Why Print Still Matters in the Digital Age
In a world dominated by screens, cloud storage, and instant digital communication, some people may be wondering if print has lost its relevance. But for businesses, educators, marketers, and various other jobs, print continues to play a vital role, offering tangible value that digital media can’t replicate. To put it in perspective, educational institutions are printing nearly 784 million pages per day (that’s a lot of study material!) and healthcare organizations about 272 million per day. Print is here to stay and it’s evolving alongside today’s technology to be more impactful, efficient and secure. Here are some of its unmatched benefits:
Builds Trust
There’s something about holding a printed document that feels more official. Whether it’s a thesis, contract, report, or marketing piece, print adds helpful weight to the message, literally and figuratively. It’s a substantial resource that signals professionalism and helps make communication feel more intentional and credible.
Provides a Digestible, Customizable Experience
Digital screens can be overwhelming, especially when multitasking. On the other hand, printed materials offer a distraction-free experience. Whether reviewing a proposal, editing a draft, or flipping through a training manual, people read and absorb details differently when they’re working from paper. A printed document also provides businesses with the opportunity to customize and personalize it for a specific audience. This can include adjusting the text on a printed piece to resonate with the recipient or adding embellishments to ensure printed documents are eye-catching and engaging.
Protects Sensitive Information
Not everything belongs in the cloud, and in some industries like healthcare, finance, or legal services, physical documents are required to comply with industry requirements. Having printed documents can reduce the risk of a cyberattack by limiting unauthorized access, phishing, or data breaches. In some cases, it can also be more convenient when managing audits, signatures, and compliance.
Key Part of the Hybrid Office
As teams become more mobile and offices more flexible, print has kept pace. Sharp Multifunction Printers (MFPs) integrate with cloud services, supporting secure mobile printing, and streamlining workflows from anywhere. That means employees can access their documents when and where they need them.
Supports Sustainability Goals
Modern printing isn’t what it used to be. Today’s devices are built with efficiency in mind, from energy-saving mode and low-emission toner to programs that recycle consumables. At Sharp, MFP models like the BP-C131WD Color Multifunction Printer use approximately 50% recycled plastic and embody an energy efficient design. They are designed to help businesses print smarter and align with their sustainability goals.
Despite our world becoming more digitized, print is still very much a part of it. It’s adapting, improving, and demonstrating its worth alongside digital tools. Businesses require the flexibility to choose the best format for every job, whether that’s paper or pixels, to help employees do their best work securely and efficiently.