Image Star's Approach to Office Technology Distribution
The office technology industry is experiencing significant shifts, and distributors are adapting their strategies in response. We discuss here the expanded offerings and services at Image Star, a distributor focused on office equipment and print supplies.Innovative next generation device marks a new era for hybrid office and light production printing
In a significant move toward addressing the evolving needs of modern businesses, Canon has announced the imageFORCE C7165: a multifunction printer powered by Canon’s newly introduced imageFORCE technology platform.Joins Canon, HP, Lexmark, and Xerox as an EPEAT Climate+ Champion
RICOH has reached a new milestone in its sustainability journey: The company has earned the EPEAT Climate+ designation for five of its products.Here’s what happened as the days grew shorter and summer slipped away
Like time, the news never stops. Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is, at the very least, beneficial from an educational standpoint, but it can be very difficult to keep up with. Thanks to our News Service (which is updated every business day), we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. Here, to provide you with a recap of the month that was, we offer up…A new approach to printing technology
At its annual HP Imagine innovation event, HP presented new technologies related to the future of work, focusing on its HP Print AI solution. We discuss here some of its key features and effects on the market.A look at emerging trends in label and packaging technologies
From September 10-12, Labelexpo Americas 2024 continued its tradition as one of the premier events for the label and packaging industry. We discuss here key findings from the event.The WorkForce series feature new, third-party software integration
Epson America has introduced the WorkForce DS-800WN and DS-900WN EdgeLink wireless network color document scanners to the marketplace.Impact Networking becomes first reseller in the United States
Katun Corporation has announced the launch of its first line of A3 MFPs. We discuss here the key details of the Arivia series, comprised of 11 toner-based A3 models spread across four engine families.Encouraging dealers to diversify and future proof their businesses
The Konica Minolta 2024 High Velocity Dealer Summit was held in Chicago from August 5-7. We discuss here key features from the event, including speakers and introduced devices/services.Advancing office automation with artificial intelligence
As businesses continue to seek ways to enhance document processing and accelerate digital transformation, Xerox has announced the launch of its new AltaLink C8200 and B8200 Series MFPs set to debut in mid-August 2024. We discuss here some of the key features of this series.Revolutionizing personalized marketing with AI
Boostt.ai specializes in utilizing AI to boost marketing effectiveness by integrating first-party customer data. We provide here a key overview of Boostt.ai's key technology and offerings.Experiencing the Next Generation of Packaging Automation
EskoWorld 2024 (held at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, TX) brought around 400 packaging and label converters, brand representatives, packaging experts, and other industry professionals together with roughly 100 Esko senior executives and technical staff. We discuss here the key findings of the event.Keypoint Intelligence’s research highlights top considerations for selecting a print provider
In late 2023, Keypoint Intelligence completed a comprehensive multi-client study to gain a better understanding of how the demand for print is changing in key vertical industries. We discuss here some of the key findings from this study.And other exciting announcements made at Pax8 Beyond 2024
Of all the exciting announcements made at Pax8 Beyond 2024, the arrival of the next-generation Pax8 Marketplace was the most exciting. We discuss here the key features of this announcement.Sharing growth and best practices in the in-plant industry
The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) recently held its much-anticipated 2024 educational conference from June 2-6 in Des Moines, Iowa and boasted around 150 in-plant attendees. We discuss here some of the key aspects of the show.Partnerships, innovations, sustainability, AI, and more!
drupa 2024 is buzzing with excitement and strategic announcements not only in technology, but groundbreaking partnerships, too. We discuss here some of the key elements shown in the on demand printing & publishing as well as labels & packaging markets.Company launches its program at the ETIRA Conference in Belgium
On May 15, in a hotel conference room in the shadows of the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, HP launched SecuReuse, a solution to empower the legal remanufacturing of HP cartridges in Europe. We discuss here the key features of this new solution.An interview with Komori’s Lance Martin on the J-throne 29
Debuted in a recent announcement, Komori’s J-throne 29 is expected to be another great contribution towards the transformative potential of digital printing. We provide here a conversation held by Keypoint Intelligence’s Production Group Director German Sacristan and Lance Martin of Komori America.Here’s what unfolded as April showers brought spring into full swing
Like time, the news never stops. Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is, at the very least, beneficial from an educational standpoint—but it can be very difficult to keep up with. Thanks to our News Service (which is updated every business day), we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplaces and beyond.How Ecolabels and New Policies are Reshaping the Market
As Earth Day approaches, our collective focus shifts towards our environmental footprint and the steps we can take to mitigate it.Keypoint Intelligence’s new tool helps PSPs determine best printer format
Understanding the most cost-effective methods for executing print jobs is crucial for PSPs, often centered around the choice between offset and digital printing and determining the cost cross over points between these two printing technologies. We discuss here the key features of Keypoint Intelligence's new Cross Over Point Estimator tool.Meet the forever holders of the managed service provider space
Evergreen is a holding company that acquires and nurturers SMB managed service providers with a clear vision of long-term growth. We discuss here some of the key features of Evergreen's business model and how the company can help MSPs plan an exit strategy.The S11 and S11P Nanographic printing presses
A week prior to its March 26 press briefing in Dusseldorf, Landa held its pre-drupa event in New York City and announced the release of the Landa S11 and S11P. We discuss here some of the key features of these new devices.Focus on delivering speed and energy efficiency in a compact design for small businesses
At its Amplify Partner Conference in Las Vegas, HP introduced its Color LaserJet 3000 series. We discuss here some of the key features of this device, which is designed for SMBs with a hybrid workforce in mind.Stopping generative AI from taking too much
Social media has become a way for generative artificial intelligence (AI) to gain countless amounts of source data to feed into their programs, but now artists are fighting back. We discuss here the idea of "data poisoning" and the software designed to do so.Navigating the future of work and technology with artificial intelligence
HP Inc. recently held its Amplify Partner Conference in Las Vegas, where the company shared its vision for the future of work and technology with over 1,500 partners from around the globe. We discuss here HP's views on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform productivity and collaboration in the hybrid work era as well as a range of new products, services, and initiatives announced at the show.What gives with the company’s latest consumer Print-as-a-Service offering?
HP launched its latest addition to the Print-as-a-Service market: the All-In Plan. We provide here an infographic that takes a look at the key features of HP's new PaaS offering.Can artificial intelligence transform the enterprise document process?
Adobe recently announced the release of new AI-powered capabilities that focus on enhancing productivity, efficiency, and ease of use when working with documents. We discuss here how this integration of conversational AI has the potential to fundamentally transform how we interact with and extract value from documents.A sneak peek at the year to come
As we charge full speed ahead into another year, innovation, adaptability, and staying ahead of the curve will be imperative for wide format print service providers (PSPs). In the coming weeks, we here at Keypoint Intelligence will publish our 2024 Wide Format Predictions Roadmap detailing what to expect in 2024.Two new high-volume document scanners are hitting the market
PFU recently announced the launch of two new scanners to its “fi” series: the fi-8930 and the fi-8950. Both are high-volume devices designed to offer purpose-built delivery for long-term ROI.Navigating the digital shift through cross over points
In the ever-evolving print production landscape, digital printing continues to expand—driven by the ongoing transition from offset to digital technologies.How the Adobe Embedded Print Engine can enhance large format printing
Large format printing has increased in popularity among those looking for an accurate, detail-driven, and versatile printing solution, but print quality is often at the mercy of the raster image processor within a device. This blog discusses how Adobe's Adobe Embedded Print Engine can assist with challenges concerning large format printing.A recap of Ricoh’s first large-scale event in four years!
The Ricoh Summit, held in Denver, CO, from October 10-13, brought together the Ricoh team, Ricoh dealers, industry leaders, and exhibitors ranging from software, services, as well as customer relationship management (CRM) and sales enablement providers, all with focused offerings for the channel.A turnkey IT security subscription service designed to safeguard SMB security
In what was great timing for October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Sharp Europe recently held an analyst event where the company announced a focus on helping SMBs improve their security.Sneak preview of the company’s next level digital inkjet press for the packaging market
Jean Lloyd, Principal Analyst of Keypoint Intelligence’s Labels & Packaging Advisory Service, spoke at length to Agfa’s newly promoted Head of Packaging Printing Digital Solutions Matt Brooks—and there’s a lot of ground to cover.If you’re not already on the train, you are late to the game
The whole concept of e-commerce and sales enablement is neither a conservative play nor a risk/reward scenario—rather, it is a way of diversifying your organization and making it more nimble.Looking at our audio series in advance of the worldwide celebration of the format
September 30 is International Podcast Day. Come February, it will be 20 years since the word “podcast” was born. The medium keeps evolving and remains as powerful as ever.The latest findings from Keypoint Intelligence’s Market Insights
Keypoint Intelligence has recently conducted some research to get a better understanding on where single-pass digital print technology for textiles stands, what will the next iteration of single-pass printers look like, and what the future holds for this technology. This blog details some of our key findings from this upcoming market insight research report.Hardware, software, and services are at the heart of the dealer and customer event
For the first time since before the pandemic, Toshiba America Business Solutions’ Electronic Imaging Division gathered dealers, customers, and key business partners to showcase offerings and impart guidance on its direction and initiatives.Which large-scale technology service providers made the cut this year?
While the mega dealers comprise just a fraction of the roughly 1,800 outfits in the United States, a heck of a lot of attention and focus is put on this group of 18.Keypoint Intelligence’s coverage of IT continues, along with RPA and the Pitt-WVU rivalry
Like the countries that make up Europe, the dealer landscape on that continent is also just different than in the United States—and (oftentimes) more intriguing.Industry leaders in South Africa share valuable insights
On August 24, Women in Print’s third and final event was held at the exquisite Cassia Restaurant located at Nitida Wine Farm in the Cape.More details on the Konica Minolta-Epson scanner partnership
Epson America partners with Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.Our Office Group leader has plenty to offer to this compelling print services organization
Deborah Hawkins knows the market for workplace technology and has helped build Office Group practice areas at Keypoint (and its predecessors) for 20 years.A Parisian approach to commercial printing
In Paris, Americans will pick up a couple of factory-baked bread loaves and toss them in the freezer for a week or two. Parisians prefer to purchase individual, hand-baked baguettes that are made fresh every morning to consume that day. So print-on-demand makes sense to them, but concepts like workflow automation appear to be untranslatable.Proprietary study delivers insights on where companies are on their DX journeys
Where are organizations on their digital transformation journeys, and what are their plans for DX, workflow, intelligent document processing, and other smart solutions? That’s what we set out to discover in our 2023 IT Decisionmaker primary research study.How have things been going since the company’s dealer meeting?
Hard to believe it’s been three months since the Sharp National Dealer Meeting 2023, which carried “Opportunity Meets Execution” as its theme.How this innovative technology creates greater flexibility in the outputting of documents
The last few years have seen a transformation in the way we work.Keypoint Intelligence takes a sneak peek into Canon’s remanufacturing factory in Germany
Taking a look into Canon's impressive remanufacturing site in Germany.A highlighted review of production inkjet industry trends
A look inside our time at thINK Ahead 2023!What’s been on the minds of dealers and what are they thinking about moving forward?
It’s true that Keypoint Intelligence focuses a lot of time and energy on the vendor side of the print industry, but that does not mean we shy away from the channel.Offering insight into a unique market
Nothing stands still in India!There’s always M&A activity, but how active has it been?
Acquisitions come in all shapes and sizes. Consolidation will continue like clockwork—basically no different than the sun rising and setting.Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises continues its growth in IT and everywhere else, too
IT is like one of those monsters that absorbs everything in its path and just keeps growing. Luke Ubelhor of Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises is the kind of guy who likes to help make sense of the IT beast.HP’s impact and the path ahead
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: Sustainability has become a top priority for companies everywhere.Webinar looks at an important solution in Keypoint Intelligence’s UVERCE® product family
With the increased pressure to accelerate the sales cycle, as well as dealers looking to expand their customer base, the ability to adapt to the changing landscape is more important than it has ever been. We discuss here Keypoint Intelligence's latest solution, quote iQ, as well as the benefits it can offer its users.The future of printing comes to Munich
The FESPA Global Print Expo recently took place in Munich, displaying a variety of innovative printing technology and seeing an increase in visitors. We discuss here some of the key wide format, direct-to-garment, and direct-to-film devices that were shown at the event.How work has changed and where it’s going
Hybrid working has impacted office printing, altering the traditional model and heralding greater flexibility from a hardware and software perspective. We discuss here the effects of hybrid working as well as the benefits of using Adobe PDF when printing from multiple locations.From May Day to Memorial Day, the month was filled with interesting developments in the industry
Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is, at the very least, beneficial from an educational standpoint—but it can be very difficult to keep up with. Thanks to our News Service (which is updated every business day), we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. Here, to provide you with a recap of the month that was, we offer up…Synergies abound between research/testing house and digital production print company
Sweden-based ProPrintPerformance offers services designed to enable sales and marketing professionals to demonstrate added value to their production print customers.When talking sustainability, every little bit counts
Our planet needs help to secure our existence and the well-being of future generations. Manufacturers of office equipment are making progress in many areas under the stipulations of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).Dealer-focused webinar looks at all things IT, with an assist from Pulse Technology’s Chip Miceli
They used to say that “The sun never sets on the British empire,” and the same is true of IT development. It is constant, at times progressive, and typically rapid.Good choices can make a difference, especially to the consumer
Earth Day has come and gone, but it should be a concept we (as consumers) keep in mind for the other 364 days of the year. We live on the planet year-round, so it’s in our best interest to keep it from being one giant trash heap, right?It’s not just digital transformation, it’s also scan acceleration
Digital transformation (DX) is nothing new. Even if DX was here long in advance of the COVID-19 pandemic, that singular event pushed its value proposition up the grid of importance.Merger will create the largest, international business machine manufacturer
Ricoh officially announced that it will integrate the research, development, and production of its business machines with Toshiba Tec as of April 2024. We discuss here the key features of this merger as well as the projected effects it will have on the office market.Bringing added value and efficiency to the packaging market
Earlier this year, HP introduced the HP PageWide C550 to the industrial packaging world: A next generation post-print press built on the successful field-proven technology of its C500 predecessor. We discuss here the impact this new device can have on the market with David Tomer, General Manager of Post-Print Corrugated Solutions at HP.New printer attempts to boost sustainable digital textile printing
Kyocera Corporation recently held a press conference in Japan to unveil its vision for the future of textile printing—one of being in harmony with nature and reducing the environmental impact of textile printing.Konica Minolta refreshes its bizhub copier range
Whether it’s “reused,” “refurbished,” “reconditioned,” or “remanufactured,” the lexicon has become a little stale. So, when the positive sounding “refreshed” entered into copier vocabulary, we wanted to know more.Keypoint Intelligence attends, reviews, and makes connections
Described as “North America’s largest and most influential Additive Manufacturing event” on its website, RAPID + TCT 2023 was held in Chicago from May 2-4, 2023. We discuss here some of the key features of the event as well as the impact they can have on the market.This move should boost the bottom line, but at what cost?
Xerox Corp. recently announced that it had donated its Palo Alto Research Center to SRI International, a non-profit research institute associated with Stanford University. We discuss here the key features of this donation as well as its effect on Xerox and the tech industry as a whole.Thoughts on where we are in that journey
Consumers and businesses are increasingly paying attention to how our actions impact the planet, with a plethora of opinions and many arguments that reflect a diversity of viewpoints on the topic.But sustainable, eco-friendly furniture is an option!
In the print industry, discussions of how to reduce carbon footprints and the impact on the environment are always circulating—especially since consumers now take sustainability quite seriously. We discuss here some other methods of sustainability beyond the recycling and reuse of print supplies.How this VR solution can revolutionize digital connections between workers
Canon announced it has developed a VR solution that makes you feel you’re with the people you’re communicating with online. We discuss here the main features of the Canon Kokomo app as well as its effects on the industry.A look into our object accuracy testing
When it comes to deciding which additive manufacturing system is best for you, there are so many important questions to consider. We discuss here Keypoint Intelligence's testing capabilities and tactics, as well as the importance of testing for accuracy in additive manufacturing.Our “green” content drive for Earth Day week starts here!
In the print industry specifically, sustainability has stepped up to the mic like the front man in your favorite band. The amount of marketing and messaging and promotion around sustainability has for sure seen an uptick in the United States, but even in other regions where eco-responsibility had already made significant gains.A new smart factory in Isahaya may be the answer
Kyocera Corporation recently announced that it has acquired about 37 acres of land for a new smart factory at the Minami Isahaya Industrial Park in Isahaya City, Japan. We discuss here the implications this construction will have on the semiconductor market as well as for Kyocera.Looking at realignment in the print industry over the past decade
We have all grown used to consolidation in the print industry. We all expect it to continue. Having options is always a good thing, but how many options do there really need to be?Credit card loyalty programs and mobile apps attract younger consumers
Even before the recent economic challenges and notable bank failures, consumers of all ages have been attracted to large national banks for their credit card loyalty programs and mobile capabilities.Is this just a bit of snake oil or is there something more to it?
For any business attempting to stand out amongst the marketing clutter, the “magalogue” is a marketing tool designed to do just that. We discuss here the features of magalogues as well as the effect they can have on the market.Print buyers recognize the benefits and consumers do, too!
In the never-ending battle for consumer attention, marketing managers have a variety of communication options—digital and physical—for reaching their customers.Modularity covers all the angles
Today, Canon announced the next edition of its UVGel line, the Colorado M-Series. Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to take an up-close, in-person look at the M-Series and found it to be impressive for many reasons—which is not surprising as Canon is offering the new line with modular options that “cover all the angles.”Company continues its evolution of devices for office, hybrid, and remote workers
Today at the Amplify Partner Conference, HP is announcing the launch of a new A4 lineup that delivers printing solutions for businesses of all sizes.What can you do when you can’t trust your eyes and ears?
With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and superior technology, we must now be as vigilant with our videos as we have been with our images.The box will say “Ricoh,” but everything else will stay the same
When it was first announced that Ricoh was acquiring PFU Limited (manufacturer of Fujitsu-branded scanners), some wondered if Ricoh would restrict the sale of Fujitsu scanner products on e-commerce platforms and through competing channel partners. This blog takes a look at the most recent development of this acquisition and the effect it could have on the marketplace.Sharp upgrades its smart workplace portfolio, while Kodak Alaris gets more feet on the street
Sharp and Kodak Alaris have struck an agreement on a strategic alliance that will allow Sharp’s 17 direct sales offices and 300+ channel partners to sell and support the Kodak Alaris line of capture hardware and software. We discuss here the effect this agreement will have on the market.How this can be a driver in future automation solutions
On February 9, ConnectWise announced its new integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools: ConnectWise Automate and ConnectWise RMM. We discuss here some of the key features of the tools as well as the benefits of adopting AI into the process.And were you even aware of Global Recycling Day?
Recycling and the replanting of trees are merely two of the many facets of sustainability. The subject has been around for ages, but its density and meaning have surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply chain crisis.Productivity increases for heavy stocks and lower energy consumption
The new Canon ProStream 3000 series aims to address roll-fed inkjet market demand concerning better productivity on a large variety of media and lower energy consumption. This blog explores some key features of the ProStream 3000 and its effects on the market.A quick look at fresh devices from Mimaki and Roland
It’s been about three years since direct-to-film (DTF) inkjet transfer first came to the decorated apparel market, and the technology has certainly exploded. This blog explores some new entrants into the DTF market and the effects these devices will have on the market.AI is transforming huge datasets into predictive text to varying success
Large Language Models (LLMs) are used in many of the chatbots that have recently received notoriety for being able to create children’s books, articles for magazines, and menus. This infographic offers some key details about LLMs and discusses recent developments regarding their use.A quick history of DTF devices and their projected growth
At the recent Printwear and Promotion show, we were introduced to a number of direct to garment and direct to film devices. We discuss here some of the key features of this technology as well as the benefits of its use.Epson’s innovative “paper upcycler” could change how we recycle paper
Epson's Paperlab A-8000 is a device that seeks to help companies expand on their "green" initiatives to form a closed circuit for recycling and reusing paper. We discuss here some of the features of the device as well as the benefits it could provide to its users.How schools can still enjoy the benefits of colour printing, despite the rising costs
Colour printing in schools has always been a contentious issue. Those advocating for its use, citing benefits to learning inside and outside the classroom, are often side-lined by those who claim it wastes an already tight budget.Do print buyers purchase based on price…or value?
Most companies in the printing supply chain believe that print is not a commodity…but what does the buyer think? Price is always a powerful part of any buying criteria for any industry, and print is no exception.Our survey reveals the uptake of RPA…and the pain points
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been a growing area of interest for a few years now. We discuss here how RPA can be a benefit for many printers as well as some key points of a recent Konica Minolta study on the subject.When was that first asked?
People have been declaring their feelings since the dawn of time: poems, drawings, letters, etc. But before Valentine’s Day became the commercial holiday we know today, what was it?Keypoint Intelligence Interview Insights with Manuel Schrutt
FUJIFILM Business Innovation, recognizing the opportunity in flexible packaging, announced in June 2021 that it was entering the space by launching the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790, a water-based digital inkjet press. We discuss some of the effects this device will have on the market with Manuel Schrutt, Head of Packaging for Fujifilm.Roland DG announces release of six new devices to its TruVIS line
Print buyer demand for immediate applications—an application that can be finished immediately after printing and delivered to the customer within 24 hours—has grown exponentially over the last decade.Keypoint Intelligence Interview Insights: Will it be the beginning of a new era?
On January 25, Fiery announced that it had separated from Electronics for Imaging (EFI) to form a separate company. We discuss here some of the key aspects of this change with Fiery's new CEO Toby Weiss.ChatGPT is all the rage, and setting off a firestorm of backlash
ChatGTP, a free-to-use tool developed by San Francisco-based tech company OpenAI, is making speedy inroads into the world of academia, literature, and even scientific publishing. We discuss here the use of ChatGTP and other chatbots, as well as their projected effects on many industries.
