Ricoh Makes Moves To Become A Digital Services Company

Founded more than 80 years ago, Tokyo-based Ricoh has provided document management solutions, IT services, communications services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems to clients around the globe—with worldwide sales of approximately $18.5 billion.

Now the company is shifting its focus, working to accelerate into a digital services company. In August, it announced major enhancements to its RICOH Smart Integration platform, part of its RICOH Cloud Workflow Solutions portfolio. Earlier this month, Ricoh also unveiled the RICOH Intelligent Business Platform, which uses modern self-learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and flexible low-code applications to help companies get rid of inefficient analog workflows.

The company is also looking to expand its offerings in the digital services market through a series of recent acquisitions, including Ridgian, Aventia, Techno Trends, NPO Sistemi, LAKE Solutions, IPM, TotalStor, Mauden, and Orbid. The acquisitions of these companies will allow Ricoh to further expand into areas such as user experience, ecommerce, managed services, and data storage and analytics.

Ricoh has also recently announced that its customers in Poland will receive an even greater range of IT services and digital transformation capabilities through the company’s acquisition of SimplicITy.

Founded in 2013, SimplicITy is one of the fastest growing information and communications technology companies in Poland, doubling its year-over-year growth. It will continue to operate under its existing name and managed as a separate entity in Poland.
The acquisition will allow SimplicITy customers to access Ricoh’s products including its document management systems, business process services, production printing solutions, and workplace management services.

“This is an exciting and significant addition to our IT Services businessin a key market. The acquisition fits perfectly with our strategy to expand coverage in Poland and to acquire further competences around hybrid cloud and high-end IT services. We are looking forward to supporting the growth of SimplicITy customers and aiding the progress made on their respective digital journeys,” said Alberto Mariani, Senior Vice President, Office Services, Ricoh Europe.

Ricoh’s acquisition of SimplicITy is one of many in its acquisitions strategy focusing on providing even more comprehensive customer benefits and transforming Ricoh into a digital services company.