Do you ever like to steal away on a Sunday morning and visit your local antique stores? The experience offers a trip back in time to the halcyon days of your youth, maybe even decades before you were born. Maybe you have a hobby itch that needs scratching. Or maybe you don’t know what you’re looking for until you see it. After all, a hidden gem just might be lurking on a dusty perch.
Well, we’re bringing the antique store to you, so to speak. We’ve canvassed many of the primary hardware manufacturers that you carry to learn a little more about the less-heralded aspects of their catalogs. These treasures just may offer the opportunity to expand conversations with your customer and prospect base.
Brother
In only the last six months, Brother International Corporation soft-launched its Managed Print Services support program within the Brother Enhanced Services Technology (B.E.S.T) Community. The program is designed to help Brother’s BAPP Gold Member channel partners offer custom solutions to their end customers. Case-in-point: a mid-sized health care IT channel partner wanted to improve the document solutions platform it had implemented in hospitals across one of the largest cities in the United States. To do so, Brother built custom configurations on its scanners to integrate seamlessly with the partner’s system. After the custom solution was complete, Brother devices could be installed and fully operational “out of the box” at these major metropolitan hospitals.
Without the support of Brother field engineers and MPS specialists, that mid-sized business could have lost revenue to larger enterprise competitors that can offer these services directly. Through the B.E.S.T Community, Brother is able to provide channel partners customized functionality, as well as sophisticated assessment tools and services designed to help identify workflow bottlenecks and opportunities for process optimization, next-level security assessments or other variables. Brother wanted to ensure its channel ecosystem was strengthened by providing increased levels of customization based on the needs of its channel partners.
Canon
Emails sit at the heart of the modern-day office workflow. As the pace of business continues to accelerate, it’s becoming increasingly critical for Canon and its channel partners to offer end-to-end solutions with security features that enable collaboration and efficient workflows. Particularly with cybersecurity being top of mind in today’s office environments, it is imperative for dealers to provide solutions that can integrate with Canon MFPs, offering auditable and manageable options for the ever-growing challenges that come with information chaos.
Canon holds a strategic, third-party partnership with mxHero, a cloud service for intelligent email management. With its unique and non-disruptive integration between a customer’s existing email server and leading cloud content management platforms such as Box, Google Drive and OneDrive, mxHero can transparently facilitate the easy transfer of files and automate additional mail rules by utilizing links with security and governance features. The platform allows customers to gain control over access to their data, leveraging “read only” and “link expiration” features based on pre-set business rules. In addition, the end-user workflow does not change—if a user attaches a document, mxHero does the behind-the-scenes work to help keep the information secure.
Epson
Powered by PrecisionCore Line Head Technology, the WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590 A3 multifunction color printer offers breakthrough speed, up to 100 ISO ppm and distinct advantages over laser. Inkjet printers can sometimes be overlooked in the SMB and corporate workgroup environments because of misconceptions over cost and performance. However, this A3 printer with PrecisionCore technology and innovative line head design offers a lower total cost of ownership and is more environmentally friendly than laser. It also has fewer moving parts, making it easier to service.
The WF-C20590 offers a different type of inkjet design than other copier models on the market. Epson’s PrecisionCore technology uses a cold process, as opposed to a thermal inkjet method, which heats up the ink and consumes high amounts of energy and over time can wear out the print head. PrecisionCore’s cold printing technology allows printers to consume much less energy and be more efficient, durable and reliable over time. By leveraging Epson’s high-speed production inkjets, color printing in the office is now accessible to all, at an affordable cost.
HP
Most companies nowadays have significant investments in digital transformation initiatives. These investments, led by cloud and mobile technologies, seek to create more agile, adaptive and collaborative environments that address new styles of working and a new generation of workers. Office technology dealers have a unique opportunity to capitalize on these transformation efforts by offering smart services and solutions that tear down barriers between paper and digital and deliver on what businesses need today and in the future.
One hidden gem offering tremendous opportunity for dealers is HP’s JetAdvantage Apps, which was announced in last March. JetAdvantage Apps is an innovative solution that enables dealers to seamlessly connect an HP MFP to a digital platform. JetAdvantage Apps includes pre-built, made-to-order or build-it-yourself management and development tools that are supported by HP cloud services. Each app streamlines key tasks, saving businesses time and money. HP is on track to provide the broadest range of workflow integrations with 35 Beta apps already available today and over 200 development partners.
Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta’s IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimizer achieves and maintains color consistency to industry standard with near-perfect registration accuracy. With highly automated image registration and color control, a closed-loop system that constantly monitors and adjusts printed output, and automated color calibration and profiling, the IQ-501 delivers streamlined operator time, reduced print waste and industry-leading productivity.
As dealers look to different areas of commercial and production print for revenue streams outside of traditional office print, the IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimizer allows them to offer an appealing product to printers looking to enhance their own menu of services. The IQ-501 is an optional add-on to the AccurioPress, and speeds up installation time and technician time during a service call. And by allowing customers to readjust color on their own, the IQ-501 may also reduce the amount of service calls.
The IQ-501 can register stocks up to 400 gsm, as well as align front-to-back registration for banner printing. It is the only system on the market that can automatically calibrate, profile and adjust for density balance, engine gradation and front-to-back registration without need for any additional accessories and can do all of these in the least amount of time. All of this adds up to significant time and money savings.
The IQ-501 system is currently available on Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C3070, C3080, C6100, C6085, 6120, 6136 and 6136P models. The company will showcase the IQ-501 at Printing United, Oct. 23-25 in Dallas.
Kyocera
Today’s document-driven businesses are always looking for ways to increase efficiency and lower costs. However, in order to do so, they require innovative tools which can sometimes be expensive and overly complex solutions that take months to implement. These solutions can be exactly what businesses need, but not every business has the budget or the time to radically change how they do things on a daily basis.
Solutions providers want to help every business achieve its goals, including the small, family-owned and run business that’s just looking to automate and expedite a simple process. Implementing a large ECM or Document Management solution may not be the answer in every case. This is where Kyocera’s DMConnect could be a fit.
With DMConnect, any size business has the ability to capture, process and intelligently route documents and information directly from an MFP or through various interactive digital sources. Businesses can better manage their information and document workflows, which allows solutions providers to reach new customers and even improve the situations of current ones.
Lexmark
For decades, Lexmark has been leveraging vertical industry expertise to optimize business opportunities, close deals and foster customer relationships. Founded on knowledge gained from years of global data and backed by industry consultants who understand the ins and outs of business best practices, its industry approach has given it a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Recently, Lexmark introduced Lexmark Industry Advantage (LIA), a service that gives partners access to Lexmark’s proven industry approach so they can explore new customer relationships and expand upon existing ones. LIA is a hidden gem because it helps partners differentiate their capabilities in two key ways:
Enablement provides partners with resources to further their understanding of the vertical industries in which their customers operate. Partners will be able to increase their knowledge of relevant trends, challenges and terminology for stronger, more-targeted communications.
Engagement connects partners directly with Lexmark experts for conversations and collaboration that drive growth, close deals and help expand their business. Based on the size of the opportunity, partners will have access to specific engagements that can help them close the deal.
LIA provides enablement and engagement support for industries including government, education, health care, finance, manufacturing and retail.
Panasonic
The Panasonic KV-S1026C-MKII document scanner transforms paper documents to high-quality digital documents, allowing users to simplify their records management. With the touch of a button, users can instantly start scanning documents and send them automatically to their destination of choice.
Compact design and intuitive operation make the scanner a perfect fit for small- to medium-sized businesses as users can expect a straightforward setup, innovative functionality and a host of advanced features, including booklet, long paper, and plastic and business card scanning. With ultrasonic double-feed detection and an active double-feed prevention roller system, this solution is able to quickly and reliably feed mixed documents at a scan speed of up to 30 pages per minute and 60 images per minute at 300 DPI. The scanner’s bundled Panasonic Image Capture Plus software suite helps users optimize scanning workflows by allowing them to easily scan and preview their scanned images before exporting them as a PDF, text searchable PDF, TIFF or JPEG file formats. Most recently, the Panasonic KV-S1026C-MKII was awarded the 2019 Scanner Line of the Year by Keypoint Intelligence-Buyers Lab and is an EPEAT bronze and ENERGY STAR certified device.
Ricoh
Since Ricoh’s founding in 1936, businesses have transformed using the company’s ideas and innovations, and today it continues to enable people to work smarter by empowering digital workplaces. One way it does this for dealer partners is by acting as a one-stop shop for their solutions needs. A prime example—one that qualifies as a hidden gem—is the Ricoh Theta, a modern gadget that can be combined with print, workflow, services and other solutions for use in all industries.
The Theta launched in 2013 as the world’s first 360° single-shot camera.. Since then, it has been used to capture unique fully spherical images in a variety of situations. The 360° visual space has defied the conventions of traditional photography, making it an intriguing add-on for any customer engagement. When selling into a school, consider the opportunities for a cross-sell to encourage more collaboration and information sharing. Or if selling to a local law firm, capturing information via a spherical photo could have a multitude of benefits. The THETA line includes the Theta Z1 (premium model), Theta V (advanced model), Theta SC (beginner model) and Theta SC Hatsune Miku.
Sharp
What if there was a way to provide faster, more-efficient customer service for clients’ multifunction printers (MFPs) while actually reducing the frequency of service visits?
Sharp’s proprietary Machine Intelligence Call Assistance Service (MICAS) is a cloud-based service application and real-time monitoring agent that collects and reports information on MFP device status, usage counts, supply levels, errors and alerts.
MICAS works by remotely collecting data from customer MFPs. This includes information such as paper and toner levels, status alerts and meter reads. The data is viewable by dealerships to facilitate quick service and proactive maintenance. If a device requires service, MICAS is notified immediately and the technician is prepared with relevant device information. Further, the MICAS online portal provides solutions unique to service technicians, dealers and dealer administrators, such as error code explanations, toner forecasting and customizable supply notifications.
Document systems dealerships can reap myriad benefits from MICAS. Not only does MICAS assist with first-call resolution, it helps to optimize device uptime, provide efficient service delivery and ultimately increase revenue and profitability by enabling dealers to focus time and resources on other areas of the business.
Toshiba
Toshiba America Business Solutions simplifies labeling with its BA400 thermal barcode printers, which combine speed (up to eight label inches-per-second) and high-print quality (up to 300 dots-per-inch labels) for tackling diverse labeling needs. The printers’ streamlined and durable chassis—available in both metal and rugged plastic models—allow easy integration within even the most space-sensitive environments. The unique design and simple operation further enable consistent and continuous labeling.
The BA400 printers incorporate an array of intuitive elements for ease-of-use and low maintenance. For example, a top-loading design permits user-friendly media replacement, while parts lifecycle alerts and simple printhead and platen replacement help increase uptime.
The Toshiba printers also integrate USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet, as well as Near-Field Communication (NFC) connectivity which enables BA400 printers to pair with other NFC embedded devices such as smartphones, handhelds and mobile computers. Compatibility with Zebra ZPL, Sato and Toshiba program languages allows seamless integration within existing settings.
When added to Toshiba’s award-winning line of multifunction printers, its full line of thermal barcode printers allows dealers to become a one-stop shop. No other major manufacturer offers the scope of products to its dealers as Toshiba.
Toshiba’s BA400 printers have a beginning list price of $1,195 and are available via authorized Toshiba resellers.
Xerox
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, hundreds of millions consumer records containing personally identifiable information (PII) are exposed annually. That’s why the Xerox Auto-Redaction App is worth knowing about.
When downloaded onto the Xerox ConnectKey Technology-enabled multifunction printer (MFP), the app leverages cutting-edge AI technology and Google’s Data Loss Prevention software to eliminate the time-consuming and error-prone process of manual redaction. Phone numbers, Social Security numbers, emails, names and more can all be redacted with the touch of a few buttons.
Users simply choose, then scan from presets or custom PII and the app automatically redacts it. Results can be reviewed on the MFP and then either printed or shared via email. Custom redaction types are easy to add, and there’s flexibility to meet specific needs. The app is ideal for legal departments and firms, government, healthcare, human resources and education professionals.
The Xerox Auto-Redaction App can be found on the e-commerce-enabled Xerox App Gallery, providing a global marketplace for channel partners to promote and sell apps. Also, channel partners can share in the revenue when their customers purchase an app.
