5 Transformative Trends in Output Management
Prepare for a changing world
One thing is certain in this world: it is constantly changing.
Nowhere does development happen faster than in IT. In some areas, it becomes megatrends that fundamentally change the way wework and prioritize. Trends flood our daily lives in a steady stream, with some being highly transformative. Here, we look at the trends involving and affecting Output Management, based on Tabellae’s assessments, which draw on insights from Gartner’s reports on the future of work and strategic technology trends.
1. Cyber Threats
No one can feel completely safe anymore when cybercriminals are on the move. As attacks become more sophisticated, we need to enhance our protections and/or extend them to new areas.
One of these areas is document security. Inside the company, they are protected by the company’s security setup, but what about outside, when invoices are in transit and might be an easy target for someone who wants to change the payment account number to their own?
With the rapid growth of cyber threats and criminals constantly looking for “weak spots”, Output Management, like many other areas, must be aware of a greater threat.
Implementing zero trust security models is becoming increasingly relevant in IT security strategies. This means that all users, both internal and external, must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated before they can access applications and data. For Output Management, this means stricter control and monitoring of document access and processing.
With the increased use of mobile devices for work tasks, it is essential to ensure that Output Management solutions can be securely accessed from mobile devices. This includes using secure mobile applications, encrypted connections, and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive documents and data.
2. Compliance
With constantly changing legislation and an increased focus on data security and privacy, compliance with regulations and security requirements is a top priority for businesses worldwide.
Output Management plays a central role in ensuring that company documents and data comply with regulatory requirements and are protected against unauthorized access and use.
Many requirements are industry-specific, but EU requirements are also increasing, including GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the NIS2 (Network and Information Security) Directive, DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), EU AI Act, eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services), and ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
Compliance with EU requirements is crucial for companies using ERP systems, especially regarding data protection, cybersecurity, electronic identification, and financial reporting. By implementing appropriate processes and technologies, companies can ensure that their ERP systems comply with the necessary regulations and protect both their data and reputation. There is no indication that companies will face fewer legal and security challenges in the future, so compliance will continue to be a major challenge.
3. AI and Hyper automation
New technologies make it possible to automate complex processes such as data exchange, report generation, and document handling within the ERP system.
Hyper automation in Output Management can increase efficiency, minimize errors, and free up resources for more value-added tasks.
There is no longer any doubt that AI will bring about a paradigm shift, and Output Management is well on its way to being part of this.
4. Customer Experience and Engagement
Customer experience plays an increasingly important role in sales, and Output Management is the tool to ensure a positive experience through timely and accurate information to customers. For example, invoices, order confirmations, and delivery notes can improve customer satisfaction and engagement.
Customers increasingly expect a seamless experience and personalized communication across different and changing channels. Therefore, it is important to address different, increasingly multicultural and international target groups with multilingual and culturally sensitive content. This requires delivering data to customers on various platforms, and adaptability is crucial to effectively handle and utilize new communication channels.
5. Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing trend, with companies constantly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. In Output Management, sustainability focuses on reducing resource use and the environmental impact associated with document production and distribution.
This includes transitioning to digital documents and electronic communication to minimize paper use, optimizing print processes to reduce waste and energy consumption, using recycled paper, properly handling wastepaper, and using energy-efficient printers and office equipment.
Integrated sustainable Output Management offers several benefits for companies. These include cost savings by reducing paper and printing costs through digitization and efficient print management; environmental benefits such as less environmental impact through reduced paper use, lower energy consumption, and less waste; improved compliance with environmental regulations and standards through better management and reporting; increased efficiency through faster and more effective communication and information flow; and a strengthened reputation, which can attract environmentally conscious customers and employees.
