Print in the Channel - issue #25

PRINT inthechannel.co.uk

Issue #25

The Ultimate Zero Trust Print & Document Management Solution Page 24

VIDEOCONFERENCING SOLUTIONS

In the Channel Media Ltd is the publishing and

advertising arm of Stock in the Channel,

PRINT inthechannel.co.uk

October 2022

the UKs leading IT

Canon MAXIFY GX6050 – an eco-friendly printer for an eco-friendly Farm – page 24

search engine.

newsinthechannel.co.uk

Our magazine portfolio includes 3 of the leading trade only publications...

printinthechannel.co.uk

solutions guide 2024 hospitality retail &

UC

V E R T I C A L S

ucadvanced.com

healthcare solutions guide 2024 info@inthechannelmedia.com To find out about partnering with us please contact:

V E R T I C A L S

education solutions guide education

Stockies AWARDS

Headline Sponsor

V E R T I C A L S

Stockies AWARDS

00

Save money on credit card fees Best deals for IT resellers and MSPs but open to all businesses

VIDEOCONFERENCING SOLUTIONS

Full Service Solution

Since our foundation, we have been #1 banking institution for lots of individual and corporate customers, both in the USA and internationally. We provide our clients with a number of benefits.

Payment Gateway Instant processing of online transactions at low cost

Apple and Google pay Offer choices to increase transaction volume.

Inutitive Banking Portal Check and manage all your payments and refunds

Transparent Pricing No hidden charges - clear quotes provided that we stick to

24/7 Support Our Support team is always ready to help you solve any credit card issues

Easy Application process Our team will help to make the application prrocess as easy as possible

How to apply Online paymentsinthechannel.com Talk to our Sales Team 0333-772-0003

Making payments painless

Do you provide the payment gateway? Yes, we not only provide it, we will also install it on your web store so you seamlessly move to a new payment infrastructure without any downtime. What security features are there? Two factor authenication which dramatically reduces fraud, secure sockets layer, (SSL) . Kount advanced fraud protection can be offered. Is it online only or can I have a terminal? Whilst most of our customers use online either on a web store or through a browser interface we can provide counter top, mobile and EPOS devices.

in the channel PAYMENTS part of

More than 60k MSP Users

Up to 20% Savings

Acceptance rate 95% plus

Giving us the buying power to get the best rates

We guarantee to save you money on card processing fees

Through our network we will find you the perfect acquirer

public

solutions guide sector

2024

V E R T I C A L S

Headline Sponsor

2023

cloud

solutions guide 2024 marketplace

V E R T I C A L S

For MSP’s to Buy, Manage, Sell & Report on Cloud Services

n

healthcare solutions guide 2024

Cloud Services Marketplace Browse cloud products from the top leading vendors, along with expertise, guidance and insights.

Indirect CSPs

Subscription Management For MSPs to Buy, Manage, Sell and report on Cloud Services.

Billing Automation Integration with Business Systems such as NetSuite, Salesforce, MS Dynamics NAV, GP, Business Central, Xero, etc.

Cloud in the Channel connects to a host of indirect CSPs, vendors, cloud platforms

V E R T I C A L S

Direct to Vendor

Cloud Middleware

Add Subscription Services

Our links to distribution, vendors, and your PSA, ERP and CRM remove manual processes in cloud management.

PRINT inthechannel.co.uk

January 2023

0333 772 0003 Sales: sales@cloudinthechannel.com Support: support@cloudinthechannel.com

CHECK OUT CANON’S NEW GX3050 AND GX4050 page 24

Interested in partnering with us? : partners@cloudinthechannel.com cloudinthechannel.com

printinthechannel.co.uk www.newsinthechannel.co.uk

00

NEWS: The latest news and product news from the Channel – pages 6-10 2023 PREVIEW:: Crystal balls at the ready – page 15 INTERVIEW:: Richard Wells embracing 30 years of change – page 26 SCANNING GATEWAYS: Hybrid working is driving the growth of digitising documents – page 46 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE:: How FX rates affect toner pricing – page 50

RICOH Scanning Solutions

We would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of the ‘Stock in the Channel Awards 2024’ as well as those that were nominated

iX1400 – Beautifully simple, effortlessly efficient iX1500/iX1600 – Intuitive scanning at your fingertips

iX1300 – Premium personal desktop scanner

iX100 – Ideal for community workers iX100 – Ideal for community workers

S1300i

S1100i

N7100 – Information sharing made easy

SP-1120N / SP-1125N/ SP-1130N

Network Scanner

fi-65F – Great for customer facing ID capture

iX100 – Ideal for community workers

SP Series Day to day budget conscious scanning

fi Series

S1300i

S1100i

SP Series

SV600 – Perfect for the classroom

N7100 – Information sharing made easy

SP-1120N / SP-1125N/ SP-1130N

fi-7460 / fi-7480 SV600 – Perfect for the classroom

SP-1425

fi-7260 / fi-7280 SP-1120N/SP-1125N/ SP-1130N

N7100E – Information sharing made easy

fi-7600 – A local government workhorse iX1600 – Intuitive scanning at your fingertips

fi-7140 – Document management at it’s best

fi-65F – Great for customer facing ID capture

SP Series Day to day budget conscious scanning

fi Series

fi-7030 – Ideal for GP surgeries

fi Series

fi-7160 – Best selling scanner in the NHS

fi-7800/ fi-7900 – Ideal for heavy duty scanning environments

fi-7300NX – Web based document capture and network scanning

fi-7700

fi-7140 – Document management at it’s best

fi-7260 / fi-7280

fi-7460 / fi-74

fi-800R

fi-70F

fi-8150 – Redefines Business Scanning

fi-8270/fi-8290 – Industry leading OCR accuracy rates

fi-8170/fi-8190 – Reduced power consumption

fi-8040 – Market-leading image quality, versatile con- nectivity and an intuitive user experience

fi-7030 – Ideal for GP surgeries

fi-7160 – Best selling scanner in the NHS

fi-7800/ fi-7900 – Ideal for heavy duty scanning environments

fi-7300NX – Web based document capture and network scanning

fi-800R

Fujitsu’s best-in-class scanner driver and document capturing software

fi-7460/fi-7480

fi-800R – Great for customer facing ID capture

fi-8820/fi-8930/fi-8950 – Impressive performance, reliability and usability

fi-7700

fi-7300NX – Web based document capture and network scanning

For more information please email us at scannersales@uk.fujitsu.com or visit emea.fujitsu.com/scanners

Streamlining processes, delivering Organisational Intelligence • Automate capture routines; scan, extract and release all at the touch of a button • Streamline operations by integrating captured data into business workflows • Easily create searchable PDF‘s, or editable Word, Excel and PowerPoint files • Optimise scanning architecture - use any scanner from any PC www.pfu-emea.ricoh.com

Fujitsu’s best-in-class scanner driver and document capturing

For more information please email us at scannersales@uk.fujitsu.com or visit emea.fujitsu.com/sca

PaperStream IP A scanner driver that cleans and optimises image files for faster, lower-cost access and storage.

PaperStream ClickScan Ad-hoc scanning with a single touch

PaperStream Capture Streamlines and automates capture into workflows.

PaperStream NX Manager For centralised, server-based capture.

COMMENT

Making a difference Improving efficiency is a goal for many businesses in these tough economic times, and printers can make a tangible difference in a range of sectors – providing opportunities for resellers.

The economy in the UK continues to stagnate, with monthly figures recently posting minute growth or contraction for a long time now. While there are many reasons for this, which can be argued over for hours – the effects of Brexit, geopolitical uncertainty, tax/NI/ minimum wage increases to name but three (I could name many more, I’m

in minds. Here, mobile print solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Not only can they help employees working in the sector to be more efficient – no having to go back and forth to static printers, for instance – they can also contribute to sustainability goals. Find out more on p31. Cost and sustainability are also big considerations when people buy the paper that is used in printers. Despite widespread

Dan Parton

sure you could too) – for many business owners it means that finding cost savings wherever possible becomes even more important. Often, the eyes of those holding the purse- strings at businesses look to things like energy usage – including that of the printer fleet used in

digitalisation of operations, print still plays an integral role in many businesses. But what they want from their paper is changing – some want higher grade products, while others are more focused on how sustainable it is. But, of course, price remains a key factor in thinking

offices. Fortunately, printer manufacturers have been working to develop ever more energy efficient printers. Many now use much less power than in previous years, but energy efficiency is about much more than just power consumption – it can make a difference in terms of cost savings and contribution towards sustainability goals, as explained in our feature on p34. It is a similar story in sectors such as warehousing in logistics. Often businesses in these sectors run on tight margins at the best of times, so when the economy is sluggish, efficiency is often uppermost

for many. Read more on p26. What this focus on efficiency,

sustainability and cost does mean is that there are plenty of opportunities for resellers to sell print products to businesses in a wide range of sectors. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. Print in the Channel is for everyone involved in the print sector, so if there are any topics you would like to see covered in a future issue, or if you would like to get involved in the editorial side in any way, please drop me an email at dan@newsinthechannel.com

CALLING ALL BRANDS

Support your Channel Distributors and Resellers by using the new FREE Stock in the Channel functionality: “Authorised Distributors”. Click here to learn more

printinthechannel.co.uk

00 05

CONTENTS

News You should know p8 HP Amplify 2025 Future focus p16 Product Launches Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress p20 Canon MAXIFY p22 Cover Story Canon uniFlow Online and imageFORCE p24 Paper Changing demands p26 Mobile Print in Warehousing and Logistics Reseller’s conversations p31 Energy Efficient Printers Sustainable cost- cutting p34 Stockies 2025 Award Categories p39 EKM MPSA benefits p43

HP Amplify 2025 – p16

Energy Efficient Printers – p34

For many businesses, sustainability is a priority, but cost-cutting is also high on the agenda. When looking at printers, customers want energy efficiency to cover both priorities.

The HP Amplify 2025 conference has seen the launch of purported world firsts in the print sector, including protecting against quantum computing attacks and a compact printer capable of handling large format rigid and flexible media.

COVER STORY – p24

In today’s competitive business landscape, companies must find ways to enhance productivity while keeping operational costs under control. At the same time, security threats continue to evolve, making it essential to implement robust, Zero Trust security solutions without disrupting workflows.

Product Launches Konica Minolta – p20

Konica Minolta has released its latest additions to the AccurioPress range, promising quality, speed and versatility to help users in a range of sectors to unlock the potential of digital print.

Eagle Eye BI Large format printers p44 Sustainability Reduce e-waste p46 Confidential Scanning Confidence p48 People p51

For businesses in print-heavy sectors, purchasers want printers that can print high volumes but maintain quality and ensure they don’t require much maintenance – and Canon’s latest additions to the MAXIFY range address this.

Canon – p22

06

CONTENTS

Sustainability – p46

The problem of e-waste is growing year-on-year and

businesses can help to cut this by ensuring their printer fleets are used as long as

Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ printinthechannel.com Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ printinthechannel.com Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ printinthechannel.com Liz Newbury 07756 069297 liz@printinthechannel.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus.bester@ stockinthechannel.com Written permission from the publisher is required before any part of Print in the Channel can be reproduced. © 2025 In the Channel Media Ltd.

possible, as Faki Saadi, director, UKI at SOTI, explains.

The STOCKIES 2025 Award Categories and sponsorship packages have been announced .

Mobile Print: Warehousing & Logistics – p31

For businesses in warehousing and logistics, efficiency is a key priority, and using mobile printers can help operators to achieve that. But as their popularity grows, so customer demands are also changing, which resellers need to be alive to.

Paper – p26

Confidential Scanning – p48

Demand for confidential scanning continues to grow and can be a key part of helping businesses to digitise their operations, and resellers can capitalise on this.

Paper still plays a central role in many businesses’ daily operations, but their demands are changing, with a focus on sustainability and some wanting higher quality products – although cost is still often a big consideration.

Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:

printinthechannel.co.uk

07

NEWS

Toshiba launches new barcode printer app

Toshiba Tec has introduced a new app that aims to make finding the perfect barcode printer solution easier than ever. This app is designed to help channel partners and end users quickly find the right labelling solutions to meet their specific needs. Key features of the app include: l  Easy access to information : Get the latest details on Toshiba’s range of labelling solutions all in one place. Stay updated with important notifications and updates l  Smart recommendations: Simply enter some basic information about your label printing needs, and the app suggests the best options l  Explore innovative technologies: Learn about Toshiba Tec’s sustainable printing solutions, RFID, ribbon-saving technology and automatic label

application systems l  Sector-specific solutions: Use the vertical solutions search feature to find the best options for mobile printing, label automation and e-commerce. The app also provides access to commercial materials, including brochures, instructional videos, success stories and news. This information can be shared easily via email or messaging apps. Toshiba Tec’s app can be installed on any browser-enabled device directly from its website. “This app reflects our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Ángel de Juan, vice president of Toshiba Auto ID Europe. “By providing basic information, customers can quickly find the best label printing solutions. This intuitive platform makes decision-making easier and more efficient.”

Ángel de Juan vice president Toshiba Auto ID Europe

toshibatec.co.uk

Ricoh ranked 39th in Carbon Clean200™ 2025 list

Ricoh has been ranked 39th in the Carbon Clean200™ , a list of 200 publicly traded companies around the world that are leading the way to a clean energy future. This is the seventh consecutive year that Ricoh has been included in the Clean200 since its inception in 2019, moving up 10 places from last year. This recognition reflects a high regard for Ricoh’s sales expansion of products and services that help customers reduce their environmental impact by leveraging technologies such as energy and resource conservation and energy generation services. The Clean200 list is an annual ranking published by Corporate Knights, a Canadian research and media company, in collaboration with As You Sow, a US- based non-profit organisation promoting ESG investments. Utilising Corporate

Knights’ Clean Revenue Database, which investigates the proportion of a company’s revenue generated from businesses that contribute to the clean economy, the top 200 companies from 35 countries were selected from a pool of 8,359 global companies in 2025. Thirty-two companies from the IT sector, including Ricoh, secured a position in the 2025 list. Ricoh's approach to sustainability is to pursue a sustainable society through a Three Ps Balance: Prosperity (economic), People (society) and Planet (environment). To realise this desired society, Ricoh has identified seven material issues in two areas, ‘Resolving social issues through business’ and ‘Robust management infrastructure’ and set 16 ESG targets linked with the material to work toward solving these issues.

See the Report

ricoh.co.uk

08

AD

WE DELIVER AT HIGH SPEED!

Jarltech has the products of the leading Auto-ID and POS vendors in stock and delivers fast. Jarltech stands for fast delivery and high availability of goods: we process all incoming orders before 9:30 p.m. on the same day. We dispatch the goods immediately – thanks to our own fleet of vehicles and the best shipping partners. If you wish, we also deliver directly to your customers – with a neutral or your own delivery note, of course.

• Large warehouse with AIDC products guarantees high availability of goods – buffer stock and goods reservations are no problem! • Financing – delivery on account with payment term (limit provided) • Stock can be called up online at any time • Orders placed by 9:30 p.m. will be processed on the same day • Daily late shipping only with the best shipping companies • Dropshipment on request with a neutral or your own delivery note • UPS Express deliveries (at an extra charge)

printinthechannel.co.uk Order the AIDC products of our manufacturers from your sales representative!

07

NEWS

Konica Minolta awards Typhoon House Exclusive Partner status

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has recognised Isle of Man-based managed print solutions specialist, Typhoon House, as an Exclusive Partner. As the island’s first Exclusive Partner, Typhoon House offers Konica Minolta’s multifunctional print devices, print consumables and expert technical support to businesses across the Isle of Man and beyond. “Having worked with Konica Minolta’s print solutions for many years, we know the well-deserved reputation for innovation, reliability, quality and service are vital for our customers,” said Geoff McCann, managing director of Typhoon House. “Customer demand for Konica Minolta products makes this the perfect time for Typhoon House to become an Exclusive Partner, benefiting us and our customers in terms of technical support, training, device and consumables availability, and pricing.” Typhoon House, launched in 1993, has

a long-standing association with Konica Minolta, becoming a partner in 2017 and achieving Premium Partner status soon after. This close cooperation has been key in gaining market share in a location where logistical support is critical. “As a solutions provider, we focus on finding the right technology to meet our customers’ needs, an ethos closely shared with Konica Minolta,” added Geoff. “We have helped customers rationalise their print fleet for greater efficiency and operational cost savings, including a large financial institution where we achieved a 40% saving on their managed print costs.” Cameron Mitchell, business leader for indirect channel at Konica Minolta, added: “We are proud to award Typhoon House Exclusive Partner status. Their dedication to customers is reflected in an impressive near 100% customer retention rate, and our close partnership means Typhoon House is very much an extension of our brand and values.”

Geoff McCann managing director

typhoonhouse.im

Epson Partners with SUSS

Seiko Epson Corporation, a leader in advanced printhead solutions, has announced a collaboration with SUSS MicroTec SE, a manufacturer of system and process solutions for the semiconductor and printed electronics industries. As part of this partnership, SUSS will adopt the Epson PrecisionCore printhead technology (I3200 Series) in its flagship desktop R&D printer, the LP50. This aims to enhance research and development capabilities in inkjet processes, applications and materials. The decision to utilise Epson technology stems from its print quality, attributed to the PrecisionCore technology that allows for a maximum of eight inks to be tested

simultaneously within the same printhead. Furthermore, the printhead demonstrates high chemical compatibility, enabling researchers to maximise the development of fluid and print processes effectively. The LP50 printer will benefit from the integration of PrecisionCore printhead technology, ensuring improved performance in inkjet printing. The LP50 is instrumental for researchers focused on the evaluation and development of inkjet materials used in various applications within the electronics sector. In conjunction with this technological upgrade, SUSS and Epson will collaborate to introduce comprehensive ‘Application Kits’ over time, featuring newly developed and tested processes and materials from

Robert Wanninger senior vice president

suss.com

10

NEWS

Epson’s inkjet innovation laboratory in Japan. This initiative underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing the printed electronics industry through innovative solutions. The upgraded LP50, featuring PrecisionCore printhead technology, is set to be unveiled in the first half of 2025. Existing LP50 customers will have the opportunity to enhance their devices by upgrading to Epson technology via a print unit purchase. “Collaborating with Epson represents a significant advancement in our R&D efforts,” said Robert Wanninger, senior vice president of SUSS. “Integrating Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology into our LP50 will not only

enhance our capabilities but also provide our customers with state-of-the-art tools to push the boundaries of printed electronics. Together, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in this evolving market.” Shunya Fukuda, chief operating officer of Epson's IJS Operations Division, added: “By partnering with SUSS, we are extending the reach of our PrecisionCore technology into the printing functional materials beyond colour such as printed electronics, where innovation is paramount. Our proprietary printhead technology will empower SUSS’s LP50 to deliver unprecedented performance and reliability, ultimately supporting the development of future-focused inkjet applications.”

Shunya Fukuda chief operating officer

corporate.epson/en/

XBM acquires Office Odyssey

XBM Ltd has acquired Office Odyssey, a Midlands-based reseller of Epson single function and multifunction printers and digital document solutions across the UK and mainland Europe. Following XBM’s rebranding in 2021, the business announced plans to expand rapidly through acquisitions and new business, and this is the fifth acquisition in the last two years. Adding Office Odyssey to the XBM family adds a further 500 European devices and more than 2,300 to XBM’s existing MIF base, bringing it to over 7,000 devices in

the field. XBM is Epson’s largest UK reseller and one of only two Epson Diamond Partners in the UK. Office Odyssey set out to build a new kind of MPS service that places sustainability and social value at the heart of the business; to operate as a social enterprise and to only sell low energy, low waste technology. The business’s core mission is to increase employment for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or with other barriers to work, while minimising the environmental impact of clients’ print operations. As part of this, Office Odyssey provide free hardware and support to small charities, social enterprises and special needs schools. The aim is to help them free up money spent on print so it can be re-allocated to their projects and services. To date, the business has provided 1,000s of hours of work and removed hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide from clients’ supply chains. This is in keeping with XBM’s social

xbmltd.com

CONTINUED

printinthechannel.co.uk

11

NEWS

CONTINUED

mission, providing office print equipment and services to charities and not-for- profits across the UK. Office Odyssey’s Paul Bellew will continue to push the business forward as sales director, which will operate as a separate unit within XBM. “When we started looking for a partner who could grasp both our mission to provide meaningful work for those excluded by autism or other barriers, whilst providing

a wide range of clients with technology to help minimise their environmental impact, XBM stood out as the obvious choice,” said Paul. XBM’s managing director, Richard Tayor, added: “With his clear and unique vision, Paul has created an exceptional social enterprise. I am excited to be able to work with him and continue developing the vision and providing support to accelerate the business’s development further.”

Spiral Colour invests in Fujifilm Revoria Press PC1120

Spiral Colour, which provides a range of services, including business cards, football programmes, packaging, brochures and speciality print, has invested in a Revoria Press PC1120 to meet the evolving demands of the market. “We had outgrown our previous equipment,” explained Jason Carpenter, general manager at Spiral Colour. “Our old machine was becoming unreliable and frequently broke down, which impacted our ability to meet tight deadlines. The Revoria Press PC1120 offers us the reliability we need, along with exciting new features like the ability to print with metallic colours such as gold and silver, as well six-colour printing with white, which is a game changer for us.” The Revoria Press PC1120 has opened new doors for Spiral Colour, including the ability to print in-house envelopes – something they could not previously achieve. Spiral Colour's choice to invest in the Revoria Press PC1120 was driven by its advanced features and the support and partnership offered by Fujifilm. “From the initial discussions through to the installation, the support from Fujifilm has been outstanding,” added Jason. “Fujifilm really understood our needs and the installation and training teams made the transition seamless. We feel confident knowing we’ve

got the backing of such a reliable partner.” The press has also significantly

improved reliability, helping Spiral Colour maintain efficiency during tight deadlines. Spiral Colour is excited about the opportunity to promote its new capabilities to current and prospective customers. “We’re planning to develop a swatch to showcase the full range of six-colour options,” said Jason. “This investment has enabled us to attract new clients and deliver innovative solutions that set us apart from the competition.” Spiral Colour is eager to promote its new capabilities and attract more business with the new press. “We’re planning to ramp up our marketing efforts to make sure everyone knows about the investment we’ve made and the quality we can now offer,” said Jason. “The Revoria Press PC1120 is central to our future growth, and we wouldn’t hesitate to consider additional Fujifilm products based on the fantastic experience we’ve had so far.”

Jason Carpenter general manager

spiralcolour.com

12

PRODUCT LAUNCH STAR MICRONICS TSP143IV X4 & TSP143IVSK X4

Star Micronics redefines receipt and label printing with new launch

Star Micronics has launched the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 receipt and label printers that aim to provide users with greater efficiency and scalability.

International POS hardware solutions provider Star Micronics has launched two new models in its established TSP100 series, the TSP143IV X4 receipt and order printer and TSP143IVSK X4 linerless label printer, featuring four versatile interfaces incorporated in one model to ensure superior connectivity and exceptional performance. As the latest models within Star’s most established and successful printer ranges, the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 respond to growing demand for future- proof, scalable hardware that can support fixed, mobile and cloud applications. Redefining efficiency and scalability for online ordering and labelling, the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 are equipped with exceptional connectivity: USB, LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth alongside cloud connectivity as standard in one model to offer seamless compatibility with POS systems, tablets, handheld devices, online ordering systems and self-ordering kiosks supporting all major operating systems. Both models deliver a new WLAN and Bluetooth setup designed to simplify wireless connectivity ‘out-of-the-box’. As a result, users can quickly connect via an auto-generated QR code or via the Star Quick Set Up Utility and be online within less than a minute. Ideal for business The expertly designed and compact TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 feature a fast print speed while benefitting from an internal power supply and four-year

warranty as standard. With security being a key challenge facing many retail and hospitality businesses, Star’s unique cash drawer connection sensing feature allows the printers to distinguish an open drawer or one which is completely disconnected. The information can be reported directly to a locally controlling application or via the cloud. Thanks to Star’s next generation CloudPRNT™ Next technology utilising the MQTT protocol, the printers are ideal for businesses managing remote print operations across multiple locations. Furthermore, access to StarPrinter.Online and Star Micronics Cloud Services is included to provide effective support for remote device management. Finally, with its linerless sticky label printing capabilities, the TSP143IVSK X4 offers a versatile solution for hospitality environments seeking to print repositionable labels for food and drink orders and deliveries, resulting in greater order accuracy and streamlined workflows. For more information, visit www.star-emea.com

Star’s unique cash drawer connection sensing feature

allows the printers to

distinguish an open drawer or one which is completely disconnected. The information can be reported directly to a locally controlling application or via the cloud.

printinthechannel.co.uk

13

AD

8 NEW ECOSYS MODELS

The ECOSYS 2600 Colour Series – economically safeguarding your ideas while dancing to an eco-friendly beat with vibrant, natural colour. Colour printers & MFPs to rave about.

PRINT Vivid colour, crisp black, fast 21ppm & 26ppm models.

SAVE Aordable now, and in the long run. REPEAT Exceptionally reliable, with long lasting components and toners.

SLEEP Energy smart and ready when you are.

14

Everybody’s raving about Kyocera’s new colour devices. Aordable, simple and sustainable these compact printers and MFPs bring sophistication to the desktop for business quality results every time. Rave on...

AD

At home, in the o€ce, or on the go.

Experience powerful cloud features, mobile print options, and next-level security with the new ECOSYS 2600 Colour Series wherever you work.

Available through our authorised distributors, plus our extensive dealer and online partner network.

RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW

kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk/rave-in-colour

printinthechannel.co.uk

15

HP AMPLIFY 2025

Future focus The HP Amplify 2025 conference has seen the launch of purported world firsts in the print sector, including protecting against quantum computing attacks and a compact printer capable of handling large format rigid and flexible media.

Nashville, Tennessee in the USA is known as being the country music capital of the world, but for three days in March, it was also the capital of the technological world, as HP Inc held its annual Amplify Conference in the city. From March 17-19, some 1,500 commercial, retail, alliance, distribution partners and customers of HP descended on Nashville for the Ampify Conference, where more than 80 new AI-enabled solutions were introduced and on display in 40,000sq ft of show space. The theme of this year’s event was shaping the future of work, and to empower people and businesses to create and manage their own way of working. As well as unveiling a range of PCs and AI-powered print tools for SMBs, HP also announced enhancements to its Workforce Experience Platform, which have all been built to drive company growth and professional fulfilment. “HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfilment,” said Enrique Lores, president and CEO at HP Inc. “We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI

innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.”

Changing how customers print Among the many new launches at the Amplify Conference were innovations in the print sector. For instance, HP announced how it is changing the way customers print and manage documents, making it easier and more efficient with new features and technology. This included two new features to its collection of AI-powered tools that help SMBs simplify and enhance the print experience. The first feature streamlines the process of sharing scanned documents by using AI to summarise them and draft an email with the document attached, allowing for easy sharing via email or chat. The second feature offers automatic and guided redaction to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that private data remains secure on HP devices without requiring a cloud connection. These innovations aim to reduce the complexity and enhance the security of document handling for small businesses.

Enrique Lores president and CEO

hp.com

HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfilment. “ ”

Protecting against quantum computer attacks One of the most significant

announcements in the print sector was the unveiling of what HP say are the world’s first printers to protect against quantum computer attacks. As Steve Inch, global senior print security strategist and product management lead at HP Inc, noted in a blog, the threat of quantum computers

HP ProStudio 4 AiO G1i AI PC

16

HP AMPLIFY 2025

breaking asymmetric cryptography – the algorithms that our digital world relies on – grows every year. “Experts think there’s up to a 34% chance of this happening by 2034,” he wrote. “This would put encrypted communications at risk, compromise the existing digital signatures used for verifying the integrity of firmware and software, and dissolve digital trust.” If a printer has no quantum resilience, a quantum attack at the firmware level would mean it would be fully exposed through malicious firmware updates, giving the attacker stealthy, persistent and total control of the device. To counter this developing threat, HP has launched its new 8000 Series printers – including the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501 – which have been designed with quantum resilience to protect against the potential quantum attacks of the future. Features of the printers include: l  A foundation for quantum resistance: The printers’ new ASIC chips are designed with quantum- resistant cryptography and enable the use of digital signature verification to protect firmware integrity against quantum attacks l  Enhanced security at the hardware level: Printer manageability and protection is enhanced through the new ASIC chips, which protect early- stage BIOS and BIOS boot firmware integrity, reducing the risk of data breaches l  Seamless integration with Zero Trust measures: Foundational to HP’s Zero Trust Print Architecture™, these printers are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing Zero Trust Network Architectures. This helps organisations to take a unified, fleet-wide approach to their security strategies and protect against current and future threats. This forms part of HP’s commitment

to innovation in device security – the company has already launched PCs that contain firmware protection against quantum computer attacks. Large format breakthrough Another printer launched at Amplify was the HP Latex R530 Printer, which is a compact all-in-one HP Latex printer capable of handling rigid and flexible media. Its digital operation is designed to simplify workflows and maximise space, boosting efficiency for users. It is aimed at businesses in a range of sectors, from small and medium-sized print shops (PSPs) that want help to meet customer demands with high-quality prints and impressive

Steve Inch global senior print security strategist and product management lead

hp.com

output to construction companies undertaking large-scale projects.

In a blog, Daniel Martinez, global head and general manager, HP Large Format Business, noted that organisations seek innovative solutions to improve their operations, streamline processes, and expand their customer reach. “That’s why we’re excited to introduce new devices and solutions designed to address these challenges and empower businesses in the future of work,” he wrote. All-in-one printing solution Daniel added that HP has heard from PSP customers about the significant challenges they face when it comes to rigid printing, including space, cost and operational limitations. “Small and medium-sized print shops

The threat of quantum computers breaking asymmetric

cryptograph... ... grows every year.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801

often struggle to find efficient workflows or resort to outsourcing, while larger PSPs seek solutions that can expand their offerings and execute short runs on both rigid and flexible media,” he explained. The Latex R530 seeks to address these issues, offering

significant capabilities in a smaller footprint and

CONTINUED

printinthechannel.co.uk

17

AD

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR SERVICES !

We are the perfect partner for you and offer you premium services that take your business further! This includes processing orders by 9:30 p.m. on the same day. Customised delivery notes, your own logo on the product and direct shipping to your customers are also possible. POS systems, mobile computers and much more are optionally preconfigured by our in-house staging depart- ment according to your wishes.

Training courses for you and your employees or customers in our show- room – or visit us virtually!

18 We keep our eyes open for you, so that you are always up to date. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube!

HP AMPLIFY 2025

CONTINUED enabling PSPs to overcome the hurdles associated with rigid printing while taking advantage of new commercial opportunities. For instance, the Latex R530 printer allows seamless adaptation between rigid and flexible applications. It delivers consistent, high-quality output across various media types, which can help PSPs to tap into new markets and expand their print applications. With automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning, businesses can enhance uptime and reduce maintenance costs. The single- phase power system provides effortless installation in limited spaces. Sustainability is a key focus of the printer, with sustainable innovation features like direct-to-rigid printing which reduces waste and UL ECOLOGO®-certified HP Latex Inks. The printer promotes circularity with returnable maintenance cartridges and 25% recycled plastic in its design. Daniel said that this eliminates trade- offs associated with traditional flatbeds for customers and gives small and medium- sized PSPs an all-in-one solution to elevate their operations and scale sustainably. Streamlining workflows Streamlining workflows is something that PSPs are increasingly looking to do, especially to integrate with their technology. Daniel said that the new HP PrintOS Production Hub offers a centralised, real-time platform for order management and remote production control. This software optimises print operations, reducing inefficiencies and errors. With precision, efficiency and control PSPs can enhance their print workflows and deliver superior results. The Latex R530 Printer is expected to be available globally from April. Partner program updates Elsewhere at the Amplify Conference, HP announced new benefits through its Amplify partner program to help

the Latex R530 printer allows seamless adaptation between rigid and flexible applications.

HP Latex R530 Printer

partners navigate the evolving demands of the future of work with smarter, more connected experiences. Enhancements include the launch of the Amplify SuperPower Booster, an upgraded compensation structure that rewards portfolio-wide HP sales and supports flexible technology solutions. HP is also expanding the Amplify AI program with new resources and use cases to help partners accelerate adoption. Overwhelming success Neil MacDonald, HP’s UK & Ireland senior channel director, hailed the success of the conference. “The HP Amplify Conference 2025 has been an overwhelming success, reinforcing HP’s commitment to partner enablement, AI-driven innovation, and sustainable growth. “HP continues to innovate and invest in the print sector, ensuring that partners have access to industry-leading security, efficiency, and AI-driven solutions. “A standout development is the new HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers, which are the first in the world to protect against quantum computer attacks. This is a game-changer for businesses in highly regulated industries that need future- proof security. “For SMBs, HP has introduced new AI-powered print tools that simplify and enhance the print experience. "The expansion of AI-powered solutions, from AI PCs to advanced print security and workflow automation, positions HP as a leader in the next wave of digital transformation.”

Daniel Martinez global head and general manager, HP Large Format Business

hp.com

Neil MacDonald senior channel director, UK & Ireland

hp.com

printinthechannel.co.uk

19

PRODUCT LAUNCH KONICA MINOLTA ACCURIOPRESS C14010/S AND C12010/S

Speed and versatility Konica Minolta has released its latest additions to the AccurioPress range, promising quality, speed and versatility to help users in a range of sectors to unlock the potential of digital print.

Commercial print businesses and reprographic departments in businesses have exacting standards for what they want out of a printer – including consistent quality, high speed, the ability to work with a range of media and reliability. Increasingly, commercial print business owners also want their printers to take advantage of the latest in automation technology. All these have been factors in the latest printers to be added by Konica Minolta to the well-established AccurioPress range. Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S production presses deliver stunning print quality, exceptional speeds, and unmatched versatility, enabling customers to unlock more possibilities in digital print, according to the company.

The AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S achieve print speeds of up to 140 pages per minute (ppm) and 120ppm, respectively. With 5th colour capabilities on the S models, businesses can explore new creative avenues. With six cutting- edge sensors, its new Intelligent Media Sensors are an advance in automated print management, identifying paper type, weight and size instantly, to ensure optimal print settings every time without additional operator input. The presses also support a broad range of media, from thin and thick paper (up to 450 g/m2) – including envelopes, embossed paper, polyester and cut-sheet labels – meaning they can take on a diverse range of applications. Additional white toner models further expand these offerings, enabling businesses to tap into

The AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S achieve print speeds of up to 140 pages per minute (ppm)

and 120ppm, respectively.

With 5th colour capabilities on the S models, businesses can explore new creative avenues.

20

PRODUCT LAUNCH

quality and consistency with every print run. These tools help operators to work smarter, reducing manual adjustments for unattended, uninterrupted printing, to deliver flawless print results faster. Commercial printers such as offset printers, digital printers and direct mail producers will all benefit from the AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S series, along with those specialising in enterprise document printing, such as central reprographic departments and in-plants. High-volume production with maximum press uptime With features including automatic print quality adjustments, Automatic Inspection Technology, and intelligent design, press uptime is maximised. The AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S series also underline Konica Minolta’s mission to support the digital transformation of its customers, as well as offering high- quality output with less waste and fewer human touchpoints. “By delivering considerable advancements in terms of quality, productivity and options, the new AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S production presses are a milestone in the evolution of digital print,” says Malcolm Smith, category manager – Professional Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd. “We are looking forward to demonstrating these new systems and their considerable benefits at our Client Engagement Centre in Bedfordshire.” The CEC, which is in Houghton Regis, offers a range of product sales demonstrations, training and events. Konica Minolta’s CEC also has a fully operational professional printshop featuring numerous AccurioPress presses.

new revenue streams.

Meeting customer demands For larger and more demanding

Malcolm Smith category manger - professional print

projects, the systems accommodate long sheets up to 1,300mm (or 900mm in duplex), providing greater flexibility for businesses to meet the demands of their customers. Whether it is banners, book covers, or speciality items, the AccurioPress C14010 series helps customers broaden their production printing possibilities and find additional opportunities for business growth. Efficiency is also key for print businesses, and the AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S have been designed to streamline operations with advanced smart technology. Key features include the new IQ-601 Intelligent Quality Optimizer Unit, which includes a new inline spectrophotometer for precise colour profiles and Intelligent Media Sensors (IM-104 and IM-105) that ensure consistent, high-quality output, with minimum user intervention. The IM-105 measures the paper size of the substrates and detects even the slightest variations in paper cutting size. Together with the IQ-601 Intelligent Quality Optimizer, it automatically adjusts image positioning to eliminate front/back alignment errors, ensuring professional

konicaminolta.co.uk

By delivering considerable

advancements in terms of quality, productivity, and options, the new

AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S

production presses are a milestone in the evolution of digital print.

The AccurioPress C14010/S and C12010/S production presses are expected to be available by May.

printinthechannel.co.uk

1291

PRODUCT LAUNCH CANON MAXIFY GX7150, GX6150 AND BX110 Value in volume

For businesses in print-heavy sectors, purchasers want printers that can print high volumes but maintain quality and ensure they don’t require much maintenance – and Canon’s latest additions to the MAXIFY range address this.

flexible and scalable devices for a variety of workspace scenarios, from clinics to real estate agents to warehouses. Building on the MAXIFY GX7050 and GX6050, the GX7150 and GX6150 come with enhanced image quality, workflow support and security features. The MAXIFY BX110 advances on the PIXMA TR150, providing improved connectivity and security, maintaining its lightweight design and convenient charging via the external battery, enabling staff to print on the go and work from a range of locations, from outdoor sites to conference rooms. Low costs With high-yield ink bottles, the GX7150 and GX6150 are designed for long-term use without frequent refills, reducing the cost associated with frequent replacements. Bottles also come at a low cost, while a high paper supply of 250 sheets per cassette, with the GX7150 coming with two cassettes, and 100 sheet rear feed means that the cost per page is significantly reduced. In economy mode, the devices can print up to 9,000 sheets in black or up to 21,000 sheets with a full set of ink bottles. This brings cost reductions for businesses as the models offer significant savings on total cost of ownership compared to more traditional laser and inkjet models. Self-maintenance is also possible via a user-replaceable maintenance cartridge, eliminating the need for service calls. This allows the device to perform at full efficiency, ensuring continuity of operations, while also avoiding any associated costs.

For businesses in sectors that print in volume, there are often several things that equipment purchasers look for – high-quality print is a given, but also high capacity, so they don’t need to be refilled often and cost-effectiveness. All these factors were considered by Canon in the company’s GX7150 and GX6150 MegaTank printers and BX110 with Battery, the latest additions to its MAXIFY printer series. The GX7150 and GX6150 printers have been designed for high-volume, high-quality printing and feature refillable ink tank technology, high-capacity paper cassettes and a 50-Sheet ADF, delivering exceptional cost efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile the BX110 is a mobile printer, which comes paired with an external battery, making printing possible when on the go. Combining reliability and convenience, the new devices provide a smart plug and play printing solution for small businesses, which help to boost work efficiency. The new printers provide compact,

Canon GX7150

The new printers provide compact, flexible and scalable devices for a variety of workspace scenarios, from clinics to real estate agents to warehouses.

22

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52

printinthechannel.co.uk

Powered by