IDC Says Inkjet Technology Market Dominance Goes Beyond 2014

 
The worldwide continuous-feed, digital production print market is experiencing significant opportunity thanks to a major technology shift.

According to new research from International Data Corporation (IDC), the much anticipated shift from electrophotography (EP) to high-speed inkjet (HSIJ) came to fruition in 2013, and will continue through the 2014-2018 forecast period.

Placements of both monochrome and color EP equipment declined in the past year, while HSIJ installations continue on their growth path.

IDC expects HSIJ to reach $1 billion in equipment sales by 2018 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%.

Not only was HSIJ the only growth technology segment in the continuous feed production print market, but for the closely watched high-volume segments of 150+ ipm monochrome and HSIJ, HSIJ became the overall market share leader, achieving 54% of the placements.

While the cross over in placements occurred in 2013, HSIJ will grow to 75% of placements by 2018.

HSIJ providers have appropriately focused on the high-volume segments of the continuous feed market where print volumes and corresponding supplies and service revenue are significant.

"A dramatic technology shift occurred in 2013 as high-speed inkjet maintained its momentum, while incumbent technologies declined," said Andrew Gordon, research director, Production Output Solutions. "There will continue to be opportunity for color laser, which will hold a quality advantage for a while. However, high-speed inkjet vendors will make great strides toward improving print quality and substrate flexibility."

IDC's Worldwide and U.S. Continuous Feed 2014-2018 Forecast and Analysis presents data and analysis to support planning, development and go-to-market strategies for technology vendors participating in the continuous-feed production print market.