital landscape. We discuss here some of the major online threats as well as some options to overcome them.What dealers can learn from recent developments in the IT and cloud space
Anne Valaitis (Principal Analyst in Keypoint Intelligence’s Office Group) and Carl Schell teamed up once again to discuss IT happenings and provide some color commentary on the news.Dealer-focused webinar looks at all things IT, with an assist from Pulse Technology’s Chip Miceli
They used to say that “The sun never sets on the British empire,” and the same is true of IT development. It is constant, at times progressive, and typically rapid.It’s not just digital transformation, it’s also scan acceleration
Digital transformation (DX) is nothing new. Even if DX was here long in advance of the COVID-19 pandemic, that singular event pushed its value proposition up the grid of importance.More on Keypoint Intelligence’s exploration into additive manufacturing
An object printed with 3D technology is cool to hold and inspect, no matter what it is. Understanding everything there is to know about additive manufacturing, however, can be daunting.You can let the professionals handle it, but who is left holding the bag?
Outsourcing is primarily linked to how many hands and brains are available at any given time to complete specific one-off or ongoing projects. We discuss here some of the key concepts of IT outsourcing and its effects on the market.Homegrown tech, power of partnerships resulting in an even more well-rounded company
Building on a successful run of roadshows last year, Sharp’s US outfit parlayed that momentum with ever-increasing positivity as well as strategic creativity to deliver an engaging experience.Our “green” content drive for Earth Day week starts here!
In the print industry specifically, sustainability has stepped up to the mic like the front man in your favorite band. The amount of marketing and messaging and promotion around sustainability has for sure seen an uptick in the United States, but even in other regions where eco-responsibility had already made significant gains.And were you even aware of Global Recycling Day?
Recycling and the replanting of trees are merely two of the many facets of sustainability. The subject has been around for ages, but its density and meaning have surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply chain crisis.Industry pro fills newly created role of Managed IT Services Principal Analyst
The path forward for dealers lies, in large part, in managed IT services. The space offers so many options—too many options, some might say. But because many of them fit snugly under the as-a-Service/recurring revenue umbrella, the channel has been, and will continue to be, more active with IT in today’s evolving hybrid business ecosystem.Further education from Keypoint Intelligence’s 2022 Channel Survey
The Keypoint Intelligence 2022 Channel Survey sure does have some important, strategic research and data. What you see here is an infinitesimal sliver of the pie. Have a look and let your brain wander!Keypoint Intelligence delivers prime UVERCE® education to dealers, for dealers
The question isn’t “if,” it’s “when.” Could be about sanding and staining your deck or the timing of a fantasy football trade, but when it comes to e-commerce and sales enablement for dealers—when is now.What are you doing about scanners and government compliance?
Starting in June 2024, the National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) and Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) will only accept digital material that meets the top-tier of FADGI guidelines.Keypoint Intelligence series returns with insight on software, strategic alliances
Even if you just want to reference Ringdale the company, it’s nearly impossible to say “Ringdale” without immediately adding “FollowMe”. I mean, everyone in the print industry knows the solution is synonymous with secure pull printing, right?How to talk intelligently when talking to AI
Many of us have interacted with a chatbot at some point—most likely as part of a customer service app on a website or maybe for entertainment. We discuss here some of the key features of chatbots as well as how they are growing for future use.What are we thinking about with office print, managed IT, and smart technology?
The Keypoint Intelligence Office Group dissects subject matter related to print (devices, supplies, service), managed IT (cybersecurity, most notably), or smart workplace technology and translates it into plain English for strategic implementation.Technology Assurance Group leader discusses 2022 IT trends and looks ahead at 2023
Check out the Keypoint Intelligence Channel on YouTube for interviews and other insightful videos!
Engineering and healthcare will benefit, but plenty of other sectors will too
While regular 3D printed objects use materials like plastics and metals, 4D printed objects incorporate a hydrogel or shape memory polymer that physically react to stimuli like water, heat, or light.US operation discusses performance and strategy at virtual briefing
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. held a virtual analyst and press briefing on December 13, 2022, during which several company execs provided an update on all things Konica Minolta.An audio tour through the year in print and associated technologies
There was so much good that happened in 2022, and a lot of that good in our space is captured in the 36 interviews we produced as part of Season 4 of The Key Point Podcast. When I look at our favorites, I very much see a microcosm of this year in the industry.Keypoint Intelligence continues to publish content on print and beyond
Whether it’s about office or production; vendors, dealers, or print service providers (PSPs); or company news, product news, event coverage, or otherwise, we deliver all of this to help you understand what you need to know to grow your business.How can retailers meet expectations?
As the 2022 holiday season is firmly in its stride, the shopping trend appears to be bridging both in-store and online experiences.CareAR and CrushBank use AR and AI to help stretch IT-technician resources
In-depth interviews conducted with CIOs and IT Directors for our recent research study, The Managed IT Services Opportunity, revealed that these decision-makers routinely outsource IT functions to outside managed services providers (MSPs).ConnectWise is helping technology service providers with managing IT
The most recent IT Nation Connect conference was held by ConnectWise in Orlando. We discuss here how the show presented managed IT solutions as well as the effect managed IT can have on a business.Thoughts on the industry from Staff Product Manager at Qualcomm
Print might be down, but it is certainly not dead. There are still plenty of good stories to tell about it, too—from how some companies evolved during the pandemic to become an even stronger presence to case studies that detail the impact a particular product had on an organization’s health and bottom line. This is precisely why I was excited to sit down with Qualcomm’s Philip Mazzilli, who is also a member of the Mopria Alliance, to discuss several aspects of the print industry.Document translation, enhanced scan management added to Lexmark Cloud Services suite
Lexmark is pushing beyond the core fleet management and print management features to delve into the realm of intelligent document processing.Here is what you missed at TWAIN Developers Day
TWAIN Direct Developers Day proves what folks at the TWAIN Working Group have been saying for the last three years: TWAIN Direct is the best way for developers and manufacturers to dovetail capture hardware with software.Yet another excellent example of blending print and managed IT services to great success
While the mega dealers have plenty of great tales to tell, the stories from smaller dealers have always felt more relatable to me. The cold hard truth is that dealers with annual revenue of up to $20 million obviously have less capital and fewer resources than the megas to turn ideas into reality. For these outfits, there’s just more at stake with each decision, and the challenges are oftentimes more difficult to overcome, but their successes wind up resonating—and educating—more.The two have us closing in on a potentially massive tech and business revolution
Things like machine learning algorithms being used in climate modeling to the launches of text-to-image models like DALL-E 2 and Stable Diffusion are really showcasing the rate at which AI implementation is expanding.Is your business protected from cyberattacks?
The conveniences that Internet-connected devices add to the lives of tech-savvy individuals and business professionals is welcome across the board, but having such interconnectivity comes with cybersecurity risks.Revealing the final eight large-scale technology providers on the list
It’s a products and services world, and the mega dealers are acing the test. Sure, they have the human resources and the capital to make things happen on a grand scale—or to make new revenue streams happen. Because whether it was through more print (production and wide format, not just office) or beyond print (managed IT and smart office, to name two areas), the bottom line is that they are not afraid to take risks.Which large-scale technology providers are on the list?
The mega dealers are “mega” because they are a well-diversified bunch. Sure, success is evident simply by studying financials for a few minutes, yet each company has its own story on how they surpassed $100M in annual revenue—and then some. Even if the mega dealers started life as traditional copier dealers, they have all embraced technology beyond print with solutions such as security cameras and EV charging stations. Many are striving for that holy grail-like 50/50 split between print and managed IT, with a strong desire for the latter to exceed the former shortly after achieving that even goal.As if I needed any other reason to go there…
Select Target stores now offer robotic manicure devices from Clockwork, a company striving to eliminate time spent on mundane, daily tasks.Users want a simple experience on their preferred devices regardless of platform
Hybrid work environments are growing, as are the issues that come with trying to connected with multiple people in multiple locations. We discuss here some common interoperability problems as well as potential solutions to overcome them.Impact Networking’s educational event on managed IT services and how work gets done today
Impact Networking and IT have gone hand in hand for a while now, through a labor-intensive break/fix phase to its current, more efficient managed model. The show aims to address how best to fill the gap between business and technology as well as how to educate existing Impact Networking customers and its potential clients on the benefits, trends, and the future of IT. “Innovate to Evolve” is an apropos tagline.What they mean and why you should care
There has been plenty discussion of user experience and user interface in the industry, but what do those terms actually mean? We discuss here the basics of both as well as offer some tips for aspiring solution designers.If you’re bleeding time and money, now is the time to change!
Labels are an essential way to differentiate and even personalize products to capture wider attention, but they also lead to complexities for converters. We discuss here some of the common issues facing label producers as well as how AI could be a solution to overcome them.Looking at how smart your smartphone can be
Most people carry at least a smartphone on them at all times, and have loaded their device up with the apps they use the most, but how many actually think about the AI functionality of these apps? We discuss here 10 common forms of AI found in mobile devices and their everyday use.Reducing e-waste or creating more: you decide!
Earlier this month, the European Union announced that it was going to require all new smartphones, laptops, and tablets to use a common charger by 2026. We discuss here the implications, challenges, and benefits that this new ruling can have on the market.If you make money selling print, then you can also make money selling these products
Collaboration and meeting room technologies from InfoComm 2022 (and the problems that they solve) that can help office equipment dealers evolve beyond print.Company continues transformation through products, services, positive energy, and honesty
The company presented its eight-pronged strategy that encompasses hardware and software (office and production), professional services and managed IT, as well as e-commerce and subscriptions. It should go without saying that “pandemic,” “supply chain,” and “inflation” were oft-used words. But, at the end of the day, Kyocera representatives made no excuses and promoted change as a very good thing.Company has increased durability and comfort to conquer the industrial market
Epson has produced augmented reality smart glasses for over a decade, and has recently announced the release of the Epson Moverio BT-45C and BT-45CS devices. We discuss here the technical features as well as benefits the smart glasses can have for various industries.Company adds managed print services capabilities to its MSP software
Just a couple of weeks ago Tigerpaw released v22.1 of its flagship solution, an update that expanded managed print services (MPS) capabilities to the business management software originally designed for the managed services provider (MSP) community. For my money, this is an important development. The opportunities in whichever direction you look at it from are, in a word, real. That alone was enough to make me want to speak with Tigerpaw’s Trevor Moses, the lead architect on the project.Production print and digital transformation central to company’s new Client Engagement Center
Making the Client Engagement Center the centerpiece of this week’s Konica Minolta 2022 Dealer Summit was clearly the right move. Located at the company’s US headquarters in Ramsey, New Jersey, the CEC houses devices Konica Minolta offers in production print, wide format, labels and packaging, as well as digital embellishment. These represent growth areas (industrial print is up 151% year-over-year) and are, obviously, critical for the company as it shifts into high gear with its dealers.Breaking down consolidation figures in the print industry
Cue COVID. Movement in the channel took a nosedive as 28 acquisitions were closed the year COVID took hold in the US—not surprising given the conservative financial behavior of companies during a pandemic, but perhaps still a surprisingly high amount to some of you. Activity then increased to 35 acquisitions in 2021. During this two-year span, where lockdowns came and went and the urgency of vaccines took root, mega dealers were responsible for 21 transactions, with over 75% of those acquired dealers having annual revenue of less than $5 million.How print companies are supporting edtech to enhance online learning
The third installment of how educational technology (edtech) support can combine ways of learning in the future.Our 4 Questions series turns to industry consultant for the good word on MPS
The concept of managed print services (MPS) has meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people over the years, by definition and in revenue. Is it just about A4? Auto-replenishing of supplies? How deep and wide can it go? MPS has evolved to be anything a dealer wants it to be, for lack of a better way of putting it. It’s elastic, flexible. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that taking a consultative approach with customers leads to better relationships and greater financial success for all parties.Outlining priorities for the year ahead
The PaperCut Partner Summit 2022 offered many the chance to see what goodies are forthcoming from the Australian software house.What 1939 can tell us about 2022
Like the World's Fair in 1939, the modern world is set up for a technological revolution. This blog contrasts the past with today in regards to looking forward at technology.Our 4 Questions series welcomes another known quantity in the print industry
If there are a couple of things I’ve learned about Art Post in the short time since we met, they are that he will never shy away from a conversation about A3 hardware—and he oozes confidence. The Customer Relationship Manager has been at Stratix Systems for nearly 24 years (he had his own dealership and worked for a Minolta dealer prior). He created the Print4Pay Hotel in 2003, a resource website for the print industry that continues to enjoy good health. And, of some personal interest to me, he was the General Manager and Head Coach of a summer collegiate baseball team for almost a decade, a job which he says was rewarding because it gave him the chance to continue coaching while also chatting with the student-athletes about the business world and what would come after school.
