Simple technology switch could help fund vital new medical equipment

New data has highlighted how simply switching from one type of printer technology to a modern alternative could unlock invaluable resources within healthcare in Europe. Each year, Epson business inkjet technology has the potential to save European healthcare establishments 166 millionKwh in energy consumption, cut costs by € 20m, reduce CO ₂emissions by 57million KGs and importantly lower printer waste [1].

Healthcare providers continue to have to ‘do more with less’, yet a simple switch from laser printers to Epson business inkjet technology within healthcare has the potential to free up funds for re-investment in new life-changing equipment or staffing resources. In fact, figures show that if the healthcare sector in Western Europe was to switch to Epson business inkjet printers, the annual savings are the equivalent of buying eightnew state-of-the-art MRI scanners [1]. Compelling statistics that are now driving increased uptake of the technology.

In the last four years, Epson business inkjet printers have secured a 56% market share increase, positioning Epson with 29% total market share across Western Europe, according to IDC data [1]. But there is still considerable room for more organisations to leverage the benefits of a technology switch.

If momentum continues, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of healthcare organisations can also be improved. The CO ₂savings amount to the same volume that it would take 2.6 million trees a year to absorb [1].

Phil Sargeant of IDC, the market intelligence firm, says: “Over recent years we have seen the rise of the business inkjet, from manufacturers such as Epson and HP, and to a lesser extent, Canon and Brother. The penetration for inkjets is increasing almost two percent a year.” Inkjets, he adds, have become a solidly mainstream choice. “Now one in three devices being sold into an office environment is a business inkjet. If you look at some markets in Europe, the penetration is as high as 40%.”

According to IT Managers recently surveyed by Epson, the need to invest in new technology was the number one pressure cited by 48% per cent of IT managers and printer users within the healthcare sector [1].

Cost pressures have also resulted in not hiring new staff said 40 per cent of survey respondents, and providing staff training has taken a hit according to 26 per cent. More critically, a significant 37 per cent said that it has led to an inability to improve the patient environment and 48 per cent admitted it had meant they are not able to invest in new technology for their organisation.

The research further highlighted that 38 per cent of those in healthcare are under pressure to improve their CSR efforts, but budget pressures stop them from doing so.

“Progressive innovation achieved over the last decade means that switching from legacy laser technology to Epson business inkjet is proven to save money and support the environment, additionally, it allows for focus on more important areas of business or function,” says Darren Phelps, VP of business, Epson Europe. “Making a small change to an often-overlooked piece of equipment could have substantial ecological and economic results. Minimising the total cost of print and its environmental impact, while addressing human benefits are all advantages enabled by our heat-free printing technology.

“The real impact is in the resulting human benefits,” says Phelps. “In healthcare, our innovations are being used to reduce environmental impact, improve patient experiences, and enable new, smarter ways of working.”

To find out more, please visit: https://www.epson.co.uk/advantage-inkjet

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