Samsung’s new Smartify campaign, which was highlighted at its recent National Dealer Summit, focuses on the “connected workplace,” which goes beyond just printers and MFPs. It’s about all devices—tablets, smart phones, laptops—working together as a “smart” ecosystem, where the MFP is the hub, letting users connect their devices seamlessly and get business done faster. This same campaign encourages Samsung dealers to sell the company’s other hardware products, such as tablets (including the new channel-only Tab 4 Education), Chromebooks and wide-format displays.
“With our Smartify campaign, Samsung is furthering its commitment to B2B and support of the channel, providing opportunities for dealers to grow and deliver on the promise of a digital business,” said Tod Pike, senior vice president at Samsung’s Enterprise Business Division.
As part of the campaign, Samsung also revealed two software apps targeted to dealers for use on their smartphones or tablets: the Smart Printer Diagnostic System (SPDS) and Printer Catalog 2.0. SPDS lets dealers diagnose and troubleshoot devices, while the Printer Catalog 2.0 provides an interactive database of compatible solutions, as well as part numbers for supplies and associated accessories, for all models in Samsung’s current line.
A Proven Track Record of Innovation
Samsung has long been a leader in technology innovation, logging a number of industry firsts in many of its business units. Samsung noted that it ranked second only to IBM among tech companies for patent filings in 2013 (with 4,676). Putting its money where its mouth is, Samsung invested $13.6 billion in research and development last year. Not only that, but, in six out of eight business divisions, Samsung holds the number one spot against competitors. Despite its low market share in printing, Samsung has vowed to bring this leadership and innovation to the forefront of that business division, too. With its commitment to innovation and colossal investments in R&D, Samsung might just pull it off.
| Samsung’s new Smart User Interface is designed like the company’s line of tablets; it employs the Android OS and allows for fast and easy customization. Some of the preloaded icons/apps include Copy, Scan/Send, Box, Job Status, Counter, Settings and Help. |
Samsung announced the MX4 series of A3 and A4 MFPs, which feature the first Android OS tablet-based user interface on the market. Leveraging the company’s strengths in the areas of tablets and semiconductors, Samsung has developed a 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet interface, much like the company’s current line of tablets, that provides touch and swipe scrolling, customization and simplicity. Though slight delays were noted when switching between menus, we found the system easy to navigate in our brief hands-on demo.
| The ProXpress M4580FX, shown in the base configuration, sits on the desktop and includes a 10.1" touchscreen interface. |
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The highlight of the event was the pre-announcement of the MX7 series, slated for spring 2015 availability. Pike unveiled the prototype, which was met by much excitement from the dealer community, as evidenced by the throng of dealers vying to get a closer look at the device at the adjacent product fair. In a market that is basically flat, Samsung has developed a series of MFPs that not only fills a gap in the product line, but also generated great interest from dealers wanting the next big thing. With rated speeds of 40, 50 and 60 ppm in black and color, these A3 MFPs feature the same tablet-style interface, mounted on a swiveling base so the screen can be rotated and used in landscape or portrait orientation (the latter being extremely helpful for scan preview, allowing for a larger image of a scanned page). Other spec details were limited, but dealers seemed hopeful regarding this latest advancement from Samsung.
| The MX7 series, slated for release in 2015, includes a swiveling tablet interface, offers robust paper handling and speeds of 40, 50 and 60 ppm in black and color. |