Ricoh has announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Print in the Distributed Workforce 2022 Vendor Assessment and the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud MPS Hardcopy 2022 Vendor Assessment for its cloud-based managed print services (MPS) and other cloud-based contractual print services.

According to the first report, "Ricoh was one of the first printing companies to recognize and execute on a transformation plan well before the pandemic's arrival. The company has extended its value proposition to digital services that continue to provide for print as it expands into IT services and workflow opportunities for customers, regardless of location."

"In addition to a comprehensive suite of managed IT services with a focus on cloud services, Ricoh offers solutions that optimize document capture, digital transformation, and document process automation," said Keith Kmetz, program vice president of imaging, printing and document solutions, IDC. "Ricoh has a history of designing, developing, delivering and managing complex workflow solutions that digitally transform business operations for their customers. Combining this with the ability to apply managed IT services to those workflow solutions provides a unique value proposition to the market."

According to the IDC MarketScape, customers should consider Ricoh when looking for a partner that offers a wide range of products and services at scale and regardless of location. Ricoh's broad portfolio, combined with a consistent global service delivery model put the company in a strong position for supporting customer needs around a distributed workforce. Ricoh should also be considered by customers looking for a vendor they can trust with critical business processes and infrastructure — in terms of both security and results.

The IDC MarketScape evaluated how managing print in an increasingly distributed workforce will grow in importance. It also assesses how print organizations are addressing this market transition by appropriately extending offerings. Increasingly, companies are expanding print hardware, supplies, software, services and maintenance beyond the conventional office setting to include home and remote locations as part of the corporate infrastructure.

"Ricoh empowers customers to optimize their increasingly dispersed teams with automation, cloud enablement, and operational insights that extend beyond short-term goals to facilitate a hybrid workforce and drive digital transformation into the future," said Akira Oyama, executive corporate officer and president, Ricoh Digital Services Business Unit, Ricoh Co. Ltd. "We envision the MFP as an edge device that goes beyond print with cloud workflow, apps and solutions through the RICOH Smart Integration platform to enable and encourage human connection anytime, anywhere."

The report also notes, "Ricoh's R&D efforts demonstrate a push to innovate with the use of smart technologies to advance the company's document offerings: continuing to invest in 3D printing to provide an as-a-service program for health care and manufacturing, helping customers make gains in sustainability efforts, and automating the workplace with new return-to-work solutions."

Ricoh was also named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud MPS Hardcopy 2022 Vendor Assessment. The IDC MarketScape notes: "Ricoh's global services infrastructure combined with its worldwide geographic coverage is a key differentiator for the firm."

"Ricoh takes a customer-centric approach and is in a strong position to meet the expansive needs of global, regional and local customers," said Robert Palmer, research vice president for imaging, printing and document solutions, IDC. "Ricoh's cloud-based MPS platform is uniquely positioned to provide customers with a comprehensive path toward digital transformation, offering a technology-agnostic approach that allows customers to pick and choose from a full menu of services that can scale to meet the evolving needs of their organization."

The IDC MarketScape cited that Ricoh's cloud-based MPS architecture "provides Ricoh with a singular ecosystem with the flexibility and scalability needed to address all customer segments and delivery models, from direct engagements with large enterprise accounts to mid-market and SMB customers working through Ricoh's indirect channel partners."

"The market focus is shifting from increasing operational efficiencies to enabling high-value work, leveraging the cloud and data analytics to drive business results," said Akira Oyama, executive corporate officer and president, Ricoh Digital Services Business Unit, Ricoh Co. Ltd. "Ricoh helps employees gain fulfillment through work by empowering organizations with tools such as our managed print services and intelligent business platform solutions that secure and manage the information needed for their success. It is our global digital services experience and management expertise that play a defining role in driving digital transformations that move businesses forward."

Ricoh's strategic cloud-based MPS offerings help organizations optimize processes and technology across their entire output ecosystem. The broad portfolio enables users to embrace hybrid work styles throughout their digital transformations, erasing office boundaries to enable anywhere, anytime connectivity and productivity. 

In other news, Ricoh has been awarded the Gold Class Sustainability Award by S&P Global.

Each year, the S&P Global assesses major companies' sustainability in the three areas of economic, environment and society. It recognizes those selected for outstanding sustainability efforts by granting each industry group Gold, Silver and Bronze Class awards. S&P Global evaluated approximately 7,500 companies in 61 industries worldwide this year. The Gold Class includes 75 companies, which are the top 1% of companies assessed, of which four are Japanese.

Ricoh is included in the computers & peripherals and office electronics industry, with one Gold-Class, four Silver-Class and two Bronze-Class companies selected. In this industry, Ricoh received the best score in 10 categories: risk & crisis management, supply chain management, innovation management, environmental reporting, product stewardship, climate strategy, social reporting, talent attraction & retention, corporate citizenship & philanthropy, and living wage, resulting in a Gold-Class ranking for this year.

This is Ricoh's first Gold-Class recognition. Ricoh received Silver-Class recognition in 2021 and Bronze Class in 2019 and 2020.

Ricoh has identified seven material issues, set 17 ESG priority targets and incorporated them into the group's business strategies. Ricoh will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals agreed upon by the international community by solving social issues through business and realizing a sustainable society.