Main News Desk

Productivity potential still 'locked' in SMB devices

November 13, 2007

~ SMBs should look to their investment in office equipment to unleash financial and efficiency gains, reveals Lexmark and Ipsos survey ~

62% of SMBs in the UK have laser multi-function printers (MFPs), but just half (55%) use them to fax and scan, according to a survey undertaken by Ipsos and commissioned by Lexmark, the printing solutions provider. Questioning over 1,400 companies with up to 250 employees in seven countries*, the study found that many SMBs in the UK have invested in a high standard of technology. In fact, in larger SMBs (151-250 employees), the proportion of respondents that owns an MFP climbs to 89%.

IMPROVEMENTS ARE NOT PRODUCTIVITY-DRIVEN
When looking at the reasons behind why companies seek to improve their use of printing equipment, the outcome is often cost-focused and tactical rather than long-term and strategic. In fact, one of the biggest pressures faced by SMBs across Europe is reducing costs (19%). But while the majority of companies in the UK (94%) have taken some form of measure to reduce costs, any drop in the volume of printing is due to tactical measures – such as the increase in electronic communication (52%) – rather than strategic changes, such as better office workflow (just 10%). LARGER COMPANIES MORE LIKELY TO BE STRATEGIC When looking at the different sizes of companies and their approach to cost reduction, the larger organisations are better at introducing strategic, productivity-focused methods. Those with between 151-250 employees, for example, are more likely to control access to colour printers (34%) than those with 51-150 employees (20%) and 10-50 employees (12%). At the same time, smaller organisations are more likely to have no strategy in place at all (35%) compared to the largest in the study (17%).

COMPETIVENESS: A DRIVER FOR PRODUCTIVITY Overall, the study suggests that ongoing business pressures will see SMBs looking to their investment in technology for a greater return – but approaches still need to develop to ensure they improve productivity over the long term. Otherwise, any measures taken now become a short-term fix. This, according to Mark Seaman, SMB director, Printing Solutions and Services Division at Lexmark, will lead SMBs to search for productivity gains from using their office devices to their full potential. “The gap between the capabilities of individual devices and their day-to-day use suggests that there are significant productivity improvements that could be unlocked,” commented Seaman. “At Lexmark, we feel responsible for a solution that doesn’t just focus on the technology, but also improves productivity and fits an individual business’ needs. The integration of technology and productivity is the key.” (473 words)

Notes to Editors * On behalf of Lexmark, Ipsos carried out a survey of 1,408 chief executives of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in six European countries and in the US. The interviews were held by telephone between April 12 and May 3, 2007, with chief executives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. About Lexmark Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2006, Lexmark reported $5.1 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com. Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For further information please contact:

For further press information and photography please contact:

Louise Tullin at LEWIS, the PR agency Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 2626 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7802 2627
Email: louisetullin@lewispr.com Website: http://www.lewispr.com

Executive quote

This, according to Mark Seaman, SMB director, Printing Solutions and Services Division at Lexmark, will lead SMBs to search for productivity gains from using their office devices to their full potential. “The gap between the capabilities of individual devices and their day-to-day use suggests that there are significant productivity improvements that could be unlocked,” commented Seaman. “At Lexmark, we feel responsible for a solution that doesn’t just focus on the technology, but also improves productivity and fits an individual business’ needs. The integration of technology and productivity is the key.”

About the company

About Lexmark Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2006, Lexmark reported $5.1 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com. Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact details

For further press information and photography please contact: Louise Tullin at LEWIS, the PR agency Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 2626 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7802 2627 Email: louisetullin@lewispr.com Website: http://www.lewispr.com

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