3D print service bureaus are companies with physical or online outlets that use 3D printers to produce objects. Customers (R&D and new product development departments of manufacturing organizations) supply digital or physical models, from which the objects — which may be concept models, prototypes, spare parts or finished goods — are created. While there are 3D print services that cater to consumers, our Market Guide focuses on 3D print service bureaus used by private and public organizations (see Note 1). These bureaus often offer creative, design and engineering services that facilitate the learning process. Service bureaus produce 3D printed prototypes, tools and fixtures, finished goods and spare parts that may ultimately justify an organization investing in an in-house 3D printer. While 3D printing (3DP) is their primary product offering, these service bureaus typically offer one or more of the following additional services: application engineering, postprocessing, assembly and quality assurance testing.
Managed print services (MPS) is the term for a service offered by an external provider to take primary responsibility for an enterprise’s print infrastructure. MPS programs are designed to meet certain objectives, such as driving down costs, improving business efficiency, enabling digital transformation (including reducing reliance on print), or reducing environmental impacts. The core components of MPS include: 1) Thorough requirements assessment. 2) Optimization of new and existing hardware. 3)Provision of service, parts and supplies within defined service levels. 4) Active management and reporting on devices, utilization and other key performance indicators (KPIs). 4) User training and change management to support solution adoption. In addition to core services some add-on components have become popular: a) Print server consolidation or elimination and cloud solutions. b) Digitization and automation of previously paper-reliant workflows and integration with business systems (document and content management digital platforms). c) Security capabilities for print infrastructure, along with security consultancy services. d) Sustainability and green initiatives programs and services.
Gartner defines the outsourced digital workplace services market as the capabilities required of a provider to deliver consulting, implementation, or support services to end users of technology who utilize end-user devices or applications to conduct business. Services offered in the outsourced digital workplace services (ODWS) market include integrated and ubiquitous digital workplace (DW) services to employees to increase their engagement, productivity and digital dexterity in support of the organization’s digital business strategy.