Sharp ACT Innovator badge for blog

Sharp Named an Innovator in Quocirca’s 2026 ACT: Print Industry Ecosystem Leadership Report

Quocirca have created a new framework to reflect the changes in the print industry, with print now firmly integrated into the digital fabric of businesses, rather than working separately in siloes. Sharp is proud to have been named an Innovator in the new ACT Leadership Report, which represents Automation and AI, Cloud, and Technology Ecosystems.


This reflects Sharp’s broader mission to serve customers as a trusted technology partner, unifying our expertise across a broad range of sectors, services and hardware. We combine decades of trusted products, such as our Printers and MFPs with cloud-based services to empower the workplace of the future.


Automation and AI are going to define the next frontier of connected technologies, so this new framework enables partners and customers to easily find the best solution for their needs. Our approach is process first before product. The key to integrating automation, and especially when it comes to agentic AI, is to review workflows and make sure the foundations are laid before introducing new solutions. From there, it is about finding the best application, whether that be off-the-shelf or tailor made, to automate workflows with AI. Such an example is Synappx Cloud Capture which uses AI to capture information from multiple input sources and automate these into business systems.


Cloud platforms are the backbone of these digital transformations including AI and automation. They enable flexibility and efficiency, meaning businesses can manage their fleets from anywhere. Sharp’s latest cloud-based management system, Synappx Manage, centralises data into one simple dashboard for remote monitoring and maintenance. These platforms can be seamlessly integrated into each business process, adapting to the specific needs of every customer, and help save time, energy and costs, streamlining use across a range of devices. It also enables advanced security, making sure all data is secure and protected within the integrated environment.


Technology ecosystems are now at the heart of business operations. Sharp’s connected solutions, including interoperability with third party devices, mean businesses can access everything they need in one place. The future is integrated, with devices that speak to each other and monitoring systems that turn data into actions. It is not just about the hardware themselves, but how they interact with software and the increasing layers of AI. Strategic partnerships, such as Bitdefender and Microsoft, are central to an efficient, secure and cohesive offering for our customers.


Quocirca’s ACT assessment is a clear signal that the industry is now fully integrated, meeting business needs for increasing connectivity. Sharp is committed to helping customers navigate the changing landscape by connecting their people and technology into tailored solutions for their businesses.