Workplaces are evolving rapidly, with new pandemic waves disturbing almost every step forwards. Amidst that uncertainty, the only thing that is clear is that work will never be the same again. The growth of hybrid working is here to stay and the focus for IT departments is now on enabling and transforming.
Document workflows are also changing rapidly as a result of new working forms and the acceleration of digital transformation. Workers juggle paper-based and digital processes every day, and the right technology is key to keeping information flowing.
Canon Europe recently announced two technology solutions to support hybrid working that are worth considering: the Cloud Workspace Collaboration (CWC) and Print in City (PIC).
Cloud Workspace Collaboration
The solution is built for smaller businesses and those who are in the early stages of their digital transformation journey. Cloud-hosted and purpose-built, CWC wraps document management and process automation features into a flexible and scalable subscription model. Canon hosts and manages this service assisting end customers and resellers that are new to this realm, minimizing IT time and spend. Four processes are pre-configured: digital HR, invoice processing, contract management, and digital mailroom/archive (which include some of the basics for all small businesses).
Another plus is that CWC can be used with any or all Canon devices ranging from PIXMA to i-sensys to imageRUNNER ADVANCE through the full network scanner range enabling collaboration and information flow regardless of work location. The subscriptions are tailored for unlimited licenses starting at €159 per month, including smart scan functions & storage as well as a realm of add-ons.
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Print in City
Canon’s latest solution targeted at the public sector and education verticals is cashless and cloud-based. Developed by a Canon Reseller in Estonia (Overall), PIC is now being piloted in Finland and will soon roll-out across Europe. This solution is an end-to-end copy/print self-service that Canon print customers can offer to other Canon customers to enable scan, print, and copy when on the move. Linked to uniFLOW technology, PIC manages all transactions if Customer A goes to Customer B’s site and wants to create documents using a pre-paid card that also manages job release. PIC fills a gap for Canon customers when on the move, even across country boundaries, and also addresses the opportunity to increase utilization of onsite devices so keeping Canon customers creating on Canon devices, even outside their home turf.
In Summary
These are great initiatives by Canon to help their own channel and customers understand many changing aspects of the marketplace. Both play to Canon’s capture heritage and encompass simplification of solutions (of which we hope there will be many more).
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