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Western European Document Scanner Market: Shipments Growing Faster Than All Other Hardware Units

Introduction

Document scanners have become an important tool in today’s document management process. They enable companies to improve document workflow, manage it in a modern manner, and advance the way that businesses are capturing, storing, and distributing documents from fixed or mobile locations.

InfoTrends forecast, Western European Document Scanner Forecast: 2004-2009, provides vendors an understanding of the trends that are currently impacting the Western European document scanner market and the dynamics that are expected to occur across all segments in the future.

Scanner Shipments Growing Rapidly

According to the forecast total document scanner shipments in Western Europe are growing faster than output of hardware units (i.e. faxes, copiers, and printers). InfoTrends expects the total document scanner market to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39% between 2004 and 2009.

Figure 1: Western European Scanner
Shipments, 2004-2009

The rising volumes of scanner shipments reflect the impact that compliance directives and document distribution applications have had on the industry. In many cases, scanning solutions are becoming a critical "on-ramp" to a company's business setup.

Workgroup scanners represent the largest segment accounting for nearly two-thirds of all scanners sold in Western Europe during 2004. By the end of 2009 Workgroup revenues are expected to more than double achieving a value of €304 million.
Placements of departmental scanners are also growing steadily. Between 2003 and 2004 these types of scanners grew 15% and are expected to further penetrate the office environment throughout the forecast period as they deliver a lower level of complexity in relation to workgroup products at competitive price points.

The document scanner market is experiencing trends that are similar to those among other types of office equipment. Product performance, technology enhancements, and affordability are changing usage patterns. Consumers are demanding more control because jobs that would have previously been outsourced are being produced in-house. Manufacturers are recognizing the growing demand for features and are beginning to develop tailored solutions.

An array of features, formats, and pre-setup options also allow vendors to market "new and improved" products to existing and new users, helping them improve their business processes whilst saving time and money.

The preceding is an excerpt from InfoTrends’ report entitled “Western European Document Scanner Forecast: 2004-2009.” The complete document is available immediately. To learn more about the report or to make a purchase, visit our online store or contact Nicole Shown at +1 , ext. 207 or . 

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