The modern workplace is evolving fast. With hybrid work models here to stay, IoT-enabled spaces becoming the norm, and print and document workflows needing to adapt, businesses need a unified strategy for 2026 and beyond. Print is no longer just paper; it is a critical part of workflow, collaboration and compliance in a digitally connected workspace.

At Principal, we specialise in print and document management, managed print services and hybrid working support. Our goal is to help organisations work more efficiently and securely wherever their teams are based.

1. Hybrid Working: The Foundation of Office Transformation

Hybrid working, where employees alternate between remote and office environments, is now the default rather than a perk. This shift demands that offices support mobility, digital collaboration and flexible device access.

For print and document services, this means:

• Staff must be able to print, scan or access documents from home, a coworking space or the office without friction. Principal’s cloud-print options support printing from anywhere, on any device.
• Document management systems must enable remote access, version control and searchability while maintaining security and compliance. Principal’s document management solutions, such as INVU and Virtual Cabinet, allow users to work from anywhere, at any time.
• Office spaces need fewer fixed resources and more flexibility. With hybrid teams, you can optimise how and where print and document hardware is deployed to match usage patterns.

2. Smart Print: Reinventing Print for the Connected Office

Print technology has evolved far beyond simple printers. Today’s smart print includes cloud connectivity, device-agnostic workflows and integration with business systems. Principal helps businesses achieve this by optimising hardware, integrating workflow software and consolidating costs.

Key benefits of smart print in 2026 include:

• Anywhere printing: Securely send print jobs from mobile or remote devices and release them at any printer when on-site.
• Fleet optimisation and cost control: Principal’s Managed Print Services (MPS) reduce print costs by consolidating devices and monitoring usage.
• Workflow integration: By combining print devices with document management software, you can turn print output into structured, searchable data that integrates with your IT systems.
• Security and compliance: With remote and hybrid workflows, print output must be secure. Smart print includes secure pull printing, user authentication and audit trails.

3. IoT and the Connected Workspace

The Internet of Things (IoT) is making offices smarter with occupancy sensors, connected AV systems and networked devices that feed data for efficiency. When print devices and document systems become part of this ecosystem, the benefits grow:

• Usage data from print fleets and scanners supports better decisions on device placement and usage.
• Optimised space planning: Identify underused devices and redesign print zones to suit hybrid working.
• Energy and sustainability: Smart, connected devices can reduce energy consumption and waste. Principal’s MPS highlights environmental gains as part of every solution.
• Seamless collaboration: Smart meeting rooms combined with hybrid-friendly print and scanning ensure remote participants are fully integrated into document workflows.

4. The Business Benefits

By aligning hybrid work, smart print and IoT-enabled infrastructure, your organisation can unlock measurable benefits:

• Mobility and flexibility: Staff can work effectively from anywhere with full access to print, scan and document workflows.
• Cost savings and optimisation: Consolidated print fleets and managed services reduce overall spend, with up to 30% cost savings achievable.
• Improved user experience: Staff enjoy seamless access to documents and faster turnaround times.
• Enhanced security and governance: Unified workflows and audit trails help meet compliance and data protection requirements.
• Sustainability and ESG: Smarter devices and workflows mean less waste, lower energy use and a reduced carbon footprint.

How Principal Helps

At Principal, we provide the complete ecosystem for office transformation in 2026:

• Print Solutions: Analysis of your current print infrastructure, device recommendations, cloud-print options and consolidated spend management.
• Document Management: Leading systems like INVU and Virtual Cabinet for scanning, archiving, secure access and digital workflows.
• Managed Print Services (MPS): End-to-end outsourcing of your print fleet, including optimisation, maintenance and monitoring with cost control guarantees.
• Hybrid Work and IT Integration: Through our print, document and technology partnerships, we enable secure and productive hybrid working environments.

Together, these services ensure your print, document and workspace strategies are fully aligned and ready for the future.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The workplace of 2026 will be defined by flexibility, connectivity and efficiency. If your business treats print and document management as afterthoughts, you risk falling behind. But by integrating hybrid work, smart print and IoT, you can future-proof your operations and empower your teams.

Contact Principal today to arrange a free print audit and discover how we can help you build a smarter, more agile and efficient office for 2026 and beyond.