The APDSP Index dropped to its lowest point ever for AEC business in the third quarter of 2017. The Index was 42 for AEC business, compared to 63 in the second quarter of 2017. An index of 50 indicates a flat market, so an index of 42 indicates that more reprographics firms reported a decrease in AEC business in the second quarter than reported an increase. This is the first time the Index has fallen below 50; the previous low was 56, in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The picture was brighter for non-AEC business. In that category, the Index stood at 60 for the third quarter of 2017. That means growth continued, but the index was 78 for non-AEC business in the second quarter of 2017, so growth slowed significantly.
In year-to-year comparison, the Index was down significantly in both AEC business and non-AEC. The Index stood at 71 for AEC business during the second quarter of 2016, and 73 for non-AEC business.
The third quarter 2017 Index was based on a survey of IRgA members sent in January 2018. Thirty-eight reprographics shops answered the survey. Of the respondents, 7 reported growth in their AEC business over the previous quarter, compared to 13 who said it went down. For non-AEC business, 13 reported growth, compared to 5 who saw a decline.
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 paid APDSP members. Look for the next survey in February.