The first edition of the IRgA Index, a new tool to measure the health of the reprographics industry, has been released. The results show solid confidence in the state of business aimed at both AEC and non-AEC businesses.
The IRgA Index, which is based on a survey of IRgA members, is a quick snapshot of the industry in both traditional and non-traditional areas. For the first quarter of 2014, the Index stands at 77 for business directed at the AEC community and 85 for non-AEC business. The Index is set up so that a score of 50 means business is flat; any number above 50 shows growth.
Forty-seven members responded to this first survey. Of them, 30 reported growth in their work aimed at the AEC industry; 5 reported declines; and 11 said their business in that market was flat. By contrast, 34 respondents reported increased business to non-AEC businesses; 2 showed decreases in that area; and 10 were flat.
The survey also asked respondents questions about specific types of work in both categories. Among traditional reprographics areas, color CAD printing led the pack, and on-site services (FMs) showed weakness. In non-traditional services, large-format color was the winner. Details of these questions, and a geographic breakdown, are available only to firms that completed the survey or are Bronze, Silver, or Gold members of IRgA.
The next survey, which will measure business during the second quarter of 2014, will be sent to IRgA members in early August.