News Bytes

ENX Magazine and The Week in Imaging Announce Merger of Two Publications

July 7, 2014 –Los Angeles, CA –  Susan Neimes, Publisher and Managing Editor of ENX (engage ‘n exchange) magazine and Scott Cullen, Publisher and Editor of The Week in Imaging (TWII), have announced an agreement to merge the two publications.  Both publications will continue publishing with Neimes as Publisher and Managing Editor of both publications and Cullen as Editorial Director of both publications.

Over the coming months Neimes and Cullen will focus on merging the two properties under the ENX brand with TWII continuing under ENX as one of the office imaging industry’s leading weekly digital publications and ENX continuing as one of the industry’s leading monthly print publications.  Cullen, a journalist who has been covering the office imaging industry for more than 28 years, will work closely with Neimes to enhance the editorial content and design of the print and digital publications as well as develop other properties and projects devoted to the office imaging industry.

As part of ENX, TWII will continue to publish weekly content of interest to dealer principals, dealer sales reps, and dealer service technicians. The monthly content in ENX will concentrate on four key industry areas, including hardware, solutions, services, and supplies.

The popular content from TWII, including The Elite Dealer Awards  and The 40 Most Influential People in the Imaging Industry, will be incorporated into the ENX Brand extending the readership and will now have a print presence and be part of ENX.

“I’m looking forward to working with Susan to create what we envision will be the premiere publications for the office imaging industry,” said Cullen. “There are so many trends, changes, and transformations happening in this industry and now being able to cover the industry with a monthly and a weekly publication will allow us to expand the reach and scope of both publications.”

“This is a win-win for readers of both publications,” added Neimes. “Scott and I have worked together for nearly 20 years and combining our publications will allow us to reach and impact a greater number of readers than ever before.”

Konica Minolta Launches bizhub PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C1085

July 9, 2014 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced the launch of the bizhub® PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C1085 color digital presses. These next generation digital presses combine fast speeds with a wide range of substrate handling and finishing options for superior flexibility and performance, according to Konica Minolta. Ideal for commercial printers and in-plant print providers, the bizhub PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C1085 produce 100 pages per minute (ppm) and 85 ppm respectively, regardless of substrate type or weight.  The new digital presses do not compromise quality for speed however, reportedly delivering reliably accurate registration and color consistency regardless of print job length or complexity.  In addition, flexible substrate handling and inline finishing options provide professional looking output while enabling more effective workflow management.

The bizhub PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C1085 also feature enhanced Simitri® HDE toner, S.E.A.D. IV screen processing to continuously maintain image stability over long press runs, air suction (vacuum) paper feeding for spot-on registration and reliable paper handling and hybrid decurling (zig zag plus moisture) for consistently flat output. Click here for more information on the bizhub PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C1085 color digital presses.

Canon New imageRUNNER Advance 350iF/250iF Models Deliver Advanced Small Color Multifunction Systems for Enterprises and SMB Customers

 July 8, 2014 – Developed to extend the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE platform to businesses seeking an advanced color workgroup print solution, Canon U.S.A., Inc. has announced the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF/C250iF color multifunction office systems. Offering integration with certain imageRUNNER ADVANCE systems, the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models reportedly deliver operational and solutions consistency with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE platform.  These new MEAP (Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform) models provide additional flexibility for customers’ Managed Document Services activities by providing compact, color multifunction office systems that offer the ability to increase fleet cohesiveness across a network.  Small- and medium-size businesses can also benefit from the advanced workflow capabilities of the new systems.

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models are customizable with software options, configurable main menus and advanced features to meet a variety of user’s needs. The devices also introduce V2 Color, a new color profile that produces vivid, vibrant images and expands the color reproduction range of each model. With these enhancements, color prints are more impactful with excellent clarity and visual sharpness for an overall more pleasing result. All future color imageRUNNER ADVANCE models will include the new Canon V2 Color profile.

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models can print and scan letter-sized documents in color or black-and-white at speeds of up to 36 and 26 pages-per-minute (ppm), respectively. In addition, these devices feature a standard paper capacity of 650 letter- or legal-size sheets that can be expanded to 2,300 sheets with the purchase of optional paper cassettes.

With a reliable, easy-to-maintain design, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models offer simplified installation and servicing so customers experience greater productivity with shorter down time. With a compact size and small footprint, these devices still yield significant productivity, functionality and enhanced integration with available software applications – such as Therefore and uniFLOW – that help track, manage and streamline document-based processes.

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models are equipped to create efficiencies in how a business manages their print and document flows – including cloud connectivity and mobile solutions – helping customers improve entire business workflows. These new models feature the design, performance and control functionality of existing imageRUNNER ADVANCE devices in addition to the following capabilities.

• Streamlined Workflow Capabilities: The new imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models support Canon’s MEAP and MEAP Web solutions platforms, helping to improve integration within business workflow applications and creating synergies with mobile and cloud printing solutions. In addition, the award-winning Desktop Quick Printing Tool allows for easy document assembly and enables users to easily drag and drop documents for quick access to preferred or frequently used tools.
• Managed Documents Services Support: With both platform and operational consistency built-in to the new imageRUNNER ADVANCE devices, users can execute advanced workflow and managed services tools across their MFP fleet conveniently.  The new imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models also support a variety of plug-ins and Canon MDS tools and services, so the devices can be tailored to meet a specific need or workflow requirement.
• Vibrant Output: In a continued effort to deliver high-quality MFPs that offer a well-rounded suite of features, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models will feature the new V2 Color. With vibrant color and sharper, more well-defined images, output will have an impactful look and feel. If desired, customers may select the legacy profile to match existing imageRUNNER ADVANCE models that are in the fleet.
• User-Friendly Operation: The new imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and C250iF models include a fully tilting user interface that features a full-color, high-resolution TFT (thin film transistor) LCD screen. With the ability to adjust for tabletop or floor standing installations, the interface is easy-to-use, aiding Section 508 compliance.1 For added convenience, the main and quick menus offer a customizable screens that display the most frequently used features and job flows combined into one-touch buttons.

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350iF and imageRUNNER ADVANCE C250iF will be available in early August 2014 through Canon authorized dealers and Canon Solutions America at a manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $4,400 and $3,600 respectively. More information on these models and the entire next generation imageRUNNER ADVANCE platform can be found at www.usa.canon.com/SimplyAdvanced.

Bay Copy President Ray Belanger Participates in Select Dealer Group Meeting in San Antonio

July 9, 2014 – Ray Belanger, President of Bay Copy (www.baycopy.com), and a member of the national trade organization Select Dealer Group, recently joined several dozen of his fellow office equipment and technology solutions providers for a two-day conference held in San Antonio, TX, where the dealers shared best practices and discussed trends in their industry.

The Select Dealer Group meeting was hosted by Vick Meredith, President and CEO of BizDoc Inc., and former owner of DOCUmation. This was the Select Dealer Group’s Annual Financial Survey meeting, where the group benchmarks all dealers to the highest standards in the industry, in an annual survey. Following the survey, the results were reviewed and best practices discussed. Additionally, the meeting presentation focused on 3D (three-dimensional) printing.

Marco Partners with AGT to Provide Cloud-Based Video Conferencing
July 8, 2014 – Marco has partnered with Applied Global Technologies (AGT) on their new Marco Managed Video (MMV) cloud-based video collaboration offering. MMV is powered by AGT’s Video-as-a-Service platform that connects HD conference systems, desktops, web browsers and mobile devices in a single conference. Marco is expanding their robust Managed IT services portfolio with Marco Managed Video by providing the service to customers via a simple monthly fee.

“More and more companies are moving to mobile video devices versus traditional conference rooms,” states Trevor Akervik, director of managed services at Marco. “Marco wanted to offer a managed video conferencing solution that keeps up with the mobile lives of corporate America. Marco Managed Video makes video collaboration easier and more mobile and affordable than ever.”

The partnership with AGT enables Marco to quickly deliver a turnkey managed video conferencing service to its customers, while also extending high-quality video and content sharing from the traditional conference room to a variety of video-enabled devices and platforms. MMV is available as a desktop video client as well as a mobile video application in Apple iTunes and Google Play.

Marco Managed Video is available immediately to Marco customers in the upper Midwest and nationally. Companies interested in learning more are encouraged to visit Marco’s website at www.marconet.com or call 800.892.8548.

Copier Careers Publishes 2014 Sales Manager Salary Survey Results

July 1, 2014 – Copier Careers , a Minneapolis based niche recruiting firm serving the Document Imaging Industry for almost 30 years, just published their twelfth annual Sales Management Salary Survey.

This year’s survey reflects the responses of 1,069 copier channel sales managers who participated in our online survey over the past year. The survey provides insight into a variety of factors, including how well managers are being compensated, how well their employers are meeting their needs, and whether they’re satisfied in their current positions.

Highlights from this year’s sales manager salary survey include:

• Average base pay and compensation are up. Over the past year, total compensation for sales managers has risen by 4.4 percent, with a $5,000 increase in commission alone.
• Female sales managers are growing in numbers. Women now account for more than 30 percent of copier channel sales managers, compared to less than 10 percent a decade ago.
• The selling sales manager position has made a comeback. Thanks in part to MPS and MNS, the selling sales manager has become one of the fastest growing positions in our industry.

• Sales managers are embracing tech. As sales managers have come to realize the sales potential of solutions, enthusiasm for emerging technology has risen rapidly.

Visit http://www.copiercareers.com/salary_survey/2014_sales_mgr_salary_survey.pdf for the entire salary survey in the new seven page format.

Sales Managers answered a series of questions online anonymously. Copier Careers then compares results from the prior eleven years of survey data and provides the data and insight free of charge to the industry via www.copiercareers.com.

Ervin Equipment Finance Renames and Rebrands to UniFi Equipment Finance

July 1, 2014 – UniFi Equipment Finance, formerly Ervin Equipment Finance, has announced its official name change. This development is the culmination of events that began in January 2013, when Ervin Leasing became the vendor financing division for Bank of Ann Arbor.

“Ervin Equipment Finance roots date back 35 years. We have funded over 9,000 vendors totaling in excess of $1 billion dollars and we are very excited about refreshing our brand and tools to support our partners,” said RJ Grimshaw, President and CEO of UniFi.

Not only will the company name change from Ervin Equipment Finance to UniFi Equipment Finance, there is a newly developed logo, website and supporting brand materials. “The new name and logo are simple yet bold and represents our entire reason for being, to become one with our partners. The UniFi logo embedded in a round circle represents the way we want all client relations to go smoothly, flawless without interruption, forever,” said Grimshaw.

The company’s mission is to be “obsessed with your success,” meaning that clients will be supported throughout the entire lifelong relationship with the company. The UniFi mission is to become one with its clients to increase a client’s success rate.

A client who chooses to partner with UniFi will be treated like royalty. “We’re fanatical about our people. We do all the hard work of making strong business relationships that are invaluable. No matter what our business cards say, we’re all customer service representatives, because at UniFi, the first three priorities are: 1.The Customer 2.The Customer and 3.The Customer,” says Ellen Mueterthies, Director of Programs for UniFi.

Updated information on UniFi Equipment Finance products, services and sales team can be found on the UniFi Website at www.unifiedge.com

Metrofuser Releases MpsClass Line of Laser Printers

June 30, 2014 – Metrofuser has announced the release of a full line of laser printers chosen for effectiveness in managed print environments. The models selected for MpsClass are the best in their respective categories, color, monochrome, and multifunction, according to Metrofuser.

MpsClass Printers are typically one third the price of the newer equivalent and are 100 percent remanufactured. The best print devices are selected, disassembled, remanufactured and completely upgraded for today’s networking environment. Each model undergoes a rigorous inspection and reconditioning process and is backed by an extensive warranty. Metrofusers offers MpsClass printers in all sizes and various capabilities based on their historical reliability, low-cost part replacement, low-cost toner replenishment, and service technician accessibility.

MpsClass laser printers are available only through a dealer only network. Each MpsClass  printer comes with scalable warranties that range from 6 to 18 to 24 months. For a complete list of MpsClass printers visit metrofuser.com or call (888) 387-3771.

Canon Launches Entry Level Océ VarioStream 7170 and 7110 Digital Continuous Feed Specialty Printing Systems

June 30, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. has launched the flash-fusing, toner-based Océ VarioStream 7170 and 7110 specialty printing systems. These entry-level, monochrome continuous feed solutions are aimed at corporate and commercial environments with low to mid-range volumes of transaction, direct mail, product instruction collateral and applications requiring special media.

Smart, time-saving features, such as automatic paper loading, can substantially reduce and simplify set-up time. Automatic resolution detection and switching further reduce operator intervention. Economical first page printing eliminates substantial special media waste over the printer’s lifetime. The positive impact this has on productivity makes the Océ VarioStream 7170 system well suited for short-run printing and quick-change jobs.

In addition to standard paper, VarioStream 7170 non-contact flash-fusing technology allows users to process a wide range of special-media applications such as adhesive labels, thin paper or plastic ID cards, RFID tags and light-weight forms. The non-contact flash-fusing bonds the toner without heat transfer or exerting pressure, putting less strain on the paper and keeping it in outstanding condition for finishing. The short and straight paper path allows the substrate to remain flat throughout the device, enabling users to process special media that cannot withstand paper path deflections or the heat and pressure of normal fusing.

The LED image generator delivers excellent output at up to 600 dpi with high-optical density for professional-grade text, graphics and barcodes and easily fulfills the tough legibility standards for 2D and 3D bar code printing. As a result, users have the flexibility to take on a wide portfolio of print jobs.

Based on the Océ VarioStream family, the Océ VarioStream 7170 engine is equipped with the newest and powerful Scaleable Raster Architecture (SRA) controller technology. Customers can seamlessly operate the Océ VarioStream 7170 system side by side with all other Canon continuous feed printers. It can be used as a proofing device and as a backup to other Océ VarioStream systems. The state-of-the-art graphic user interface provides easy, intuitive operation, resulting in availability and efficiency with minimal set-up times and outstanding overall productivity. Thanks to its simplicity and online help, operators can quickly become familiar and productive.

In addition to the new Océ VarioStream 7170 system, a slower speed version will be available later in 2014. Running at 114-letter pages per minute two-up, the Océ VarioStream 7110 system will extend the speed choices within the Océ VarioStream product line. This monochrome printer will benefit customers needing the versatility of the 7170 model, but with a lower monthly print volume.

Shipments for the VarioStream 7170 are now available. The VarioStream 7110 will be available starting in September, 2014.

Canon Solutions America Receives Business Partner Award

July 1, 2014 – Canon Solutions America, Inc., a subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., was honored recently for their Future Authors Project by The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, with a Bronze Business Partner Award in the large business category. In its ninth year, the private-public partnership with the school district helps students learn about the processes of writing, editing, and digitally publishing books.

Middle and high school students are nominated by their language arts teachers to participate in a free eight-day summer writing workshop, where they spend time with teachers, authors, and previous participants to practice creating written pieces in various genres. Their writings are then compiled, professionally published, and digitally printed in final book form by Canon Solutions America’s Production Print Solutions division. Nearly 400 Palm Beach County students have participated in the program since its inception.

“What an honor it is to be counted among such major companies in South Florida as Publix and PGA National Resort and Spa to be recognized for our Future Authors program,” said director of marketing, Production Print Solutions Eric Hawkinson, who is based in Canon Solutions America’s Boca Raton offices.

“We’ve seen first hand how this program has helped to ignite a passion for writing in the young people who participate, and look forward to working with the District to help more students achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.

For more information about how to support the Future Authors Project, contact the Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Mary Kay Murray, at murraymk@palmbeach.k12.fl.us

Strategy Development to Hold MPS Sales Workshop in Dallas, Aug. 19-20, 2014

June 26, 2014 – Strategy Development, a leading management consulting and advanced sales training firm, is conducting their award-winning MPS Sales training in Dallas, TX on August 19-20, 2014.  The class will be held at the Residence Inn by Marriott – DFW Airport.

“We’ve helped scores of businesses and thousands of sales professionals successfully enter the MPS space, and we look forward to another great class,” stated Tom Callinan of Strategy Development.

The two-day class, MPS Sales Workshop, will be taught by Gary Schwartz, VP of Client Engagement, and will cover the MPS sales process for both small, fewer than 25 devices, and mid-sized, 50 – 250 devices, companies.  MPS sales teams will learn how to:

• Approach the proper contact level and present a value proposition based on company size
• Get an appointment at the correct level
• Identify the areas of pain associated with the print environment based on company size
• Conduct an effective and efficient assessment to support the business case for change
• Price a transaction, both outsourced and equipment led
• Present a winning proposal

All attendees will leave with an electronic file that includes PowerPoint templates for a Value Proposition, a Strategy Session, a Proposal, a Quarterly Business Review and a Pricing Tool.

For more details please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/mpsfundamentals.

“Today, MPS is sold into most companies with more than 10 devices and many of those prospects have had some form of MPS presented to them,” stated Callinan.  “So, it is important to be able to differentiate your offering and provide a compelling reason for a prospect to engage your company for an assessment.  Our MPS Sales Workshop was specially designed to arm sales professionals with the tools they need to be successful in MPS and be successful at taking customers from competitors.”

All SD classes can also be held at your location for larger groups.   For a list of all classes currently scheduled please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events. For more information or to register for the SD MPS class, please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events or contact Gary Schwartz at schwartz@strategydevelopment.com or at (817) 600-2216.

Digital Gateway Releases Version 8.5 of e-automate Software

June 26, 2014 –  Digital Gateway, Inc., a subsidiary of ECi Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com), has announced the release of version 8.5 of its e-automate® software for the service technology industry. This latest version of the market-leading software provides even more features and tools designed to further help dealers with printing services and device management, as well as advanced security features and many others.

Version 8.5 of e-automate has simplified many processes. Of the new features and functionality, many were included based on feedback and input from the e-automate user group. Some of the new feature highlights:

• Field-level security allows specific fields in e-automate to be locked, hidden or unlocked depending on the user role.
• Billing repeated Block Time enables users to sell support by hours per month, which is very useful for dealers providing managed services.
• Meter bypass allows a service call tech to skip meter entry for inoperable or unmetered equipment. In previous versions, a duplicate meter was required on such equipment to allow the service tech to perform work.
• Service contract enhancements include the ability to bill multiple frequencies on one contract and a messaging feature to alert servicing personnel of issues to address before invoicing a client.
• The ability to fulfill multiple sales orders on a single invoice is now available. This allows dealers to create orders for equipment going to multiple locations and fulfill those orders on a single invoice.Loffler Companies comes to agreement with Imaging Path to acquire Twin Cities’ clientsJune 19, 2014 – Minneapolis, MN – – Loffler Companies has announced that they have entered into an agreement with Imaging Path, an office technology, software and services company, to acquire their Twin Cities area clients effective June 30, 2014. Loffler Companies will welcome many from Imaging Path’s team of tenured professionals to their Bloomington headquarters to expand Loffler’s sales and service force, and bring a wider-range of office technology and services offerings to Imaging Path clients.
• Imaging Path’s IT Managed Services team will be a great addition of talent, increasing Loffler’s focus on providing industry-leading IT solutions for clients. As one of the top Canon and Konica Minolta dealers in the country in sales, Loffler Companies also provides products from Toshiba, HP, and Lexmark as well as IP Phone Systems, Managed Print Services, Document Management and On-Site management of copy centers and mailrooms.

The acquisition will make Loffler Companies one of the largest imaging companies in the Upper Midwest, while still providing award-winning service, training and support to all clients.

Imaging Path entered into this agreement with Loffler because of their reputation for providing clients with the finest equipment and services in the marketplace. “Loffler is a Minnesota-based, family-owned and nationally recognized business that offers the best a client could want – personalized service with industry-leading product partners that creates the best solutions for any business or organization,” explained Corey Tansom, Imaging Path CEO & President.