Three out of four small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the GCC do not use multi-functional printers (MFP) smartly, according to a recent survey.

The ‘Canon GCC SME IT & Office Print Trends,’ said the SMEs are at a risk of exposing confidential information, and are largely unaware that they can minimise their operational costs and increase employee productivity when they adopt smart print solutions.

The printer usage study was conducted by Canon Middle East among 1,000 SMEs through the GCC, aimed at finding out whether small business throughout the region are using the full features and maximising the benefits offered by MFPs.

About 68 per cent of respondents revealed that they have misplaced both confidential personal and corporate documents at the printer tray and most SMEs are in danger of losing critical information that could hamper business growth.

Hendrik Verbrugghe, marketing director, Canon Middle East, said: “Now more than ever, organisations need to look at ways to cut down on unnecessary print jobs and ensure tight cost management – while keeping their information secure. There is a clear opportunity for SMEs in the region to make some simple, cost-effective IT changes that will have a dramatic impact on reducing costs as well as improving workforce efficiency.

“We’re not talking about a complete overhaul of systems but rather encouraging organisations to really think about the way any new technology investments support their organisation and their staff and also training them to use its features to its optimum.”

The survey also revealed that 60 per cent of respondents are not aware of features available to monitor print related costs, of which 57 per cent of respondents from larger businesses with over 50 employees were directionally more interested in being able to monitor printing costs.

The interest for a yearly contract was low among small-sized companies, when it comes to printer maintenance, with only one business in four being positive about it, it said.

However, two out of four larger companies involving a higher turnover in business were interested for a yearly printer maintenance contract.

It also highlighted that the awareness and availability of productivity enhancing printing facilities from MFPs is fairly low on most aspects, be it printing from smart devices or remotely printing whilst out of the office.

“The findings reinforce the need for technology to help staff perform more efficiently and to the best of their ability. The study also provides an opportunity for Canon to educate SMEs on the benefits of mobile print solutions as well as remote, cloud printing solutions which could lead to higher productivity and efficient MFP usage among SMEs,” said Verbrugghe.

“Organisations that have not only invested in appropriate print technologies but also put its features to optimum use will be well-placed to reap the benefits of productivity and efficiency at the work place,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service