Egham, February 2016 – Businesses in Europe have a critical need for ‘anytime and anywhere’ secure access to information to maintain and boost workplace productivity, a new IDC whitepaper sponsored by OKI Europe Ltd has revealed.

Faced with access to greater volumes of digitised information, the research warns that companies need to pay close attention to data access and security. However, according to its latest findings, a massive 75% of European SMBs have no document security system in place such as user ID, potentially leaving them exposed to security threats.

The research, which is entitled ‘Are your business processes stifling your market opportunity? Cost-efficient print and document management through smart MFPs’, written by Jacqui Hendriks, IDC's Head of European Managed Print Services and Document Solutions research and consulting practice.

IDC’s findings confirm the fact that a growing mobile workforce and shifting employee work patterns are having a transformational impact on print and document management. By 2018, it predicts that 75% of the workforce will be working from mobile devices away from the office.

Looking at the role of smart MFPs in the changing modern workplace, it points to the fact that the flexible devices can be programmed to provide customised tools for employees and departments which can be accessed using a secure ID card, secure PIN code and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. If a print task is sent to a smart MFP with a ‘pull printing’ feature, it can be programmed only to release the document when the user is physically at the device and has swiped a security card or entered a PIN code.

“The growing mobile workforce and demand for ‘anytime, anywhere’ working is having a profound impact on today’s businesses,” says Terry Kawashima, managing director, OKI Europe Ltd.

“In response, businesses need to keep employees productive by introducing more effective digitised workflows, as well as putting the necessary controls in place to protect sensitive customer and business data. As this IDC whitepaper highlights, there is a clear and pressing requirement for smart MFPs that help guard against threats or viruses with secure printing from mobile devices.”

OKI Europe’s portfolio of smart, mobile print-ready MFPs feature a range of advanced security controls. These include authentication tools to control access to sensitive information and permission-based access to protect business, employee and customer or patient data and help ensure document confidentiality.

For further information and to receive a copy of the whitepaper and infographic, visit www.okieurope.com/smartmfps



Notes to Editors:

About OKI Europe

OKI Europe Ltd is a division of OKI Data Corporation, a global business-to-business brand dedicated to creating cost effective, professional in-house printers, applications and services which are designed to increase the efficiency of today’s and tomorrow’s businesses.

The company is well-established as one of Europe’s leading printer brands, in terms of value and units shipped. For over 60 years OKI Europe has been delivering advanced printing solutions worldwide, introducing ground-breaking technologies that support the needs of businesses large and small. Our pioneering development of digital LED printing technology has placed OKI at the forefront of the market in delivering high-definition, eco-friendly printing devices.

In addition to a vast portfolio of award-winning printers and MFPs, OKI Europe offers a range of services to help optimise print and document workflows. This, together with an integrated suite of software technologies and tools, can help businesses take control of their print and document costs in a secure environment, whether office based, mobile or in the cloud.

Today OKI Europe employs approximately 1,100 people in 21 locations (sales offices and production sites) and is represented in 60 countries throughout the EMEA region.

Visit www.okieurope.com for further information.

OKI Data Corporation is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd., established in 1881 and Japan’s first telecommunications manufacturer.