SOS Systems
SOS Systems is a UK-based, privately held provider of print, document management, and information management solutions founded in 1985, serving legal, education, and professional services customers from offices in Crawley, London, and Southampton via Canon hardware and integrated software.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersCrawley, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SOS Systems does
SOS Systems Limited is a UK-based, privately held provider of print, document management, and information management solutions founded in 1985 and headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex. The company operates from three UK offices (Crawley, London, Romsey/Southampton) and serves organisations ranging from SMEs to large multinationals, with primary verticals in legal, education, and professional services. Its go-to-market is sales-led, with dedicated account managers, Prince 2-qualified project managers, and a Canon Platinum Partner / Canon Business Centre distribution channel for the South East UK.
The product portfolio spans three layers: (i) Software Solutions including uniFLOW secure print, M-Files and Therefore document management, SmartOffice accounts payable automation, DocuSign eSignatures, AI Digital Mailroom, AI Data Capture via Scan2x, biometric ID Verification, Visitor Management, and Zero Trust Printing; (ii) Devices, primarily Canon printers and scanners plus maintenance and support; and (iii) Outsourced Services such as digital and litho print, large format signage, creative design, mail and fulfilment, scanning and archiving, reprographics, and a RelativityOne-based eDiscovery managed services practice for UK law firms. AI capabilities are delivered largely through integrated third-party platforms rather than proprietary models.
Revenue is generated through a mix of hardware sales (Canon devices and maintenance), subscription and licensing for software (uniFLOW, M-Files/Therefore, SmartOffice, DocuSign, Scan2x, RelativityOne), and project or managed services (outsourced print, mail/fulfilment, eDiscovery, scanning and archiving). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company holds ISO 9001, 27001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, is registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office, and is a Certified Orange RelOne Partner. Since at least 2024, SOS Systems has pursued an active acquisition strategy, with Impressor Ltd (1 August 2024) representing its third deal of that year and forming the basis of a 'SOS Systems Group' structure.
SOS Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SOS Systems
- Legal name
- SOS Systems Limited
- Website
- https://sossystems.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SOS Systems is a UK-based, privately held provider of print, document management, and information management solutions founded in 1985, serving legal, education, and professional services customers from offices in Crawley, London, and Southampton via Canon hardware and integrated software.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SOS Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Managed Print and Document Services
- NAICS
- Printing and Related Support Activities (3231), Support Activities for Printing (32312), Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) (323111), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Service Industries For The Printing Trade (2790), Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Print & Peripheral Services (Managed Print, scanners, peripherals) (BPAEAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mailing, Inserting & Distribution Services (Addressing, Direct Mail, Kitting) (MPAJALAH), Finishing & Post-Press Services (Cutting, Folding, Collating, Laminating, Foil, Emboss) (MPAJALAF), Managed Print Hardware (Fleet/Departmental Printers) (HDACAEAK)
Keywords
Where SOS Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Crawley
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
SOS Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Print Hardware and Devices: Sale and supply of Canon printers, scanners, and multifunction devices with associated maintenance and support services.
- Software Solutions: Subscription and licensing revenue from software solutions including document management, secure print, finance automation, eSignatures, ID verification, and AI-powered data capture.
- Outsourcing and Professional Services: Digital and litho printing, large format signage, creative design, mail and fulfilment, reprographic services, and scanning and archiving services.
- eDiscovery Services: Expert support for law firms in litigation, dispute resolution, compliance and investigations using RelativityOne platform with managed document review, digital forensics, and DSAR services.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
SOS Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SOS Systems provides managed print services, document management solutions, and outsourced print production for UK organisations. The company supplies Canon-branded printing hardware and multifunction devices, integrates and supports third-party software platforms (uniFLOW, M-Files, DocuSign, SmartOffice, RelativityOne, Scan2x), and delivers professional services including digital mailroom, AI data capture, scanning and archiving, mail fulfilment, reprographics, and eDiscovery for legal-sector clients.
Product overview
SOS Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of print and document management solutions organised across three main categories: Software Solutions, Devices, and Outsourced Services. The software portfolio includes Secure Print (uniFLOW) for print management, Document Management (M-Files and Therefore) for workflow automation, Finance Automation (SmartOffice) for accounts payable, PDF Editing, ID Verifications with biometric authentication, eSignatures (DocuSign), Digital Mailroom with AI-powered document handling, Visitor Management & Space Bookings, AI Data Capture (Scan2x), and Zero Trust Printing. Devices include Print Management, Canon Printers (as a Canon Business Centre and Platinum Partner), Scanners, and Maintenance & Support. Outsourced Services encompass Digital & Litho Print, Large Format and Signs, Creative Design, Mail and Fulfilment, Scanning and Archiving, Reprographic Services (including eBibles for legal document management), and eDiscovery using the RelativityOne platform. The company was established in 1985 and expanded through strategic acquisitions including Impressor Ltd (August 2024).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Secure Print Management Secure print management service using uniFLOW software that simplifies, secures, and streamlines print processes with user authentication, cost tracking, and tailored management solutions to boost efficiency and control. Targeted at organisations needing secure, cost-controlled printing environments.
- Document Management Solutions Document management solutions built on M-Files and Therefore platforms, designed to streamline workflows, support digital transformation, and enable enterprise document storage, retrieval, and collaboration. Targeted at organisations undergoing digital transformation.
- Finance Automation Cloud-based Accounts Payable automation software (SmartOffice) that automates invoice processing, reduces costs, and provides full financial visibility for finance teams.
- ID Verification Identity verification service using biometric checks, document authentication, and liveness detection to verify identities and securely sign documents in three steps with fraud detection for spoofing, deepfakes, and fake IDs.
- Electronic Signatures DocuSign-powered electronic signature solution enabling users to sign, verify, and send documents remotely, supporting simple, advanced, and qualified electronic signatures with enhanced speed, security, and convenience.
- Digital Mailroom AI-powered digital mailroom service that streamlines incoming post with fast, secure, and fully automated document handling using artificial intelligence for automated document processing, classification, and indexing.
- AI Data Capture AI-powered data capture service (Scan2x) that transforms how organisations capture and use data, built for speed, security, and sustainability through automated OCR and intelligent document data extraction.
- Visitor Management and Space Bookings Smart workplace management service for managing meeting rooms, hot desks, and visitor access with real-time space booking technology for hybrid working environments.
- Zero Trust Printing Zero Trust printing solution that secures printers, users, and documents across hybrid working situations and cloud environments using Zero Trust security principles for IT managers, business owners, and cloud architects.
- Canon Printers and Devices Canon-powered printing solutions from compact desktop models to high-volume multifunction devices, offered as a Canon Platinum Partner and Business Centre, with associated maintenance and remote diagnostics support.
- Maintenance and Support Services Proactive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and site-visit support services for all supplied printing hardware and software products to anticipate and resolve issues for clients.
- Digital and Litho Print Outsourcing Outsourced digital and traditional lithographic printing services for every type of project, from business cards to large-format banners, delivered on time and on budget with eco-friendly options.
- Large Format and Signage Large-format printing and signage solutions including pop-up banners, window wraps, indoor/outdoor signage, with creative design, production, and onsite installation services.
- Mail and Fulfilment Services Flexible mail and fulfilment service handling packing and postage, scaling from small brochure runs to large-scale fulfilment projects up to 60,000+ pieces.
- Creative Design Services Complete creative design service as part of end-to-end print solutions, covering brochures, marketing collateral, copywriting, typesetting, and layout design.
- Scanning and Archiving Services Secure, searchable, and sustainable document scanning and archiving services that reduce paper waste, cut storage costs, and boost productivity while keeping data protected.
- Reprographic Services Fast, secure, high-quality reprographics services for legal, corporate, and commercial needs, handling digital print, eBibles, document finishing, and secure destruction with DIN Level 4 security standards.
- eDiscovery Services Expert eDiscovery support for UK law firms in litigation, dispute resolution, compliance, investigations, and employment/data protection matters using the RelativityOne platform, digital forensics, and AI-powered analytics.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4.7-star verified reviews rating
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use SOS Systems
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SOS Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability12 records
Feature8 records
SOS Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Impressor LtdcoreImpressor Ltd became part of the SOS Systems Group of companies as of 1st August 2024. This strategic acquisition represents their third acquisition of the year and expands capabilities to include outsourced print services in addition to office and production print offerings.
- CanoncoreSOS Systems is an official Canon Business Centre (CBC) and Platinum Partner - a prestigious designation awarded to only a select few partners in the UK. They are a dedicated partner for all things Canon across the South East of the UK, recognised for exceptional commitment to customer care, technical expertise, and delivering Canon's world-class solutions.
- RelativitycoreSOS Systems is a Certified Orange RelOne Partner for RelativityOne eDiscovery platform. The industry-recognised eDiscovery software platform acts as a single repository of data for legal cases, enabling case teams to review electronic information regardless of physical location.
- M-FilescoreM-Files is recommended as one of the best document management solutions on the market, providing the highest level of support for businesses and offering unrivalled features for digitisation and collaboration.
- ThereforecoreTherefore is recommended alongside M-Files as one of the best document management solutions, providing the highest level of support for businesses with unrivalled features for digitisation and collaboration.
- DocuSigncoreDocuSign eSignature solution enables users to sign, verify, and send documents remotely to boost speed, security, and convenience.
- uniFLOWcoreuniFLOW secure print management solution simplifies, secures, and streamlines print processes with tailored management solutions that boost efficiency and control.
- SmartOfficecoreSmartOffice is a cloud-based Accounts Payable software that automates invoice processing, cuts costs, and provides full visibility.
- Scan2xcoreScan2x AI-powered data capture solution transforms how data is captured and used, built for speed, security, and sustainability.
- Computer Forensics ExpertssupportingSOS Systems partners with Computer Forensics experts to provide technology and process capability for retrieval, analysis and management of Electronically Stored Information (ESI).
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SOS Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ricoh UK: One of the largest global managed print services providers with a strong UK presence; competes directly with SOS Systems on Canon/equivalent hardware, managed print, document workflow and digital transformation offerings to legal, education and enterprise customers.
- Xerox UK: Global MPS incumbent offering managed print, document management, and digitisation services to enterprise and SMB customers, directly competing with SOS Systems for the same UK legal and professional-services wallet.
- Konica Minolta UK: Major MPS and document solutions provider in the UK, with managed print, document management and IT services portfolios that overlap directly with SOS Systems' Canon-powered hardware, uniFLOW-style print management and document workflow offerings.
- Kyocera Document Solutions UK: UK MPS provider selling printing hardware and managed print services to SMEs, corporates and public sector, broadly comparable to SOS Systems in scope and customer segments.
- Sharp UK: Provides managed print services, document solutions and IT services in the UK, including MPS for legal, education and enterprise verticals, competing head-on with SOS Systems.
- Epiq (UK eDiscovery): Global eDiscovery, document review and managed services provider serving law firms and corporate clients; competes with SOS Systems' RelativityOne-based eDiscovery, digital forensics and DSAR services for UK legal sector work.
Broad incumbents
- HP UK (Managed Print Services): Global printer OEM whose UK partner channel delivers managed print services, security and document solutions to enterprises and public sector, overlapping with SOS Systems on managed print and document security.
- Canon UK: OEM whose UK direct and partner channel sells printers, MFPs and managed print services; competes broadly with SOS Systems on hardware and is also SOS's core technology partner, making it both rival and upstream supplier.
Emerging players
- Brother UK: Printer and MPS provider targeting SMB and mid-market segments in the UK with managed print, print security and document solutions; comparable in scope to SOS Systems' SMB and education end of the market.
- Document Logistix: UK-based document management software and services company delivering DMS, workflow automation and digital mailroom solutions to mid-market organisations, with similar offerings to SOS Systems' Therefore/M-Files and digital mailroom products.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SOS Systems social profiles
Digital presenceSOS Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
SOS Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SOS Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SOS Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SOS Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SOS Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SOS Systems
What does SOS Systems do?
SOS Systems provides managed print services, document management solutions, and outsourced print production for UK organisations. The company supplies Canon-branded printing hardware and multifunction devices, integrates and supports third-party software platforms (uniFLOW, M-Files, DocuSign, SmartOffice, RelativityOne, Scan2x), and delivers professional services including digital mailroom, AI data capture, scanning and archiving, mail fulfilment, reprographics, and eDiscovery for legal-sector clients.
Is SOS Systems a public or private company?
SOS Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SOS Systems founded?
SOS Systems was founded in 1985. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SOS Systems based?
SOS Systems is headquartered in Crawley, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does SOS Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Print Hardware and Devices are the primary driver. The others are software Solutions, outsourcing and Professional Services and eDiscovery Services.
Who are SOS Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ricoh UK, Xerox UK, Konica Minolta UK, Kyocera Document Solutions UK, Sharp UK and Epiq (UK eDiscovery). Broad incumbents are HP UK (Managed Print Services) and Canon UK. Emerging players are Brother UK and Document Logistix.
Does SOS Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for SOS Systems.
What industry is SOS Systems in?
SOS Systems's product category is Managed Print and Document Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAIAM, Print & Peripheral Services (Managed Print, scanners, peripherals), with a secondary code of MPAJALAH, Mailing, Inserting & Distribution Services (Addressing, Direct Mail, Kitting). Its NAICS code is 3231 and its SIC code is 2790.