The future of the modern workplace
Discover how Intelligent Workplace-as-a-Service (IWaaS) is revolutionizing the workplace in Latin America, optimizing technology and collaboration
From XaaS to Intelligent Workplace-as-a-Service (IWaaS): the new era of modern workspaces
For years, “everything as a service” (XaaS) was seen primarily as a way to reduce initial investments in technology. Today, that conversation has changed. For many organizations in Latin America, XaaS has become the foundation for building more agile, resilient, and future-ready work environments.
This is happening in a clear context: the cloud, artificial intelligence, and flexible consumption models are no longer emerging trends, but concrete tools that are redefining how people work. The result is a natural evolution toward a new model: Intelligent Workplace-as-a-Service (IWaaS).
More than a one-off solution, IWaaS represents a new way of operating in the workplace. It integrates devices, collaboration, support, automation, and security into a managed ecosystem designed to allow teams to focus on their work while technology works transparently.
Why is this model relevant now
The pressure on IT departments is not only to keep systems running, but also to enable efficient, secure, and consistent work experiences without increasing operational complexity.
There are three key factors behind this change:
- Artificial intelligence accelerates the need for flexible environments
The adoption of AI in everyday processes requires adaptable infrastructure, up-to-date devices, and integrated platforms. Organizations require environments that are adaptable and ready to evolve, rather than static configurations that quickly become obsolete. - Employee experience becomes a business indicator
The quality of the digital experience directly impacts productivity, collaboration, and talent retention. This leads companies to prioritize managed services that ensure continuity, proactive support, and consistent environments. - Latin America is moving toward more mature and local infrastructure
The expansion of regional data centers and the adoption of hybrid architectures enable the implementation of services with better performance, regulatory compliance, and lower latency. This makes models such as IWaaS viable and scalable in the region.
In this context, the workspace is no longer a set of isolated tools but becomes a comprehensive service aligned with business objectives.
The pillars of Intelligent Workplace-as-a-Service (IWaaS)
1. Daas - Devices as a Service: eliminating technological friction
Devices continue to be the main point of contact between people and technology.
However, managing them in the traditional way consumes time, resources, and budget.
The Device-as-a-Service model transforms this reality by offering equipment, support, maintenance, and continuous renewal within a managed service.
This allows organizations to:
- Reduce interruptions and downtime
- Maintain secure and up-to-date environments
- Simplify device lifecycle management
- Convert investments into predictable costs
Ricoh LATAM's Device-as-a-Service solutions and managed services help organizations maintain modern technology environments without increasing internal operational burdens.
2. Smart collaboration spaces that enable hybrid work
- Hybrid work is here to stay, but its success depends on the quality of the collaboration experience.
Organizations are evolving toward smart rooms that integrate video, audio, connectivity, and centralized management. These solutions enable every meeting, regardless of participant location, to function consistently.
Smart Collaboration Rooms and managed AV services enable you to:
- Reduce technical failures in meetings
- Improve participation and productivity
- Obtain real usage and performance metrics
- Optimize the use of physical spaces
This transforms rooms into strategic assets, not just infrastructure.
3. Automating workflows to improve efficiency and control
Workplace transformation is not limited to hardware or connectivity. It also involves optimizing how information flows.
Automating document and operational processes reduces manual tasks, improves traceability, and speeds up decision-making.
Solutions such as Ricoh Smart Flow enable you to:
- Digitize critical processes
- Integrate information between systems
- Reduce manual errors
- Improve operational visibility
This frees up time for teams to focus on higher-value activities.
Use cases that are already making an impact
Many organizations in Latin America are already applying these models in specific scenarios.
More efficient hybrid offices
With managed devices and smart rooms, companies can offer consistent environments, regardless of where employees work.
Distributed teams with unified support
Managed services ensure that all users have the same level of experience, regardless of their location.
Cost and resource optimization
The as-a-service model allows you to scale according to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary investments and improving financial predictability.
How to get started: a practical approach
Adopting IWaaS does not require an immediate complete transformation. Many organizations start with specific initiatives that generate value quickly, such as:
- Modernizing device management
- Optimizing critical meeting rooms
- Automating key document processes
- Implementing proactive monitoring and support
This approach allows you to achieve tangible results while building a long-term strategy.
The new role of the workplace: from infrastructure to strategic enabler
The workplace is no longer just the environment where work happens. It is a key factor that influences productivity, employee experience, and innovation capacity.
The Intelligent Workplace-as-a-Service model represents this evolution. It allows you to move from managing technology reactively to operating an intelligent, flexible environment that is aligned with the business.
With a comprehensive approach that combines devices, automation, collaboration, and managed services, organizations such as Ricoh LATAM are helping companies in the region build workplaces that are ready for current and future challenges.
If you want to learn more about how to transform your business with IWaaS, contact us.
