KYOCERA'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO MANAGED DOCUMENT SERVICES

Kyocera has embraced the MDS market for a number of years with an approach which is very different to competitors who go direct to end users, preferring to work in partnership with resellers and service partners to provide expertise and day-to-day management of the print environment. They liken their approach to a quote from George Bernard Shaw: “The only man who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew every time he sees me, while all the rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.” – A tailored-made, holistic approach – building solutions to fit the customer rather than making the customer fit the product.

Stefan Dylka, General Manager Global Services Division comments, "MDS isn’t a one-off experiment. It is part of Kyocera’s long-term strategy for improving document workflows. We have already provided MDS from small to large businesses alike and our future strategy will continue to focus on bringing efficiency to document management, so businesses can not only print for less - they can also print less. Our Global Services Team provides a single point of contact to access international expertise and our strong channel approach differentiates us from the rest."

Kyocera define their MDS process in five stages - Assess, Design, Implement, Manage and Optimize. By precisely quantifying document output Kyocera highlight where time and resources are wasted, allowing them to create tailor-made solutions to reduce overall cost and environmental impact. What's more, by offering a wide range of products and services from a single source, Kyocera can offer customisation with its suite of HyPAS business applications, even further improving productivity. The approach is constantly evolving and the new 'Strategy Configurator' is a step by step guide to ensure local priorities are addressed for businesses of all sizes.

In recent years Kyocera has gained increasing recognition from industry analysts. Quocirca recognised Kyocera as a "Strong Performer" and reported that they have made strong progress over the past year, developing and expanding their MPDS customer base, particularly in Europe, and that they are emerging as a credible player in the market with their MDS proposition, delivered primarily through their dealer network.1

Other analysts have also acknowledged Kyocera, being called "Major Player" by IDC, and "Challenger" by Gartner. Gartner gave priority to the initial assessment, noting low running costs and a comprehensive line up, ensuring everything was possible from one vendor2. Kyocera has built up an internal infrastructure, being referred to as an enabler, ensuring the right people, process and platforms. 

Kyocera believes in collaborating with partners as one company on a global level, while still offering a very flexible and adaptable approach towards customers. When IDC, as part of the Marketscape 2013, conducted customers interviews this really stood out. 'Kyocera was noted for high levels of flexibility and adaptability in contracting and service delivery as well as its ecological approach, which spans the entire product development and delivery process. More than one customer referred to Kyocera as "a learning company," emphasizing the company's ability to adapt and grow as needs change.'3

Many changes are afoot at Kyocera and the next year is going to be very interesting as the market continues to change.

1 Quocirca, Managed Print Services Landscape, May 2013
2 Gartner Magic Qudarant 2013
3 IDC Marketscape 2013

Kyocera Document Solutions is one of the world's leading office document solutions companies. Its range of products and services includes Ecosys printers, reliable multifunctional systems, high-quality consumables, a comprehensive portfolio of software solutions and Managed Document Services (MDS). Kyocera Document Solutions provides innovative products built on a foundation of long-life components. Its customers benefit from low total cost of ownership and high efficiency in any workplace. Its solutions portfolio and Managed Document Services division help customers to reduce costs and environmental impact at the same time as improving the efficiency and reliability of common business processes. For further information, visit: www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.eu.

Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2009. Ranked no. 492 on Forbes magazine's 2013 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies, Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high-tech ceramics, electronic components, solar cells and electronic office equipment. Kyocera's long-term growth strategy is to focus on business that supports telecommunications, information processing, environmental protection and the preservation of quality of life.