Print as a Service: Why 48% Are Making the Shift
According to IDC research, 40% of companies will adopt a new model for sourcing print solutions by 2027. But what is driving this shift? And how can small and medium-sized businesses take advantage of it to better manage costs, improve user experience and reduce the IT burden?
Workplace Expectations Are Changing
Today's workplaces are more dynamic than ever. With hybrid working now the norm and agility a growing priority, organisations are rethinking how they equip teams, manage processes and deliver a seamless employee experience. For SMBs, this means finding smarter ways to stay productive, simplify operations and do more with leaner resources.
As part of this shift, businesses are embracing flexible "as a Service" (aaS) models. These solutions offer a more agile way to manage infrastructure and provide access to tools and technologies on a subscription basis, without large upfront investments or ongoing administration.
Print is no exception. No longer viewed as a standalone utility, it is increasingly seen as an integrated part of the wider workplace ecosystem, supporting secure document handling, streamlined workflows and flexible working. Employees expect intuitive, always-on access to print and scan capabilities, while IT and facilities teams need solutions that are easy to manage, secure by design and cost-predictable.
That is where Print as a Service (PraaS) comes in.
40% of companies will adopt a new model for sourcing print solutions by 2027.
The Advantages of PraaS: What SMBs Can Expect
The right PraaS partner provides more than just printers. It delivers a complete print experience built around your workplace needs. Key benefits include:
- User-friendly experiences: employees get access to reliable, modern print devices that simply work, whether they are printing from the office or remotely. Features such as secure mobile printing and cloud integrations support flexible ways of working.
- Simple, stress-free management: with end-to-end support included, the provider handles device setup, regular maintenance, updates and toner replenishment, freeing up your IT team to focus on higher-value tasks.
- Robust security: advanced device-level protections, secure print release and access controls are included by default, supporting data protection strategies and zero-trust environments.
- Predictable costs: with subscription-based billing and transparent SLAs, you avoid unexpected maintenance charges and can budget more confidently.
- Enhanced sustainability: many PraaS packages include eco-friendly device options, energy-efficient defaults and responsible end-of-life disposal, helping organisations reduce waste and improve environmental performance as part of their overall strategy.
Moving Beyond Traditional Print Setups
Many SMBs continue to rely on traditional print environments made up of mixed devices, systems and service agreements. While these setups can still serve their purpose, they often involve more manual oversight, fragmented support and less flexibility as business needs evolve.
Print as a Service (PraaS) offers an alternative approach, designed for agility. By consolidating print into a single, scalable subscription model, businesses can simplify day-to-day management, gain clearer visibility over costs and adapt their setup more easily as requirements change.
The Impact in Action
When IDC surveyed 2,000 businesses in 2024, nearly half (48%) said they preferred a subscription-based print contract that bundled devices, maintenance and consumables. That preference reflects a growing shift towards simplicity, consistency and better alignment with the workplace.
RICOH has seen this model transform operations for many SMBs. Take German construction and engineering firm Meisser, for example: by moving to a RICOH PraaS solution, it was able to reduce downtime, simplify support and improve day-to-day print experiences across its workforce.
ROEL, an authorised RICOH partner in Romania, can help you choose and implement such solutions. Get in touch with us.
Adapted from RICOH Europe.
