This year CAP Ventures has examined the scanner market in Western Europe in two parts, with differing dynamics facing the personal and document scanner markets. The European personal scanner market forecast, produced in collaboration with InfoTrends Research Group, includes for the first time preliminary data for Eastern European market. Whilst the personal scanner market shows a decline CAP Ventures also examines the growing success that is the document scanner market. 

Western European Market Forecast for Personal Scanners 

The total personal scanner market in Western Europe experienced a 39% drop in placement in 2002 to place 6.9 million units. This decline is set to continue with CAP Ventures predicting minus 10.6% growth for Western European scanner placements for the forecast period 2002-2007. The driving factors for the decline in placements include:

• The general decline of the personal scanner market in Western Europe due to saturation     
• Consumers choosing scanning function through MFPs rather than standalone scanner devices     
• Eastern European market is growing, but not enough to offset the decline in Western Europe     
• Consolidation of market continues as top tier brands dominate and second tier brands exit the market 

The year 2002 saw the scanner market reach saturation point in Western Europe. The aggressive pricing of the Personal market creates a decline in both average prices and falling market revenues.