The reprographics market showed continued growth during the third quarter of 2014, but at a slower pace than earlier this year. The IRgA Index, which measures growth in the reprographics industry quarter-by-quarter, stood at 64 for services to the traditional AEC market and 70 for services to the non-AEC market for the third quarter of this year. Any number over 50 indicates growth, so these numbers show strong growth. However, the second quarter numbers were 71 and 82, respectively.
The third quarter 2014 Index was based on a survey of IRgA members sent in early October. Fifty-five reprographics shop members answered the survey, compared to 54 who answered in the second quarter. Of the respondents, 29 reported growth in their AEC business over the previous quarter; 12 said that business was flat compared to the previous quarter; and 14 reported a drop in that business. For non-AEC business, 33 reported growth, 11 said business was flat, and 11 reported a decline.
The survey also asked questions about specific areas of business. Large-format color printing showed the strongest growth among respondents, followed by scanning/archiving. Large-format monochrome printing was strong on both poles - 47 percent of respondents reported growth in that area, but 25 percent reported a decline in the business.
Specific details about the survey, such as a geographic breakdown and a detailed breakdown by type of job, will be emailed to respondents who completed the survey and Bronze, Silver, and Gold members. Look for the next survey in late February.