Predictions that are Reshaping the Workplace Group in 2026

Keypoint Intelligence’s Predictions 2026: What to Expect in the Workplace report highlights a pivotal year for the document imaging industry—one defined by consolidation, sustainability mandates, AI-driven transformation, and escalating cybersecurity risk. On the hardware front, continued OEM exits and vendor consolidation are expected as print volumes decline and competitive pressure intensifies. At the same time, ink tank printers are poised for steady growth—particularly within SMB environments—driven by lower total cost of ownership, subscription-based supply models, and increasing alignment with corporate sustainability goals. Sustainability itself will move beyond a differentiator to a baseline procurement requirement, with energy efficiency, recycled content, remanufacturing programs, and extended device lifecycles becoming standard expectations in RFPs and purchasing decisions.

Beyond hardware, 2026 marks an inflection point in how devices and document workflows are positioned within the enterprise. MFPs, printers, and scanners will evolve from passive endpoints into intelligent workflow nodes capable of classification, governance enforcement, predictive maintenance, and AI-enabled decision-making at the device level. Scanning will shift from static capture to intelligent ingestion, producing structured, policy-aware, and AI-ready content. Organizations will increasingly digitize legacy paper as a strategic data asset to fuel internal AI systems, while AI itself becomes the operating logic orchestrating document workflows across platforms. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Modern Print Platform will accelerate the move from traditional drivers to app-based print experiences, reshaping IT management priorities. Remote service models will mature into hybrid service ecosystems, traditional dealer channels will face mounting pressure, and cybersecurity threats—amplified by AI-powered social engineering—will force enterprises to adopt identity-first, Zero Trust operating models. Collectively, these forces signal a year where intelligence, efficiency, resilience, and adaptability will define competitive advantage in the workplace technology landscape.

Download the full report to explore these trends in greater depth, and understand what they mean for your organization's strategy.