Multifunction devices: Simply printing is no longer enough

Four questions

1. what new multifunction devices do you offer for enterprise workgroups and teams?2. What are the advantages of these devices?3. What office publishing management and service solutions do you offer for entire companies?4. What trends are you noticing?

Canon (Switzerland) Ltd:

1. Our latest Image Runner Advance third generation, 2nd Edition MFP series. Designed for maximum efficiency, the new systems offer tailored document solutions that improve workflow, reduce total cost of printing and deliver strong text and image printing.2. Our customers benefit from a uniform platform, great security as well as sustainable operation of the devices. The Image Runner Advance devices are easy to use. They increase productivity in companies and can be easily integrated into workflows.3. Together with our partners, we focus entirely on the needs of our customers when evaluating suitable print solutions. We offer scalable solutions for every challenge - right through to outsourced print services - so-called Managed Print Services.4. Thanks to user login, the trend is clearly moving in the direction of cloud solutions and expanded personalization options. The issue of security is becoming increasingly important for Swiss companies. Especially in view of the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has to be respected since May 25, 2018.

Four questions

1. what new multifunction devices do you offer for enterprise workgroups and teams?2. What are the advantages of these devices?3. What office publishing management and service solutions do you offer for entire companies?4. What trends are you noticing?

Xerox:

1.Xerox introduced 29 new printers and multifunction devices last year that boost user productivity with simple and secure mobile solutions, cloud connectivity and access to features and apps, transforming traditional printers into smart, connected "workplace assistants." Each of the A4 and A3 systems is equipped with ConnectKey - a coordinated combination of hardware, software and services for small and medium-sized businesses and workgroups in larger enterprises.2.The new AltaLink and VersaLink product families feature a range of sizes, speeds and capabilities to meet the needs of small and medium businesses as well as large enterprises, ensuring a consistent user experience across the portfolio.3.Xerox manages the following end-to-end processes for businesses of all sizes:Managed Print Services (MPS): multifunction devices and related consumables, services and workflow services around the devices for both large enterprises and SMBs.Workflow Automation Services (WFA): Optimization and automation of industry-specific workflows.Communication and Marketing Services (CMS): Management of all communication marketing, printing and digital services.4.Trends such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning and ethnography are highly relevant to the graphic arts industry and are fundamental elements of Xerox's strategy, along with innovative solutions in inkjet and digital printing and digital manufacturing.

Four questions

1. what new multifunction devices do you offer for enterprise workgroups and teams?2. What are the advantages of these devices?3. What office publishing management and service solutions do you offer for entire companies?4. What trends are you noticing?

Kyocera Document Solutions:

1.Kyocera Document Solutions has introduced four new color multifunction systems to the market to align its existing product lineup in the A4 segment with increasing demands: Ecosys M6230cidn; Ecosys M6630cidn; Ecosys M6235cidn; and Ecosys M6635cidn.2.In addition to the improvement of emission and consumption values, additional functionalities have been integrated or made available for the systems, thanks to which they are even better equipped for digitization tasks: 1200 dpi print resolution; 100-sheet dual scan on the M6635cidn 7″ series; touch panel and Hypas platform (connection to software solutions) starting with the M6630cidn series; Optional: Scan Extension Kit, for creating searchable PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Ecosys technology - toner only consumables up to 200 000 pages.3.With Kyocera Fleet and Service solutions, Kyocera is not only able to send consumables to the device in a targeted and timely manner, but can also monitor, update and remotely maintain them. The cost-effectiveness of the products can be closely monitored, and the printer fleet can be customized as desired.4.The importance of digitization is also noticeable in the products, a much more professional scanner (dual scan) and the connection to server-based solutions (ERP systems, etc.) will increasingly be important elements in the entire document workflow. The MFP itself will become an important digital workflow hub, starting with the smallest A4 departmental multifunction product.

Four questions

1. what new multifunction devices do you offer for enterprise workgroups and teams?2. What are the advantages of these devices?3. What office publishing management and service solutions do you offer for entire companies?4. What trends are you noticing?

 Ricoh Switzerland Ltd:

1.We are replacing existing model series that do not yet have a Ricoh "Smart Operation Panel" touch display with new product families that have an integrated Smart Operation Panel. This creates a uniform image and the user experience and functionality is the same for all devices.2.With us, customers get the all-round worry-free package with a service contract and the Ricoh @Remote service. Toner is delivered automatically and technicians are notified even before the work process is affected. 150 Ricoh-owned technicians are on the road for our customers in Switzerland to guarantee short response times.3.Ricoh offers a wide range of solutions from cloud solutions to fully integrated solutions for all industries, regions and sizes. Our offering includes "follow-me", archiving, "document management" and "production print" solutions from Ricoh or from our software partner Equitrac and covers all our customers' needs.4.Faster response times and higher printing performance of multifunction printers, for the inclusion, integration and digitization of processes in the SME environment with the help of cloud solutions.

More green products

 Manufacturers of digital printers are focusing on sustainability. This is reflected in environmentally friendly solutions and an increased awareness of their own social responsibility.Ecological responsibility is a must for many companies today. This begins with internal processes. Even the type of printing solution can have a positive impact on a company's environmental footprint. As Daniel Amstutz, Marketing Manager at Kyocera Document Solutions, explains, "With today's digital printing processes, even short runs, such as direct mailings in special segments, can be produced cost-effectively, personalized and quickly." Lucien Descombes, Corporate Communications at Canon, adds that digital printing is more sustainable for short runs because the greater flexibility allows only the quantities that are really needed at the time of printing to be printed (print on demand). In addition, production can take place where the documents are needed (print at point of need). This saves logistics costs and reduces CO2 emissions. In general, there are different printing technologies in digital printing that are easier or more difficult to separate from the paper. The question that arises is whether a paper is "de-inkable". Canon pays close attention to this issue with strict internal standards, he said. "All toners and inks used in our cutsheet and roll production systems must be de-inkable."

Ecological solutions

Competitors are also focusing on so-called green products. Dario Frattini, Product Manager Hardware Office Solutions at Ricoh Switzerland, explains that Ricoh offers a printing experience tailored to needs through digital printing. The more compact printers with low power consumption and the recycling of the resources used - toner, paper and machine - result not only in flexibility for the user but also in the possibility of using all resources more optimally.Xerox emphasizes that its digital printing systems are even more focused on efficiency, consume even less energy and generate less waste. At Canon, recycling is also a high priority. The company is a founding member of Swico Recycling, the voluntary and solidarity-based take-back system for electrical and electronic equipment. This is financed by the prepaid recycling fee (VRB) collected when a device is purchased. "Canon's end-of-life products consist mainly of reusable or recyclable parts and materials. In order to be able to return these to the production cycle, the devices are dismantled by certified waste management companies and, depending on the components, sent for suitable recycling," says Lucien Descombes. Xerox says its consumables recycling program will save thousands of tons of waste in landfills, and that the company is leading the industry in this area. "Xerox is an industry leader in developing alternative recycling options for used consumables," says a spokeswoman. These include remanufacturing toner cartridges, reusing waste toner, recycling plastic and metal components, and generating energy from waste materials, she adds.And Ricoh's Dario Frattini explains, "The 'Comet Circle' recycling loop we developed is our foundation for every product lifecycle. In addition to a closed loop, a multi-stage reycling system ensures that existing resources are preserved."

Print more consciously

But to what extent are users supported in optimizing their printing behavior? A Xerox spokeswoman explains: "To develop a better awareness of their own carbon footprint, companies can install the Xerox Print Awareness Tool, which generates statistics on their own printing behavior. Dario Frattini says each generation of Ricoh devices is more energy efficient than its predecessor. In addition, he says, Ricoh conducts "Total Green Office Solution" studies to certify companies as climate-neutral in terms of printer infrastructure. This includes an "as-is" analysis, optimization according to economic and ecological aspects, and the creation of CO2 exchange certificates. Lucien Descombes from Canon states: "In the implementation of our environmental policy, the focus is on the environmental performance of our customers. We support this by making our products as environmentally friendly as possible, we strive for maximum resource efficiency, and we support the formation of a sustainable society." In addition, Canon is constantly working to reduce the environmental impact of its own operational activities, he said.Xerox, too, has been committed to economic action for the environment for many years. "We have a long tradition of sustainable development. Our core values, which have remained unchanged at all times and in all places since the company was founded, stand for sustainable responsibility," says a spokeswoman. Together with suppliers, customers and partners, the company strives to meet the highest standards to protect the environment and maintain the health and safety of employees and fellow citizens, she said.Ricoh also places the concept of a sustainable society at the heart of its ideology. In 2005, the company set itself the long-term goal of reducing its environmental impact by 87.5 percent by 2050 and selling only CO2-neutral products.