IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions 2025 Predictions
This IDC study discusses worldwide imaging, printing, and document solutions top 10 predictions for 2025."Admittedly, printing and imaging may not always hold a top priority status among the IT-buying community when compared to other technology categories. Buyers should focus on ensuring that their organization's print infrastructure is running at peak cost and performance efficiency," said Keith Kmetz, program vice president for Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions research, IDC. "This means carefully watching the latest IT market trends, such as AI, and acting on how these technology advances can be applied to the existing print infrastructure. Doing so should translate into providing a set of solutions that offer organizations the latest bottom-line cost and operational benefits."
IDC FutureScape Figure
Executive Summary
IDC FutureScape Predictions
Summary of External Drivers
Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
Prediction 1: By 2027, 35% of All Enterprise-Class Printers and MFPs in Use Worldwide Will Be GenAI-Enabled Devices Driven by the Ability to Enhance the User Experience
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 2: By 2028, Global Shipments of Used Printing Devices Will More than Double, Driven by New Regulations and the Growing Demand for Sustainability and Lower Costs
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 3: Fueled by AI-Infused Technologies and Advancements in Print Management Platforms, by 2026, 25% of All Businesses Will Transition to a Self-Managed Model for MPDS
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 4: By 2028, the Use of AI, Cloud, and IoT with Advanced Capabilities Will Reduce the Number of Total Print-Related Service Calls by 30%, Resulting in Improved Uptime and Efficiencies Across the Fleet
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 5: With Channel Consolidation and the Ongoing Commoditization of Print, One in Three Workgroup-Class Print Devices Will Be Purchased Online by 2027, Requiring New Spending and Security Policies
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 6: By 2026, 35% of Organizational IT Budgets Will No Longer Provide Any Provision for Print in Work-from-Home Settings, Which Will Place More Responsibility on These Employees
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 7: By 2027, 50% of All Production and Large Format Print Ordering Systems Will Be Fully Self-Serviced, Assisted by AI and Automation
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 8: By 2027, Pages Scanned on MFPs Will Increase by 50%, Driven by Greater Focus on MFP Scanning Capabilities, Ongoing DX Initiatives, and the Goal to Rightsize Device Fleets
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 9: By 2026, 95% of Print Management Solutions Will Have Cybersecurity Features Enhanced or Assisted by AI That Help Boost Overall Organizational Cyber-Resiliency
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 10: By 2027, 40% of Public Sector Print Procurement Practices Will Include Guidelines That Take Local Sourcing, Sustainability, and Alignment to Own ESG Policies into Consideration
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Advice for Technology Buyers
External Drivers: Detail
AI-Driven Business Models — Moving from AI Experimentation to Monetization
The Drive to Automate — Toward a Data-Driven Future
Future Proofing Against Environmental Risks — ESG Operationalization and Risk Management
AI-Driven Workplace Transformation — Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
Regulatory Flux — Navigating Compliance Challenges in a Shifting Policy Landscape
Expanding Digital Security Frontiers — Fortification Against Multiplying Threats
Customer Experience Squared — Consumer and Citizen Expectations for Digital Services
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