Konica Minolta Launches bizhub 4020/3320 All-in-One Printers
Feb. 19, 2014 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced the launch of the bizhub 4020 and bizhub 3320 monochrome All-in-One (AIO) printers. Combining compact size with advanced multifunction capabilities, the bizhub 4020 and bizhub 3320 A4 AIOs are ideal for small- to medium-sized print environments that demand productivity and enhanced usability.
The bizhub 4020 and bizhub 3320 AIOs feature printing, copying, color scanning, faxing at output speeds of up to 42 ppm as well as support for PageScope Enterprise Suite 3.0 for full fleet document management. Combining compact size with wireless options, these new AIOs offer flexible network connectivity.
Click here for more information on the bizhub 4020 AIO and bizhub 3320 AIO.
Ricoh’s PCS Director Embedded Certified Compatible with Small Screen Ricoh Multifunction Devices
Feb. 19, 2014 – Ricoh’s PCS Director Embedded 6.1.9, a print management solution powered by Print Audit, has been tested by the Ricoh product testing team and certified as compatible with Ricoh’s line of small screen MFPs including the MP 301 and MP C305 models.
PCS Director is a Ricoh OEM software tool that can help Ricoh sales branches and independent dealers win more deals and keep more customers by offering a high-demand print management solution that adds thousands of dollars in savings to their proposals.
PCS Director Embedded version 6.1.9 brings powerful cost recovery capabilities to small screen Ricoh MFPs. Embedded enables organizations to track walk-up print, copy, scan and fax jobs completed at small screen devices by prompting users for a code and assigning it to each job. The small screen Embedded interface offers all of the same cost cutting features that are available in the large screen version, including multi-level custom field support and the ability to reduce costs by enforcing limits to restrict how many pages a user can print, copy or fax. Ricoh PCS Director Embedded is a software application that runs directly on the touch panel of Ricoh multifunction devices, allowing organizations to easily track and charge for all of their walk-up copying, faxing and scanning. Embedded integrates seamlessly with the desktop version of PCS Director, providing a comprehensive print, copy, scan and fax tracking solution that is compatible with all types of printing devices.
PCS Director Embedded 6.1.9, as well as new versions of PCS Director and PCS Director Secure Embedded, can be downloaded through the Ricoh Technology Solutions Resource Center.
Toshiba’s e-STUDIO Services Earns BLI’s “Outstanding Achievement” Award for Energy Efficiency
Feb. 18, 2014 — Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. has announced that its e-STUDIO2550C MFP has earned Buyers Laboratory LLC’s (BLI) Winter 2014 “Outstanding Achievement” Award for energy efficiency. The e-STUDIO2550C received this recognition for its excellent overall performance in BLI’s environmental test suite. During this testing, Toshiba’s color product used about 40 percent less power than the other manufacturers’ A3 MFPs tested. Aside from the e-STUDIO2550C’s compact and energy-saving design – touting one of the smallest footprints in its class – the MFP integrates a Super Sleep Mode reducing power consumption to a mere 1.5 watts while in this setting. For additional energy savings, Toshiba’s color printing product couples a low-temperature fusing toner and toner saver mode functionality.
ECi FMAudit and ROI Print Manager Now Integrated
Feb. 18, 2014 – ECi Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com) has announced the availability of an integration between its FMAudit solution and the ROI Print Manager software from Print Control Software Inc. ECi’s premier Managed Print Services (MPS) solution, FMAudit, and ROI Print Manager software combines leading technology for understanding and managing users’ printing data.
With one click, FMAudit clients can launch ROI Print Manager, one of the world’s leading providers of end-user tracking data, using FMAudit’s Deployer Technology. Clients can then capture user-level workflow details in addition to traditional device-related data. This complete solution provides analytics to deliver effective document management strategies.
By extending FMAudit data into robust end-user analytics, dealers will have the ability to determine the “who, what, when and where” of document workflow. The integration of ROI will allow dealers the opportunity to develop a more structured managed document services program, by knowing who is printing, how much they are printing, at what cost, what applications they are printing from, and where the peaks and dips of volumes are in their fleet.
The alliance adds another solution to FMAudit’s robust suite of products and is designed with the dealer channel in mind. The program offers dealers a chance to be more competitive and differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded MPS marketplace, all at an affordable cost. The enhanced FMAudit product lineup is structured to assist dealers’ transition into Managed Document Services from MPS, as the two industries converge. For far too long, the focus of MPS has revolved around automating meters and toner replenishment. Now, FMAudit and ROI Print Manager will deliver the broader solution many providers have always intended to bring to their clients: enabling comprehensive document and output management.
ESP enVision PCS Offers Real-Time, Advanced Energy Diagnostics
Feb. 12, 2014 – Electronic Systems Protection, Inc. (ESP) has announced the enVision Power Conditioning System (PCS), an advanced diagnostic and power protection device that measures and records power disturbances in detailed, real-time reports and displays. This solution gives service teams the ability to quickly identify power problems that can cause lock-ups and copy quality issues, according to ESP. With fifty power anomalies occurring per month on an average office circuit it will reduce “no-problem found” service calls and parts replacement expenses that negatively impact profitability.
Power quality issues are costly, especially if left unchecked. To mitigate downtime and disturbances, enVision constantly measures a wide range of electrical data, such as: line-neutral voltage, neutral-ground voltage, amperage, crest factor, power factor, line frequency and energy usage to inform service technicians when power is impacting a machine’s performance. A real-time scope meter function provides up-to-the-minute analysis of power related events to easily identify problems.
enVision also records over/under voltages, surges, power outages and shut-offs, presenting the data in an easy to read display through a communications module for comprehensive troubleshooting. An internal battery ensures enVision will provide accurate reporting and time stamps, even during extended power outages. Technicians can easily customize voltage recording and shut-off set-points for any device or environment using an easy to use graphical interface.
Additional monitoring and user flexibility is afforded by an LCD interface that provides notifications and easy access to recorded events, parameters and settings. ESP is also developing TCP-IP, Bluetooth, Zigbee and cellular as future communication protocols for enVision.
Not just for diagnostics, enVision also provides industrial-grade power protection. Connected equipment benefits from a robust line of defense that includes ESP Multi-Stage surge protection, EMI/RFI noise filtration, over/under voltage protection, first-of-its-kind Cat6 network protection, telephone line and wiring fault protection.
The enVision PCS is available in five configurations, including a model featuring IEC outlets and 230/10A receptacles for global markets. 230/30A and 230/16A models are also in development for release later this year.
MWA Intelligence, Inc. Promotes Josh Kampmeier to Marketing and Client Services Manager
Feb. 13th, 2014 — MWA Intelligence (MWAi), an SAP Gold Partner and a provider of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Machine-to-People (M2P) solutions has promoted long-time veteran, Josh Kampmeier, to Marketing and Client Services Manager. Josh joined MWA Intelligence, Inc. in October of 2008 as a Junior Customer Care Representative in the Client Services Department and was promoted in 2011 to Senior Customer Care Representative, taking on additional roles that reach far beyond the typical support and service call.
GreatAmerica Earns CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark
Feb. 13, 2014 – GreatAmerica Financial Services (GreatAmerica) has announced that it has received the CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark, a respected industry credential that signifies its adherence to best practices for technology service delivery and customer service relating to Managed Print Services (MPS). GreatAmerica is the first financial services company in the industry to earn the special designation.
The Trustmark was developed by CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology industry, in collaboration with industry experts and leaders. It identifies businesses that have made a commitment to the highest levels of integrity and sustained quality service. The Trustmark is designed specifically for technology businesses offering on-premise print services via a managed services business model.
To earn the CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark, GreatAmerica was evaluated on the internal practices and procedures they use to run their business and the external activities and operations they engage in with customers and prospects.
Epson Joins Mopria Alliance
Feb. 12, 2014 – Epson has announced that it has joined the Mopria Alliance, a global non-profit membership organization working to promote the expansion of mobile printing. The Alliance was formed to bring together the mobile, software and print industries with the goal of aligning standards that ensure printing is universally compatible from any mobile device to any printer, anywhere.
With an estimated 50 billion connected devices by 2020, the Mopria Alliance is focused on making wireless printing from smartphones, tablets and other devices simple and standardized. Primary focus areas for the Alliance include:
· Breaking down barriers between brands by eliminating the need for users to download multiple print solutions (print drivers)
· Creating a better, easier and more accessible user experience for mobile printing
· Using Mopria as a way to educate consumers and businesses on the ease-of-use of mobile printing
· Influencing the development and adoption of standards for mobile printing
· Providing an open environment and tools for application developers to incorporate print into mobile applications
In addition, the just announced Mopria Plug-in for KitKat complements the new core print feature in Android OS 4.4 enabling easy printing from Android-based mobile devices to many brands of printers. Epson will be working to offer support for the Mopria KitKat plug-in and other Mopria standards.
For additional insight regarding Epson’s work with the Mopria Alliance and the benefits of its mobile initiatives for end users, visit the Epson Connect blog. More information about the Mopria Alliance is available online at www.mopria.org, and for details on Epson’s current suite of Epson Connect mobile printing solutions, visit www.epson.com/connect.
BTA Field Service Foundations Workshop Set for March 18-19
Feb. 11, 2014 — The Business Technology Association (BTA; www.bta.org and Service Strategies Corp. (www.servicestrategies.com) will hold the BTA Field Service Foundations Workshop March 18-19, 2014, at BTA member dealership Advanced Office Services/Imaging Plus in Irvine, Calif. The workshop will provide office technology service professionals the guidance and tools they need to manage a highly successful field service operation.
The BTA Field Service Foundations Workshop, designed for service management and dealership principals, is a two-full-day course that will provide a solid foundation of skills needed to successfully manage a field service operation. Field service managers must have a high quotient of skills and insights into the specific demands of their customers, team members and the service business environment. This workshop includes topics covering leadership, coaching and facilitating the activities of a field service team toward the accomplishment of the evolving technical services mission.
The workshop is broken up into 10 modules, each with its own learning objectives: Leading the Knowledge-Based Organization; Managerial Leadership and Behavior; Understanding the Service Product; Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty; Managing Strategically for Field Service Operations; Management Operations Analysis; Decision Making for Field Service; Staffing and Resource Planning; Performance Measurement and Metrics; and Performance Coaching and Retention.
Examples of learning objectives include:
- Assess the impact of change on the service operation.
- Identify the three managerial systems that make up the foundation of an effectively managed field service organization.
- Examine and explain the nature of field service solutions as service products.
- Explain how service offerings contribute to the overall strategies of the organization.
- Identify the production resources of the field service organization.
- Understand the impact of combining scheduled, semi-scheduled and demand activities in a field service operation.
- Explain the value of inspiring, encouraging and challenging members of the field service team.
The BTA Field Service Foundations Workshop instructor is John Hamilton, president of Service Strategies Corp. He has more than 30 years of service industry experience, and has a well-rounded background from managing engineering, quality control and training organizations. Hamilton is also a frequent speaker at service and support conferences worldwide. Prior to founding Service Strategies, he was global director for technical support at EDS Unigraphics, a provider of CAD/CAM and PLM systems.
BTA member tuition for the BTA Field Service Foundations Workshop is $1,695; a 10 percent discount applies when dealerships send multiple attendees to the same workshop offering. BTA members may also apply their $150 or $250 discount coupon received with their membership toward this workshop. Non-member tuition is $2,125 and includes a one-year BTA dealer membership.
If you are not 100-percent satisfied with the workshop, BTA will apply your tuition fee to a future course or give you a full refund.
For more information on this workshop, visit www.bta.org/FieldServiceFoundations or call (800) 843-5059.
Metrofuser Launches TekSuite Printer Service Mobil Support App
Feb. 11, 2014 – Laser printer parts and solution firm, Metrofuser, has introduced TekSuite printer service mobile support app. The App is available for Android and Apple smart phones. TekSuite was built for professional printer service technicians that repair HP and Lexmark laser printers. Simple how to, step by step instructions built by industry veterans contain; -An Error codes index that helps technicians troubleshoot issues. -Detailed printer specs display printer information and accessories. -Maintenance kit instructions with reset steps which help enable technicians to navigate through the complex printer control panels. -Click to call for fast one on one help. -Fuser ID photos which help service organizations identify expensive cores. -Troubleshoot and repair printers with the industry. only symptom to solution knowledge-base. -Visual chart of HP LaserJet print defects help identify problems visually and suggests on how to correct them.
For more information, visit http://www.metrofuser.com.
Sharp Announces Immediate Availability of Cloud Portal Office
Feb. 11, 2013 — Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, has released Cloud Portal Office, a software solution designed for an increasingly mobile workforce where companies need to share information while maintaining control and security over critical documents.
Cloud Portal Office provides secure virtually anywhere, anytime access to business content, facilitates both remote and in person collaboration, and creates a single repository for both electronic and hard copy documents accessible from a wide range of business platforms including tablets, smartphones, and traditional PCs, as well as Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display Systems and Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs.
What differentiates Cloud Portal Office from other cloud solutions currently on the market, according to Sharp, is the combination of capabilities it brings together, and the solution’s optimization for the Sharp B2B channel. Cloud Portal Office allows businesses to:
· Connect from virtually anywhere. Whether in the office, traveling, or working remotely, Cloud Portal Office helps maximize productivity by allowing workers to stay connected and access business content from a broad range of devices, including computers, tablets or smartphones.
· Collaborate more seamlessly. Files and folders can quickly be shared with remote workers, or those in the same office, when collaborating on projects.
· Conference with confidence through Cloud Portal Office’s seamless integration with Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD displays. Presentations are now easy to access and present – no laptops or other technology needed.
· Capture and archive hard copy documents through Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs. The system integrates directly with MFPs, allowing hard copy documents to be stored alongside digital files. Indexing capabilities make finding information simple.
· Control business content through Cloud Portal Office’s security over stored content. Enhanced folder sharing and permission setting capabilities allow users to share as much or as little as they like.
Cloud Portal Office is the first Software as a Service (SaaS) application available through Sharp’s Cloud Portal platform. It provides a management console for a suite of Sharp and third party cloud services; offering the channel a single purchase and management platform while providing end customers with unified license management and single sign on across services.
Cloud Portal Office includes a suite of software that allows users to seamlessly connect to the software no matter where they are and easily upload documents. This includes Cloud Portal Office Desktop for syncing software with Macintosh OS and Microsoft Windows computers; Cloud Portal Office Mobile app for Apple iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets; Cloud Portal Office Meeting Room, the AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display connector; and Cloud Portal Office Scan/Print, a Sharp OSA-enabled MFP Connector for seamless integration.
