Print in the Channel - issue #23

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Issue #23

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COMMENT

New year, new optimism For the first issue of the new year, it is a good time to look forward to what 2025 may have in store for the print sector – and there are some grounds for optimism for manufacturers and resellers alike.

As I write this, the government is announcing a new strategy with the aim of boosting economic growth in the UK. It is much needed, given the years of low – or no – growth we experienced under the previous Conservative governments. Whether it works remains to be seen.

opinions on what 2025 may have in store. Read more on p24. Something else that will be of paramount importance in 2025 is security of print devices as the number of cyberthreats continues to grow. This is an important part of managed print services,

Dan Parton

But the government has at least tried to move the conversation towards more optimism about the economy. If the economy does start to grow, then it is likely to benefit the print sector. For years now, many businesses have put off refreshing their printer fleets – due to COVID, increased working from home and, in some cases, economic constraints – but if the economy goes in the right way, they may be more likely to make the investment. This is certainly one trend

so resellers have an important role in ensuring that customers’ printers are kept secure – and there are various ways that this can be done. Read the piece on p38. Another area of the sector that will continue to develop in popularity is RFID labelling – and therefore the printers that print them. While it has been popular in the retail sector for some time, it is now gaining traction in other sectors too, which is presenting opportunities for resellers. Read more on p48. These articles display optimism for the year ahead

in the print channel – let’s just hope the economy can grow too and help to ensure 2025 is a good one for all. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. If you have any topics that you would like to see covered in 2025 – or a news story or opinion piece you would like to submit for consideration for publication – please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com.

we could see in the print channel in the coming year. But there are many other trends that are developing or continuing from 2024 that will keep manufacturers and resellers busy this year, including artificial intelligence and sustainability to name two. This and much more was mentioned when we asked a range of leaders from the print sector to give their

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CONTENTS

News You should know p6 News EXTRA Xerox to acquire Lexmark p15 Product Launches Fujifilm Revoria Press additions p18 Bixolon XQ-840ll p20 Preview 2025 Forward with confidence p24 Epson/Docusoft New solution for Epson resellers p32

Epson/Docusoft – p32

With scan becoming increasingly essential in businesses across the board, it means there are increasing opportunities for managed print resellers. In that, a new solution for Epson resellers that combines hardware and software can open up further chances to sell.

News EXTRA – p15

Xerox has agreed to acquire Lexmark in a deal worth more than £1 billion, with the hope that combining the two manufacturers will help build a broader print and MPS business.

Sustainability – Workflow Automation – p46

With sustainability continuing to ascend the corporate agenda, businesses are looking for environmental savings wherever they can, and workflow automation can help with this.

MPS Security Reseller role p38 Eagle Eye BI Laminators p44 Sustainability Workflow automation p46

Product Launches – p18 · 20

Fujifilm has launched four new models in its Revoria Press range designed to help printing companies to achieve vibrant print applications at speed without compromising on quality.

RFID Accurate growth p48

People p51

BIXOLON has launched its XQ-840ll tablet integrated desktop label printer, which has been designed to enhance productivity and label printing in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.

CONTENTS

Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ printinthechannel.com Head of Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ printinthechannel.com Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ printinthechannel.com

Preview 2025 – p24

After a relatively stable 2024, the print sector is looking forward to 2025 with cautious confidence. Here, a cross section of the print sector give their opinion on what the major trends this year could be.

RFID – p48

MPS Security – p38

With networked print devices increasing the number of points for attack for cyber criminals security is paramount. Resellers have a key role in ensuring that MPS is kept secure.

RFID labels are increasing in popularity in a range of sectors as customers across the supply chain want more accurate tracking, which is presenting opportunities for resellers.

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:

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NEWS

Katun printers compatibility with print and document management solutions confirmed

Katun Corporation has announced that Access Control Devices, Inc. (ACDI) has confirmed the compatibility of Katun’s Arivia MFPs and two widely used printing and document management platforms, KPAX and Scanshare. Katun and ACDI conducted extensive testing to ensure seamless integration between Katun’s Arivia MFPs and these solutions. This confirmed compatibility will enable clients and users to streamline document workflows and supports overall business efficiency. “We are excited to announce this compatibility,” said Tony Ko, Katun’s vice president of hardware and business solutions. “ACDI’s expertise and support

have been instrumental in ensuring that our Arivia MFPs work seamlessly with the KPAX and Scanshare platforms. This achievement demonstrates our continued commitment to helping our dealer partners simplify and optimise their business operations.” Mark Hart, vice president of business development at ACDI, added: "We are thrilled to bring Scanshare’s workflow automation capabilities and KPAX’s fleet management solutions to Katun and their partner network. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to innovation and providing tools that streamline processes and empower businesses to operate more efficiently.”

Tony Ko vice president, hardware and business solutions

katun.com

Ricoh included in Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

Ricoh has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index , one of the world’s most renowned indices for ESG (environmental, social, and governance), for the fifth consecutive year. DJSI , compiled by Dow Jones & Company and sustainability investment research firm S&P Global, was the first global sustainability index to assess a company’s corporate sustainability from the economic, environmental and social development perspectives. DJSI reviewed about 3,500 major companies worldwide, selecting 321 companies for this year’s World Index. Ricoh has also been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices Asia Pacific Index for seven consecutive years. 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,’ set 16 ESG targets in linkage with each material issue, and is implementing specific initiatives to achieve them. Based on these initiatives, Ricoh continued to receive high evaluations in the areas of ‘Governance & Economic’, ‘Environment’ and ‘Social’. “We are proud to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the fifth consecutive year,” said Chris Hopton, CEO of Ricoh Northern Europe. “Organisations are increasingly looking to align with partners who can help them achieve their ESG goals. Ricoh has an unparalleled and deeply ingrained commitment in sustainability innovation, and this is reflected in the way we engage with our customers, partners and the wider community.”

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NEWS

Application versatility broadened by Ricoh’s new upgrade

Ricoh has launched its new High Caliper Media Customisation service. The latest technology upgrade for the Ricoh Pro C9500 digital colour sheetfed press enables printing on a range of Ricoh approved paper thicknesses of up to 800 microns. The High Caliper Media Customisation service will enable print service providers to target growth with market opportunities ranging from loyalty and gift cards to thick media brochures, bespoke luxury packaging, compostable food cartons, high impact direct mail inserts, and eye-catching point of purchase applications. The versatile and responsive production of crisp, vibrant and sharp print, with inline personalisation and coding capabilities, on heavier substrates, supports the cost effective provision of profitable short runs, customised offers and localised promotion. “In the UK, the Pro C9000 has been our best-selling engine since 2017 and the technology of choice for many successful print companies,” said Simon Isaacs, national director at Ricoh UK Graphic Communications. “This latest enhancement

printers with additional benefits that will open up new market opportunities and revenue streams, whilst promoting sustainable practices particularly in the gift and loyalty card industries. “Launch of the High Caliper Media Customisation service is the latest example of how we continue to deliver on our commitment to sustainable innovation.” Erwin Busselot, director business innovation & solutions, Ricoh Graphic Communications, added: “The High Caliper Media Customisation service is the latest enhancement for the Pro C9500, and it demonstrates our continuing commitment to developing the production versatility of our digital systems as part of our co-innovation strategy. This new enhancement supports a wider range of exciting application possibilities, enabling our clients to grow their businesses. This includes the production of loyalty and gift cards and co-innovative collaborations such as the recently announced partnership with Green Gift Cards. It also presents fresh opportunities in high margin areas such as luxury business cards, swing tags, and gift card packaging.” Ricoh’s High Caliper Media Customisation service is available now in Europe on new Pro C9500 presses. It is also retrofittable.

Simon Isaacs national director

ricoh.co.uk

will provide commercial

Brother UK extends industrial labelling support for warehousing and logistics firms

Brother UK has introduced a market- leading warranty on its TJ industrial label printers, to enhance its support for warehousing and logistics firms with high-volume labelling requirements. The vendor has updated the warranty that’s offered as standard on its TJ devices from three years to an industry-

leading five years. The longer warranty is part of Brother’s efforts to minimise potential downtime, particularly in industries where it can have significant knock-on effects on the supply chain. A Brother survey of warehouse managers found 51% had to take time out of their schedule to arrange repairs,

NEWS

while 28% spent a whole day without a machine available. Brother’s TJ series can produce thousands of labels a day at speeds of up to 14 inches per second. Machines print at up to 300dpi and for a range of label. The models also support various command languages, including ZPL2, making it easier to integrate devices into existing networks. The TJ series’ compatibility has also been boosted after leading warehouse management software (WMS) providers Clarus and Mintsoft accredited Brother devices. The endorsement means that Brother’s specialist labelling devices, which also includes its RJ line-up of mobile printers and range of TD desktop models, can easily be implemented into operations for businesses already using their WMS offerings. “Labelling is a crucial part of picking, packing and delivering items, and as expectation for shorter delivery times grows, so does firms’ need for reliable

and long-lasting devices,” said Simon Brennan, senior business manager – specialist printing solutions at Brother UK. “We live for the label, and this means providing extensive ongoing support for businesses long after they’ve purchased a device. Extending the warranty that comes as standard on our TJ models demonstrates our commitment to that. Importantly, it also gives warehouse and logistics managers greater certainty that they’ll minimise costly downtime and lapses in reliability, boosting their ability to provide the best service possible to their customers. “Our growing partner network is also testament to how we’re bringing forward devices to be flexible to all firms’ needs. It’s essential that label printers integrate seamlessly with the existing WMS that day-to-day operations are built around, and this is another validation for us that we can deliver on warehouse, transportation and logistics businesses’ needs.”

Simon Brennan senior business manager

brother.co.uk

Konica Minolta and Leeds University Business School celebrate decade of success

Konica Minolta and Leeds University Business School are celebrating 10 years of partnership, with the former having provided advice and support to more than 500 students that have taken the university's Master of Business Administration (MBA) postgraduate qualification, which teaches advanced business management and leadership skills. The company’s support of the MBA programme is led by Milan Lakhani, director of transformation (DX) and partner, ESG at Konica Minolta, who regularly joins students to share insights and advice from real world business scenarios as well as setting challenges for the students to consider. “Konica Minolta has proven to be a

critical partner in the ongoing evolution of the Leeds MBA and its continued success in world ranking – our MBA was recently ranked by QS as 9th in the UK and 72nd in the world,” said Dr Richard Hodgett, MBA director at Leeds University Business School. “The team at Konica Minolta has proven to be incredibly helpful in providing and structuring projects that allow the students to apply the theory they have learnt on the programme in a practical environment, beset with all of the nuances, complexities and contradictions of strategic management in the real-world context of a large, complex and sophisticated muti-national company. “Milan and his team have consistently motivated and inspired the students. They have taken time out of their busy

Milan Lakhani director of Transformation (DX) and Partner, ESG

konicaminolta.co.uk

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NEWS

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support the community and the next generation of business leaders. “We are proud to support Leeds University Business School’s MBA Programme by offering insights from our business operations and experience to assist students with their problem-solving and tactical decision making,” said Milan. “The university sets very high standards, and we are always highly impressed by the dedication and hard work of the students and staff in bringing the art of business to life in an academic setting. “We are delighted to mark a decade of co-operation and look forward to continuing and growing our mutual

business.leeds.ac.uk

schedules to support the students in their efforts, and have provided invaluable feedback and advice to them. We look forward to Konica Minolta’s continued and evolving relationship with the programme and the students on it.” Supporting students at Leeds University Business School is part of Konica Minolta’s ongoing ESG commitment to

relationship to nurture the next generations of business leaders.”

Solent Design Studio expands Canon fleet to break into new markets

Solent Design Studio, a family- owned commercial printing company, has recently invested in Canon’s imagePRESS V1350, varioPRINT 6180 TITAN and Colorado M3W. This investment has enabled the business to break into the wide-format market and unlock further growth, while saving costs. Solent Design has been providing print solutions to UK businesses and global brands across many sectors for more than 40 years. The investment has enabled them to offer their clients an extended service across a range of diverse products. Since partnering with Canon in 2016, Solent Design has doubled the size of its business and has expanded its capabilities across all aspects of print. Now offering services in both litho and digital print, as well as wide-format production, the company takes pride in delivering an end-to-end service for its customers. By upgrading to Canon’s imagePRESS

V1350 and varioPRINT 6180 TITAN, they’re now able to offer new services on a more diverse range of media, which has tripled their click rate and brought in new

demand; unlocking ROI as a result. Looking to generate new streams of revenue, Solent Design has also

invested in Canon’s Colorado M3W. This has enabled the business to enter the wide-format market, opening up new opportunities in sectors such as labelling and packaging. By producing stunning solid colours without banding on wide- format applications, the Colorado M3W was the ideal machine to upgrade its offering for road-side banners and signage. Taking the next step in their digital transformation journey, Solent Design

Martin Reynolds managing director

solentdesignstudio.co.uk

is leveraging Canon’s expertise in Management Information Systems. Streamlining the back end of their

business and bringing together functions such as order processing and estimating, Solent Design is migrating to the Print Smith Vision MIS software. By reducing touchpoints and increasing efficiency, this

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NEWS

CONTINUED

doubled the size of their businesses since the partnership began eight years ago,” said Wayne Kershaw, national sales manager, production print at Canon UK and Ireland. “Working in close collaboration with Martin and the team, we are excited to see what’s next for Solent Design.” Martin Reynolds, managing director at Solent Design Studio, added: “We hold our relationship with Canon in high regard, not only for the cutting-edge equipment they provide, but for their strong sense of community, made up of industry leaders who are passionate about providing the best possible service and support. As a family-run business, we at Solent Design are proud to be part of the extended Canon family.”

Wayne Kershaw national sales manager, print production

new system will provide Solent Design with further cost saving capabilities and capacity. “As Solent Design continues to build on their investment with Canon, it is inspiring to see them turn this investment into further growth, having already

canon.co.uk

Kyocera receives BLI Awards from Keypoint Intelligence Kyocera Document Solutions UK has been honoured by Keypoint Intelligence with the 2025-27 Most Reliable A3 calls required. Meanwhile, the two Pick Awards honour Kyocera’s TASKalfa MA3500ci and

Brand Award as well as two 2025 Pick Awards for the TASKalfa MA3500ci and ECOSYS MA4000cix. These industry recognitions reaffirm Kyocera’s position as a leader in A3 and A4 innovation. The 2025-27 Most Reliable A3 Brand Award from Keypoint Intelligence, a market research firm, was presented to Kyocera following five years of rigorous testing of its full A3 range. In a controlled, conditioned lab environment, Kyocera A3 devices consistently demonstrated exceptional reliability, achieving high volumes of impressions with remarkably low misfeed rates and no service calls. In fact, during the 3.35 million impressions produced during Keypoint Intelligence’s evaluation period, Kyocera’s A3 devices had only 17 misfeeds, equating to an average of just one misfeed for every 197,058 impressions. What’s more, over that five-year period, there were no device failures or service

ECOSYS MA4000cix for their faster-than- average job streams and first-print-out time, as well as above-average scan speeds, searchable PDF accuracy, and image quality. They offer all this while maintaining clean text and fine lines, bold solids, a distinct halftone range, and sharp business graphics, according to Keypoint Intelligence. “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Keypoint Intelligence, which validates our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Kozo Teramoto, senior general manager of sales and marketing at Kyocera Document Solutions Europe. “The reliability of our technology has been put to the test and shown that our devices can withstand and thrive under immense workloads and pressure. Maintaining quality over a long lifecycle is at the heart of our way of doing business, as these awards reflect.”

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NEWS EXTRA

Xerox to acquire Lexmark

Xerox has agreed to acquire Lexmark in a deal worth more than £1 billion, with the hope that combining the two manufacturers will help build a broader print and MPS business.

In major news for the global print industry, in December 2024, Xerox Holdings Corporation announced it has agreed to acquire Lexmark International, Inc., from Ninestar Corporation, PAG Asia Capital and Shanghai Shouda Investment Centre in a $1.5 billion (£1.21 billion) deal. Xerox says the rationale for the acquisition is to strengthen the Xerox core print portfolio and build a broader global print and managed print services business better suited to meet the evolving needs of clients in the hybrid workplace. Commitment to advancing print industry “Our acquisition of Lexmark will bring together two industry-leading companies with shared values, complementary strengths, and a deep commitment to advancing the print industry to create one stronger organisation,” said Steve Bandrowczak, chief executive officer at Xerox. “By combining our capabilities, we will be better positioned to drive long- term profitable growth and serve our clients, furthering our Reinvention.” Lexmark is a provider of innovative imaging solutions and technologies including a best-in-class line of printers and multifunction printers. By combining Lexmark’s solutions with Xerox® ConnectKey® technology and advanced Print and Digital Services, the acquisition will create a superior offering portfolio and underscores Xerox commitment to increasing value for clients and partners. The transaction will also strengthen Xerox’s ability to serve clients in the large, growing A4 colour market and

diversify its distribution and geographic presence, including the APAC region. The new organisation will serve more than 200,000 clients in 170 countries with 125 manufacturing and distribution facilities in 16 countries. Combined, Lexmark and Xerox have a top five global share in each of the entry, mid and production print markets and are key players in the large, stable managed print services market. “Lexmark has a proud history of serving our customers with world-class technology, solutions and services, and we are excited to join Xerox and expand our reach with shared talent and a stronger portfolio of offerings,” said Allen Waugerman, Lexmark president and chief executive officer. “Lexmark and Xerox are two great companies that together will be even greater.” Steve added: "Our shared values and vision are expected to streamline operations and drive efficiencies, taking the best of both companies to make it easier to do business with Xerox.” Deal rationale There are several reasons behind the deal, which Xerox outlined as: l Strategic fit: Xerox and Lexmark have complementary sets of operations, offering strengths and

Steve Bandrowczak chief executive officer

www.xerox.com

“

By combining our capabilities, we will be better positioned to drive long-term profitable growth and serve our clients, furthering our Reinvention.

”

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end-market exposures. Combined, the companies form a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and provider of print equipment and MPS, covering all geographies and client types with a well-rounded portfolio of print and print services offerings l Growth opportunities: Lexmark is a leader in the large, growing A4 colour print and supplies market and has an opportunity to expand its OEM platform within the A3 equipment category. Once combined, Xerox expects to have a more comprehensive portfolio of products to enhance its offerings and reinforce its value proposition to clients, enabling growth across the portfolio of equipment and MPS, as well as incremental opportunities to increase penetration of its advanced Digital Services and IT Solutions l Financial benefits: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share and free cash flow. Xerox expects this transaction to accelerate the realisation of its

Reinvention financial targets of revenue stabilisation and double-digit adjusted operating income through an improved competitive position and exposure to faster-growing segments within print, as well as more than $200 million of identified cost synergies to be realised within two years of transaction close. Unanimous approval Under the terms of the agreement, Xerox will acquire Lexmark for $1.5 billion (£1.21 billion), inclusive of net debt and other assumed liabilities. Xerox expects to finance the acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and committed debt financing. The Xerox board of directors unanimously approved the transaction. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, approval of Ninestar’s shareholders, and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Until then, Xerox and Lexmark will maintain their current operations and operate independently.

Allen Waugerman president and ceo

lexmark.com

“

Lexmark has a proud history of serving our customers with world-class technology, solutions and

services, and we are excited to join Xerox and expand our reach with shared talent and a stronger portfolio of offerings.

”

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PRODUCT LAUNCH FUJIFILM

Colour without compromise Fujifilm has launched four new models in its Revoria Press range designed to help printing companies to achieve vibrant print applications at speed without compromising on quality.

For printing companies, speed is often imperative to ensure that a job is completed on time, but obviously quality has to be maintained – and the printer used is crucial to achieving this. Fujifilm understands that balance that printing companies require and has released four new POD devices allow customers to achieve vibrant print applications, new levels of versatility and enhanced productivity through utilising next generation technology. The devices are all mid-range production presses in the Revoria Press TM range. The Revoria Press EC2100S and SC285S are equipped with a speciality toner station in addition to the four- colour CMYK toners, enabling five-colour printing in one pass. The Revoria Press EC2100 and SC285 are four-colour presses. Speed and quality The Revoria Press series was launched in July 2021. The flagship model, the Revoria Press PC1120 caters to high-end

Asia-Pacific, according to Fujifilm. The new devices in the Revoria Press range have various qualities. For instance, the EC2100S and EC2100 print at a high speed of 100 pages per minute and are primarily designed for an extensive range of commercial printing and rapid turnaround print jobs. Meanwhile, the SC285S and SC285, with a print speed of 85 pages per minute, are ideally suited for quick print jobs and in-house printing needs. All four products offer a compact machine size through the newly developed Vertical Toner Development Technology. They are also designed to incorporate new technology to enable the same exceptionally high image printing quality of the PC1120. All four products can handle an expansive range of paper weights, from lightweight 52gsm to heavyweight 400gsm, as well as paper sizes from a minimum of 90x146mm up to 330x1300mm, without reducing print speed. All models also come equipped with

Two new, mid- range presses that combine a fifth colour with outstanding performance to

help you stand out in an increasingly demanding market.

professionals and is leading the production printing market in Europe, the US and

www.fujifilm.com/uk/eu

PRODUCT LAUNCH FUJIFILM

another new feature: the Smart Monitoring Gate D1, which detects colour variation and front-to-back misalignment during printing, enabling automatic correction in real time to maintain high print quality without compromising productivity. To generate high quality images and smooth workflows, there will a choice of either Revoria Flow or Fiery print servers available, while the newly developed Vertical Toner Development system, which allows the presses to maintain their compact size, ensures that users can now produce premium, high quality printed materials, even when producing a wide variety of products, such as catalogues, brochures, manuals and sales materials, in small quantities, and to short delivery deadlines. The new products made their public debut at drupa 2024 and, since then, they have been anticipated by print businesses around the world. Main features Revoria Press EC2100S/SC285S l Equipped with a one-pass five- colour print engine, one speciality toner can be used in addition to the CMYK toners. A full range of support functions are available for easy utilisation of the speciality colours l It is possible to use a variety of speciality toners: clear, pink, gold, silver and white. A variety of

The compact belt-roll fuser enables efficient heating achieves high productivity and high image quality on wide variety of paper stocks including heavyweight.

Revoria Press EC2100S/EC2100/ SC285S/SC285 l Efficient space utilisation with

compact LED printhead and high- resolution printing at 2400dpi l Increase work productivity through high-speed printing. The EC2100S and EC2100 print at 100 pages per minute, while the SC285S/SC285 print at 85 pages per minute l Versatile media handling for a wide range of applications i. The compact belt roll fuser enables high quality printing on textured paper ii. An optional Air Suction Feeder ensures the reliable feeding of coated paper, which tends to stick to the paper. The optional Static Eliminator D1 removes static electricity from film paper and other static-sensitive printing paper, reducing the adhesion between sheets of paper for better work efficiency iii. The machine also supports paper output such as envelopes, water- resistant paper and cardboard for packaging. The EC2100S/EC2100 are compatible with Revoria Flow and Fiery EC21/EC22 servers. Similarly, the SC285S/SC285 are compatible with Revoria Flow and Fiery SC21/SC22C servers. Customers can choose from several options of print servers to meet their needs. The printers are available now.

The Smart Monitoring Gate D1, detects colour variation and front-to-back misalignment during printing, enabling automatic correction in real time to maintain high print

metallic colours can be made by mixing highly brilliant gold and silver toners with CMYK toners l The image data is

quality without compromising productivity.

automatically split into the five colours of CMYK and Pink on either Revoria Flow TM or Fiery print servers l Speciality colours can be previewed, saving users time and effort and minimising the need for test printing l Users can easily change the speciality toner in just 10 minutes.

Combine gold or silver with CMYK to achieve spectacular metallic col- ours thanks to Fujifilm technology.

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PRODUCT LAUNCH BIXOLON XQ-840II Putting a label on it

“

By combining a tablet and a printer in one compact device, the XQ-840II device saves space, prevents tablet theft, and offers reliable, seamless connectivity options.

Labelling is becoming increasingly important for a range of sectors for compliance, tracking and customer- related reasons, and businesses are looking for printer solutions that provide fast and efficient printing. As a result, the label printer market is burgeoning and the latest entrant into it comes from BIXOLON Europe GmbH, which has launched the XQ- 840ll integrated all-in-one tablet and desktop label printer, which is the second generation of its 8-inch Android™ tablet mounted 4-inch (118mm) desktop label printer. This combined tablet and label printer is capable of enhancing label

printing, and improving the productivity and business operations across a range of sectors and functions including retail, manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare. For instance, in retail, the XQ-840II standalone desktop label printer can help with store management and weigh labelling. Within hospitality environments, the XQ-840ll enhances food safety labelling. Healthcare applications include improved pharmacy and asset management; while in manufacturing, the device enhances operations such as inventory tracking, materials handling, and facilities management.

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PRODUCT LAUNCH BIXOLON XQ-840II

Integration at its best The XQ-840ll seamlessly integrates a GMS (Google Mobile Services) certified 8-inch tablet, with advanced security features and intuitive touchscreen functionality. Its 2MP auto-focus camera enables quick and accurate barcode scanning; while 4GB RAM and 64GB Flash ensure fast data processing. Connectivity and performance features of the XQ-840II include: l Connectivity: Dual-band WLAN (2.4G and 5G), Bluetooth® V5.0, 1 USB, 2 USB Host ports l Printing performance: Print speeds of up to 6 inches (152mm) per second at 203dpi for sharp text, graphics and 1D/2D barcodes l Programming language compatibility: The all-in-one solution allows users to easily develop Android apps leveraging the open- source nature of the OS, and conveniently manage updates of the custom-built apps through Google Play Store l Productivity enhancements: Media roll diameter support of up to 130mm, with optional auto-cutter and a peeler for high volume operations that supports higher productivity. The XQ-840ll has been engineered with a space-saving and waterproof design, making it ideal for the various sectors that it can be used across. It runs on the Android 13 operating system and provides a high level of manageability for a diverse range of applications through the Google Play Store, which ensures enhanced productivity for users. This device is packed with high-performance features such as expandability, the option to connect peripherals via USB host ports, and a large memory space. Empowering developers and businesses This device has been designed to be developer friendly too. It offers Android and Xamarin SDK support for seamless

Mobile Printing

app customisation for development teams within organisations. This enables the XQ-840ll to support the various labelling requirements set out by organisations. The XQ-840ll also supports a suite of complimentary software applications, including BIXOLON Food Labelling and Label Artist Web, for simpler and lighter printing needs. These apps are downloadable via the integrated tablet’s Google Play Store. For enhanced device management, the XQ-840ll supports XCM – a Companion Application of the XPM, BIXOLON’s web-based printer profile management software. This enables remote monitoring of label printer status and precise replication of settings across devices, ensuring optimal performance and reduced downtime. “The XQ-840II overcomes many challenges related to using a separate tablet device and label printer setup,” says Jay Kim, managing director of BIXOLON Europe. “This includes the typical high total cost of ownership, wasted space, connectivity issues and power management inefficiencies that come with managing multiple devices. “By combining a tablet and a printer in one compact device, the XQ-840II device saves space, prevents tablet theft, and offers reliable, seamless connectivity options. Further, it enhances the entire label printing process for organisations.”

Field installable wall mount

Connectivity interface

Jay Kim managing director

bixoloneu.com

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GLOBAL LIMITED

ADVANCED MANAGED PRINT SOFTWARE

EKM Insight provides a comprehensive range of MPS services to cater for all your business requirements.

WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT

www.ekmglobal.com enquiries@ekmglobal.com

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PREVIEW 2025

Forward with confidence After a relatively stable 2024, the print sector is looking forward to 2025 with cautious confidence. Here, a cross section of the print sector give their opinion on what the major trends this year could be.

The past 12 months were relatively stable, both for the wider economy and the print channel. With the year free of the type of major economic shocks that have characterised recent years, print manufacturers and resellers could concentrate on what they do best. Print manufacturers have been reacting to changing customer demands and producing devices that are better from a sustainability perspective – such as by consuming less power or being made from more recyclable materials – and harnessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). This is likely

to continue in 2025 and beyond. Likewise successful resellers have been proactive in responding to customers. More businesses are looking for managed print services, and there are indications that some customers are looking to refresh their print fleet in 2025, having put it off for some time after COVID. With more people returning to the office, there is even hope that demand for print devices will increase. Over the following pages, a range of leaders from across the print sector give their opinions on the state of the market, and some of the trends we can expect to see prevail in the coming months.

Stuart Brookes , EMEA head of sales & channel, PaperCut The economy appeared to be more stable in 2024 compared to the last two years, which gave businesses the confidence to gradually unlock budget and invest in IT again. We saw many customers renew their contracts with PaperCut, and we also onboarded and flexibility and that can accommodate the needs of the hybrid workplace. There are other factors will influence customers and the print channel in 2025.

For instance, we’re confident that the adoption of cloud print management solutions will continue, given we’re seeing more uptake month on month as existing leases end, and workplaces explore new cloud print management solutions. As a result, there’s much interest in PaperCut Hive, which is a feasible replacement option for traditional, server-based solutions. As per 2024, security and sustainability will remain front of mind, joined by the uptake of Microsoft's new Windows Protected Print (WPP) mode. It's likely that many workplaces will switch to WPP without realising the impact, so plenty of education is required through 2025 to

additional customers new to PaperCut who want a print solution that’s easy to use, secure and helps them achieve their print-related sustainability goals. Although the economic outlook for 2025 isn’t perhaps quite as bright as we’d like, at least – right now – it’s reasonably stable. Irrespective of the economic backdrop though, in 2025 – as with last year – legal, regulatory and CSR obligations will require public and private sector organisations to invest in print solutions that address C-Level concerns about security, scalability, sustainability

Stuart Brookes

papercut.com

PREVIEW 2025

ensure a smooth transition. Elsewhere, the cumulative impact of AI will filter through the whole print device and document lifecycle. We expect it will help improve manufacturing efficiency, cut waste from the supply chain, improve device performance, automate routine tasks to provide better and quicker maintenance support for end users, optimise workflows and provide deeper insights into user analytics. Not all of those developments will run concurrently, so it could be a year or so before we see

users benefitting from AI touching every aspect of print. Notwithstanding any geopolitical shocks, we think that the business landscape in 2025 will be ‘steady’. We’re encouraged by promising predictions from IDC indicating that in 2025 60% of print infrastructure within mid-to- large organisations will be either fully or partially hosted in the cloud. This presents resellers with an opportunity to work with their customers in 2025 to prepare them for a cloud-based future.

Zoe Westwood , UK&I interim managing director, HP In 2025, businesses will continue to build resilience and adaptability in supply chain strategies, shifting from cost efficiency to risk management in response to economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Businesses will prioritise

AI and automation have all been critical enablers of new ways of working across the sector. AI is already enhancing print management, helping businesses reduce costs and streamline operations. Advanced document security features powered by AI, such as real-time threat detection and secure release printing, will also become more prevalent, addressing growing concerns around data privacy and cybersecurity in hybrid work environments. Moreover, the integration of AI into print hardware and software is enabling new levels of personalisation and convenience. For example, AI-driven tools in office printers can automatically adjust settings for different document types, delivering high-quality results without requiring manual intervention. This enhances productivity for employees and simplifies workflows, making technology an enabler rather than a barrier. Beyond printing, AI is shaping the wider tech landscape by enabling smarter collaboration and resource management. AI-powered tools are helping businesses automate repetitive tasks, improve device performance, and personalise workflows to individual employee needs. These innovations are creating workplaces that are more efficient, connected and tailored to the demands of modern employees.

agility, robustness and security to navigate evolving market conditions. In 2025, I suspect the demands from channel will have a stronger focus on localised production and reducing global supply chain dependencies. Sustainability will remain a core focus across the wider tech industry, as organisations adopt eco-friendly practices and technologies to meet rising customer expectations and regulatory requirements. In addition, automation and AI-driven solutions are poised to play an increasingly prominent role in helping businesses improve efficiency and grow creativity. For example, while the print industry is exploring innovations for fully automated production, other sectors are investing in AI-enhanced workflows, predictive analytics and process optimisation to drive productivity and future-readiness. This blend of sustainability, automation and resilience reflects an industry that is adapting rapidly to support its customers in overcoming challenges and taking on new opportunities in the year ahead.

Zoe Westwood

hp.com

CONTINUED

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