Demand for confidential scanning continues to grow and can be a key part of helping businesses to digitise their operations, and resellers can capitalise on this, says Kevin Dobson, product manager for scan at Epson.
For businesses operating hybrid work models, secure document signing and document transfer are more critical than ever.
With WFH the norm for many businesses, employees now routinely handle sensitive documents in multiple locations, making it essential to ensure that documents remain protected at every stage of their lifecycle.
Whether handling contracts, financial records, or confidential client information as some examples, organisations must have the right security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access, tampering or data breaches.
The WorkForce DS-800WN and DS-900WN are Epson’s latest scanners that address these challenges directly by offering built-in authentication features, including user login at the scanner level to ensure that only authorised personnel can process sensitive documents.
This feature is particularly valuable in in industries that require strict compliance with regulations like GDPR, where ensuring documents are signed and transferred securely is non-negotiable.
And because the new models also integrate with Docusoft’s document and data management software, all scanned documents can be automatically indexed, catalogued, and securely stored in the appropriate repository, reducing the risk of human error or security lapses.
Growing market
The market for secure scanning capabilities continues to grow as businesses look to digitise workflows and improve document security. Many are undoubtedly looking to replace older scanners and devices that lack integration with cloud-based document management platforms, or that fail to provide adequate security features.
This demand is particularly evident within sectors such as finance, legal and healthcare as they need to meet strict regulatory requirements while managing high volumes of sensitive documents.
Customers now expect faster, more secure and fully integrated scanning solutions. The move to hybrid working means businesses need devices that work across multiple locations while maintaining strict security standards.
To meet these changing demands, manufacturers like Epson are introducing more intelligent, connected scanners that provide networked security and workflow automation. The DS-800WN and DS-900WN are examples of this, offering touchscreen-based authentication, direct scan-to-cloud functionality and support for third-party software integration via Epson’s Open Platform.
Reseller conversations
To capitalise on this growing market, when talking to customers about scanning, resellers should position secure scanning as a key enabler of digital transformation, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce security risks and meet compliance standards. Many businesses still rely on outdated, inefficient processes, creating an opportunity for resellers to introduce modern, secure scanning solutions.
Resellers should also be highlighting how capabilities such as cloud-based document management eliminates manual file organisation and ensures documents are securely stored and easily retrievable. It is important for businesses to understand the benefits of being able to scan directly to platforms such as SharePoint – one of which is reducing reliance on email-based document transfers, which are often inefficient and not secure.
It is also worth discussing the cost benefits. The charge-per-scan model from Docusoft allows businesses to manage costs more efficiently while gaining access to a structured document management system. Instead of scanning to an inbox with no oversight, businesses can track, categorise and secure every scan automatically.
Security is the final critical selling point. Resellers should emphasise and talk about the benefits of security features such as built-in user authentication and explain how valuable this level of security is, particularly for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as legal, financial and healthcare.
Future trends
With the ongoing shift towards paperless workflows, demand for integration between scanning solutions and cloud-based platforms will continue to grow in 2025.
Security will also remain a top priority, with multi-factor authentication, encrypted document transfer and stricter compliance measures becoming standard expectations. As cyberthreats increase, businesses will continue to invest in solutions that provide greater control over document access and audit trails, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Another significant trend is the growing adoption of pay-per-use and subscription-based scanning models. Businesses are moving away from large upfront hardware investments in favour of flexible, usage-based pricing structures that provide better cost predictability. This change will open new opportunities for resellers to offer scanning as a managed service, rather than just selling standalone devices.
As businesses continue to digitise their operations, the need for secure, intelligent, and cost-effective scanning solutions will drive further innovation in the sector. Manufacturers will focus on developing faster, more connected and highly automated devices that meet the growing demands of modern workplaces.
