Weekend Print Production Notes from 11/29/2010

- Hewlett Packard announced it sold five Indigo 5500 production color systems to C2 Imaging, a printshop in St. Paul, Minnesota.

- Xerox announced that customers who own some of their production monochrome systems can pay for a temporary speed upgrade. Details:
o Applies to Nuvera 100, 120 and 200 models
o Called the Xerox Flex Speed Program
o Entails field installation of firmware by technician
o Provides boost to speed for up to 90 days
o Customer can extend for another 90 days
o Maximum speed boost of 44ppm
o Cost for 90 day period runs from $2000 to $7500 depending on model
o Service contract pricing remains same

- Xerox announced a new option for its Xerox 700 Digital Color Press, the SquareFold Trimmer Module. Details:
o Also for the 1000 Digital Color Press, 4112 and 4127
o Option for the Booklet Maker Finisher or Light Production Finisher
o Provides square folding, and creasing of cover sheets in booklets
o Provides face trimming of booklets
o Minimizes toner cracking on the fold line
o Pricing not announced

- Xerox announced it sold 1000 Digital Color Press to Kellmatt, a printshop in England.

o Two other new Xerox models are based on the above, and are aimed at the light production market, and are called the Xerox Color 550 and Color 560. Differences are:
 550 offers 50ppm color and 55ppm b/w
 560 offers 60ppm color and 65ppm b/w
 Base MSRPs of $34,700 and $39,200
 Replace the DocuColor 252 and 260
 2400x2400dpi
 Comes standard with two 500 sheet paper drawers, 200 sheet letter drawer and 250 sheet stack bypass
 Auto duplex standard
 $2000 for letter size LCT
 $5995 for 13” x 19” LCT, or $9995 for dual drawer 13”x19” LCT
 Handles up to 300gsm (runs at half speed)
 10.4” color LCD touch screen on armature
 Document feeder holds up to 250 originals
• Top color scan speed of 50opm
• Can scan both sides of original at same time
 30K yield for black toner, and 34K yield for color
 Black drum yield of 85,700 pages
 Color drums yield 194,500 pages
 Does not come standard with a print controller so choices are:
• $18,000 for Xerox FreeFlow server
• $6995 for embedded EFI Fiery
• $25,500 for external EFI Fiery
• $16,000 for external Creo
 $999 for single line fax, can add two more lines for $1399
• $990 Internet fax option
 Finishing options include:
• $2995 finisher with 50 sheet stapling and hole punch
• $4995 finisher with 50 sheet staple, hole punch and booklet making of 15 sheets
• $6550 finisher with 100 sheet stapler, hole punch and cover inserter
• $11,800 finisher with 25 sheet booklet maker
o $5700 for trifold/z-fold option

Weekend Print Production Notes 11/21/10

- Do customers prefer printing color photos or viewing the on-line? In a recent study conducted by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) about people’s preference to have their photos printed, or view online:
o 59% preferred to look at printed images
o 38% preferred to look at them on-line
o 3% preferred both
o 18% preferred print because they could see more detail
o 30% preferred print because they were easier to look through
o 36% liked prints better due to quality, and bright, shiny, saturated colors
o 56% who print photos spend more time looking at them than those who view on-line
o 31% prefer to print themselves
o 28% prefer a printshop to print

- Do customers prefer printing books or reading them on-line? Study conducted by Kuruniawan & Zaphiris showed that reading text from a monitor was 10 to 30% slower than reading from paper.

- Xerox announced it will spend millions to install giant interactive displays in a dozen airports to promote its partnerships with Target and Marriott. (Xerox also reported it has $9.5 billion in debt)

- Xerox announced it sold iGen4 production color systems ($640K each) to:
o CCG Marketing Solutions (bought two each)
o Concentrix (a division of SYNNEX Corp.)
o Ditto Document Solutions
o MagnetStreet
o Filmon of Turkey

-=Greetings from "The Hook"=-

Weekend Print Production Notes 8/22/10

- Fuji announced it sold a Color 1000 Press (made by Fuji but also sold by Xerox in U.S.) to Dashing Print of Sydney, Australia. It also sold a Color 1000 Press to Western Mailing of New Zealand.

- Xerox announced following production print system sales:
o Xerox Color 1000 Press and two Nuvera 144 b/w systems to Conlin’s Digital Print & Copy Center in Pennsylvania
o Xerox Color 800 Press to Alphagraphics of Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado.
o Xerox Nuvera 288 to CMP of Dorsett, England
o All made by Fuji

- A survey conducted by WhatTheyThink of printshop owners, when asked “What’s Your Next Big Equipment Investment?”
o 16% = bindery
o 35% = digital press
o 10% = mailing
o 29% = production inkjet
o 10% = wide format
o 0% = offset press

- XMPie, maker of variable data software, announced it will have its annual Users Group Conference on 9/12-15/2010 in Orlando, Florida.

- According to Howie Fenton of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), paper for digital color presses:
o when made have moisture content of 4-6% of its total weight
o in best conditions, paper is designed to be stable in a 45-55% relative humidity at 72 degrees Farenheit
o moisture content affects toner adhesion, paper jams and fuser roller temperature
o if paper is left unwrapped, it absorbs more moisture


-=Greetings from Sandy Hook=-

Average selling price for offset press prints is 6-10 cents per page

- According to a study conducted by Kodak about the print for pay industry:

o Total print revenues grew from 2006 to 2007 by 1.7%

o Offset press revenue grew from 2006 to 2007 by 1.7%

o From 2007 to 2008, offset press shipments declined by 1.5%

o Total print shipments were down 13% in 2009, and 5% down in 2010

o Profit from digital print averages 20-40%
o Profit from offset press is 1-4%
o Average run length is less than 10,000 pieces per job
o Run lengths have decreased by 30% in last 5 years
o Average time to run a 1,000 piece job on offset press is 30 minutes for makeready plus 15 minutes for actual printing for a total average of 45 minutes
o Average selling price for offset press prints is 6-10 cents per page with profit of 1-4%
o Average cost per page for high speed digital is 10-14 cents per page
o Average cost per page for offset press job for 500-1000 run length is 35-45 cents per page

-=Greetingd from Sandy Hook=-

Xerox 800 Digital Color Press and 1000 Digital Color Press "Spec Review"

- Xerox, at the OnDemand show in Philadelphia, allowed the public to see their new color production print models, the 800 Digital Color Press and 1000 Digital Color Press featuring:

o Actually made by Fuji of Japan
o Base MSRPs of $350,000 and $395,000 respectively
o Xerox hired Frank Romano (famous RIT professor) to create video endorsing this product
o In same size frame as the huge Xerox iGen4 (74” high) and weighs 3,197lbs.
o Unlike the iGen units, these new models use polymerized toner (called EA for polymerized “emulsion aggregate” technology)
o Unlike iGen units, does NOT use fuser oil that can drip inside engine, so this unit has paper drawers underneath the engine for smaller footprint than iGen
o 80ppm and 100ppm top speeds respectively
o Advertised as offering “2400dpi” (not true 8 bits per pixel as Xerox takes a pixel from a 600dpi data stream and divides it into 4 quadrants to get 2400dpi effect)
o 4 tandem OPC drum design with expected life of 800,000 impressions per drum
o Uses dual corotron grids that are self-cleaning
o Uses 5 toner cartridges, as the fifth is clear toner, for optional flood gloss or spot gloss applications (this is first color toner unit with in-line gloss coating, as the Kodak NexPress’s NexGlosser is an off-line device)
o Uses a mylar film transfer belt called a “Intermediate Belt Transfer System” or “IBT Technology”
o Uses fuser belt system instead of traditional fuser rollers, using a dual fuser to run thick stocks at same speed as plain paper
o “In-line Belt Cooling” along with paper decurl mechanism to reduce paper curl
o Requires a 240v/50amp outlet
o Recommended monthly volume of 300,000 pages per month
 Maximum duty cycle of 1.75 million pages per month
o Comes standard with two 2,000 sheet paper drawers
 Optional LCT adds two more 2,000 sheet paper drawers
 Maximum paper capacity of 8,000 sheets
 Auto tray switching with on-the fly paper add feature
 Maximum paper size of 13”x19.2” out of any paper source
 Heavy or coated paper out of any drawer
 Optional tray insert to handle 4”x 6” postcard media
 Maximum paper weight handling up to 350gsm
o Xerox promises back to front registration of 0.5 millimeters for auto duplex output
o Has “Customer Replaceable Unit System” called SMART technology, meaning the customer is responsible for replacing 40 different cartridges, even though they must have a service contract from Xerox.(this includes 5 different toner cartridges, 5 different drums, mylar IBT transfer belt, fuser belts, paper feed tires, etc.)(even though the customer will be responsible for performing most of the service, Xerox apparently has no plans for discounting the click charge)
 Customer is provided with a special screwdriver that allows them to open up the doors of the machine
o Xerox plans on submitting the units for certification (Pantone, FOGRA, etc.)
o Customers have choice of EFI Fiery, Kodak Creo, or Xerox branded FreeFlow print controllers
o Optional “Profit Accelerator” programs to teach customer how to market & sell output, includes DVD, templates, VDP samples and more
o Finishing options include:
 Interface Module (required purchase to attach any finishers)
 GBC hole punching system
 GBC punch and bind (up to 100 sheets with plastic bind)
 5000 sheet stackers (can have two maximum)
 Fold unit (C and Z folding)
 200 sheet post process cover inserter
 Booklet maker (25 sheet booklets maximum) with optional face trimmer
 Tape binding up to 125 sheets
 Plockmatic Pro booklet maker (30 sheet booklets) with face trim

-=Cheers from Sandy Hook"

Xerox now shipping the iGen4 220 Perfecting Press

Xerox now shipping the iGen4 220 Perfecting Press selling for $1,212,550.00. This is two iGen4 production color systems bolted together, so that it can produce two-sided color documents at 110 per minute.

- Xerox launched a new eCommerce site for their customers called “Xerox MySupport” offering:
o provided at no charge
o password accessed personal website
o security updates
o newsletters
o support updates
o meter submission
o usage patterns
o meter reads between billings
o export data to create usage reports
o apparently you can NOT place a service call or order supplies using this free portal

-=Cheers from Sandy Hook=-

New Estimator Wide-Format Work-Flow solution featured at Orlando ISA show April 8-10

Estimator Corp News Release

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

New Estimator Wide-Format Work-Flow solution featured at Orlando ISA show April 8-10

Estimator, Estimating, Job Entry & Work-Flow with unique solutions for Sheetfed, Web, Wide-Format, Digital and Flexo, announces the release of its new generation Windows 7 compatible software.

Estimator also provides Full-Metric configuration with a simple click... converts Estimator’s Unique Single-Screen Estimating & Management Software from inches and pounds to Metric with GSM input Millimeter scale and Kilogram weight...Ideal for Multi-National companies. Overseas representation inquiries welcome.

Estimator’s Creative features make it the Fastest, Easiest Single-Screen, Mistake Proof, Intelligent, High-Speed... Print-Estimating & Job-Entry Management System available.

Estimator’s easy-to-use low-cost solutions delivers 19 unique reports all in an error-free, single screen environment and include analysis of sales and productivity and department production load schedules. New Custom Freight and Services section allows a variety of options with the ability to have different pricing sources and mark-ups from different suppliers, as well as complete Buy-Out option for Printers and Brokers.

All programs include Set-up and installation in 2 weeks or less with regular updates and full live maintenance.

Interested parties may contact Estimator to arrange a short Webinar and have the unrestricted 60-day trial program installed in their plant.

Ricoh Pro c720 "Price Review"

- Ricoh announced pricing for the PRO C720, which is 72ppm version of the C900 production color system. Details:
- Base MSRP of $104,099 for print only version
- Base MSRP of $121,098 for MFP version
- Optional $140 kit for embedded applications
- Optional embedded EFI Fiery, but does NOT offer a CREO option or external Fiery
- Does NOT offer optional perfect binder or ring binder
- 320K/month max duty cycle

-=Cheers=-

Xerox Concept Color 220

Oki pro900DP Digital Color Press

Innovative product line includes color cut-sheet printers,
digital envelope press and digital web press, all delivering supreme print
quality, color accuracy and media flexibility at aggressive operating costs

OKI Data Americas, which markets its products
under the OKI® Printing Solutions brand, today announced the launch of the OKI proColor™ Series, an innovative line of products for color-critical applications in graphic arts and production environments. The OKI proColor Series delivers professional-quality color output, consistent color accuracy
powered by embedded EFI Fiery® and PANTONE® calibration on select models, and exceptional media flexibility with variable data capabilities -- all at aggressive operating costs.

The OKI proColor Series includes the pro810 Series, pro910 and pro930 cut-sheet
printers, pro900DP digital envelope press and pro510DW digital web press.

"The OKI proColor Series is a breakthrough in color technology for this market
because it gives customers the power to perform short-run jobs faster and more
cost-effectively than they ever could before -- such as 200 envelopes with
variable data in minutes," said Randy Rickert, Director, Graphic Arts &
Production, OKI Data Americas. "Print shops will now have the ability to compete in new spaces
and in-house production shops will have access to unprecedented quality output
from a more conducive footprint."

The innovative OKI proColor Series includes the following products, each
available with an industry-leading 2-year On Site Warranty¹:

pro810 Series (U.S. List pricing starting at $3,248): The pro810 is an affordable complement to costly AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) plotters, delivering fast, professional-quality color proofs. With exceptional color accuracy and high productivity speeds of 30 pages per minute (ppm) color/32 ppm monochrome², the pro810 fits seamlessly into existing BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows.

pro910 ($5,960 U.S. List price): Competing at the entry-point of the high-quality, short run color market is possible with the pro910 tabloid/A3 digital color printer. External RIP software enables users to utilize existing color assets, while benefiting from HD (High-Definition) Color output; media flexibility including card stock, magnetic media and static clings; media handling of paper stock up to 330 gsm; and fast, on-demand production printing speeds of 31ppmcolor/36ppm monochrome1, all at aggressive operating costs.

pro930 ($10,230 U.S. List price): The pro930 tabloid/A3 printer delivers exceptional color output and consistently accurate color matching every time, with PANTONE® calibration, embedded EFI Fiery® and SmartRIP® technology for fast, automated color workflow. This new alternative for high-quality, short run color printing has variable data capabilities and is the lowest cost, embedded solution supporting XMPie®. This product, like its entry-level
counterpart, supports a wide range of media substrates, enhancing its print shop
capabilities.

pro900DP ($26,500 U.S. List price): The pro900DP digital envelope color press revolutionizes short-run, on-demand print jobs, with the ability to produce variable data on a wide range of media, including full-color envelopes. Powered by PANTONE® calibration and an embedded EFI Fiery® controller for unmatched color accuracy, the pro900DP's high-capacity lift holds up to 4,000 sheets of 20lb. bond paper for high-productivity printing at attractive running
costs.

pro510DW ($36,200 U.S. List price): With the pro510DW digital color web press, customers can achieve fast, continuous web printing at up to 30 feet/minute (5.1" per second slew rate), handling a 2,500 foot roll of stock. The compact and easy-to-operate pro510DW supports paper, labels and various tag stocks and includes automatic cut and reload between print jobs to eliminate operator intervention. This product is creating new market spaces with its
innovation!

The OKI proColor Series is available exclusively through a select group of partners serving the graphic arts and production market. The pro810 Series, pro910 and pro930 will be available in February, and the pro900DP and pro510DW will be available in March.

All OKI Printing Solutions products are built on parent company OKI Data Corporation's
history of leadership and innovation in color printing, such as digital LED technology and SinglePass Color™. This technology allows OKI Data Americas to manufacture products that require fewer moving parts for increased reliability.

OKI Printing Solutions provides live³, toll-free technical support 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with agents based in North America.

# # #

√OKI, Reg. OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. ENERGY STAR Reg. T.M.
U.S. EPA, Single Pass Color T.M. and design Reg. T.M. OKI Data Corp., proColor,√
TM, OKI Data Americas, EFI, Fiery, SmartRIP Reg. T.M., Electronics For Imaging,
Inc√., Pantone, Reg. T.M., Pantone, Inc. XMPie Reg. T.M. XMPie.√

¹ Available in the U.S. only.
²
Published performance results based on laboratory testing. Individual results
may vary.
³ Available in the U.S. and Canada only.

About Oki Data Americas, Inc.:

OKI Data Americas Inc.,
headquartered in Mount Laurel, N.J., and a subsidiary of OKI Data Corporation of Japan,markets PC peripheral equipment and customized document management solutions under the OKI Printing Solutions brand, including digital color and monochrome printers, color and monochrome multifunction products, serial impact dot matrix printers, thermal label
printers and POS printers, as well as a full line of options, accessories and consumables. OKI Data Americas also serves the Graphic Arts & Production market with the OKI proColor™ Series. OKI Data Americas takes a consultative approach to supporting every customer's needs and delivering individualized print solutions that optimize business performance. The company's innovative technology is backed by Tokyo-based parent company Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., a world leader in information processing systems, telecommunications and electronics; and an approximately $5.7 billion multinational corporation according to its FY 2008 financial
reporting. Keeping its customers' needs top of mind, OKI Data Americas is ISO
9001:2000 certified and offers a selection of ENERGY STAR(r) certified products.

Wow! Killer Products!

-=Cheers=-

Print Production Weekend Notes

These were recent posts from Print4Pay Hotel members. If you're selling Print Production systems you need to become a member of the largest and fasted growing social site for Imaging Professionals!

- A printshop announced it is installing a wind turbine to generate electricity to drive its production systems. Phoenix Press, of North Haven, CT, hopes to use the turbine to provide one third of the power it needs to run its Kodak DigiMaster 9110, Canon imageRUNNER 7095 and imageRUNNER C5180 units.

- Hewlett Packard announced it sold two Indigo 7000 production color systems to Capitol City Press of Tumwater, Washington.

- Hewlett Packard announced it sold an Indigo 5500 to ProGraphics Communications of Atlanta, GA.

- Hewlett Packard announced it sold an Indigo 5500 production color system to Positive Images of Mitcham, Surrey, England.

- Ricoh launched a new production color system, called the PRO C720 system offering:
- Slowed down, cheaper version of the slow selling C900
- Offers a top speed of 72ppm versus 90ppm of the C900
- Maximum duty cycle of only 320K/month
- Runs at same speed, regardless of paper weight, like the C900, up to 110lb. cover
- Uses same EFI Fiery as C900
- finishing options are limited to saddle stitch booklet maker and standard finisher

- Xerox announced it has sold a Xerox Nuvera 288 production b/w system to CFH Total Document Management of Somerset, England.

- Xerox announced it has sold a Xerox Nuvera 288 production b/w system and an iGen3 production color system to Hamilton Printing Co. of Castleton, NY.


-=Cheers=-

Weekend Print Production Notes

Printshop revenue for month of November in the U.S., was a total of $7.38 billion a decline of 8% compared to last year. It was the first November to be below $8 billion since 2003.

Heidelberg, the large German offset press maker, now supported financially by the German government, is looking to get back into the digital printers market according to Business Week magazine. Apparently, it is even considering partnering with Kodak. As you may recall, Heidelberg sold its digital press business to Kodak, after buying it from Kodak a few years earlier. This division includes the DigiMaster b/w systems and the NexPress color systems.


Memjet, the company that has been promising a high speed color inkjet copier, announced it has hired a new executive. Len Lauer, former COO of Qualcomm, will be the new Memjet President and CEO, working out the San Diego office. (Memjet has 2,600patents related to technology developed by Mr. Kia Silverbrook of Australia)

Direct Color Systems Inc. launched the Millenium 700, which can produce a full color plastic name badge in 25 seconds. Purchase price, and cost per card were not announced.

-=Cheers=-

Ricoh Launches Pro C720/C720s Color Production System

Ricoh Launches Pro C720/C720s Color Production System

New Light Production Digital System Offers Affordable Alternative for Color Printing, Scanning, Copying and Document Storage
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, announced today the official launch of the RICOH® Pro C720/C720s, a production class multi-functional color system, the latest addition to Ricoh's Pro series of products, designed specifically for the production environment. This flexible system is targeted at corporate and commercial professional print environments with demanding application needs. The Pro C720/C720s has a robust duty cycle of 320,000 images per month, and runs at 72 pages-per-minute (PPM) regardless of paper weight.

The RICOH Pro C720s allows customers to complete a wide range of applications within one system. The Pro C720s offers high-resolution scanning, copying, and automated distribution to multiple destinations, including e-mail, URL, and FTP. It also allows customers to store files on a document server so you can reprint them without re-ripping the files.

Central to the operation of the RICOH Pro C720/C720s is a server-based EFI Fiery® Print controller. The Fiery platform optimizes the Pro C720/C720s with top speed, quality, advanced color management, and integrated work-flow utilities that provide the customer with complete control over digital file processing at every stage of production. The Fiery is an open, flexible solution addressing the demanding requirements of Commercial Printers, In-Plant Print Shops, and Central Reproduction Departments (CRDs). The Fiery controller is a standard component of the Pro C720/C720s and includes a number of value-added workflow and job automation utilities such as Fiery Graphic Arts Package, Standard Edition, EFI Hot Folders, Fiery WebTools, and more.

Additionally, the RICOH Pro C720/C720s offers a wide range of advanced in-line finishing options that can be configured to customers' exact requirements, providing enhanced flexibility and efficiency. Options include a high capacity stacker which enables longer unattended print runs, and an array of document handling and finishing options.

The Pro C720/C720s is engineered to provide maximum uptime and reliability to customers in demanding print environments. It is ideal for print-for-pay shops, CRDs and other environments that need to take on more color jobs, increase revenue, and lower cost. The Pro C720/C720s incorporates Trained Customer Replacement Units (TCRU's) that enable operators to replace key components of the system, providing improved productivity. In addition, Ricoh bundles remote diagnostics, troubleshooting and online consumable ordering through the included @Remote diagnostic solution.

The Pro C720/C720s feature large capacity trays that incorporate air-assist paper feeding for sheets up to 13" x 19.2". The Pro C720/C720s handles media basis weights from 16lb bond to 110lb cover and prints at rated speed regardless of basis weight.

"With the economy still on the rebound we're continuing to develop cost-effective solutions that help our customers improve their bottom lines. We've had very good customer experiences with the C900, and the Pro C720 builds on the reliability and quality of the same platform," said Carl Joachim, vice president of Marketing for PPBG, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "We've made good inroads in the production color market over the past year, not only with the Pro C900, but also with our solutions and professional services that address emerging applications such as Web2Print and VDP."

Order taking for the C720/C720S will be effective immediately, with availability scheduled for February 2010. The product will be available through US channels of distribution that include Ricoh Business Solutions, IKON and authorized independent dealers. Additional distribution within the Ricoh Americas group is planned through Ricoh Canada Limited and Ricoh Latin America.

For more information on the C720/C720s and other PPBG products and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com/ppbg/.

About Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group:

The Production Printing Business Group (PPBG) of Ricoh Americas Corporation is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art, high-speed production systems that provide efficient document workflows with high-volume production printing and finishing. Incorporating superior engineering, service, reliable technology, and extensive software and finishing options, PPBG helps production centers to cost-effectively modernize and streamline their operations to meet today's rapid turnaround and high-quality demands.

Ricoh Americas Corporation, founded in 1962, is headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ and is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 73-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2008 sales in excess of $20 billion.

Information about Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com/ppbg/.

All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Ricoh Web Site: www.ricoh-usa.com

-=Cheers=-

Downtown Print and Copy standardises on Xerox

Downtown Print and Copy, based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has standardised on Xerox equipment following the purchase of a DocuColor 5000AP to replace an ageing DocuColor 2060 and a wide-format 6204 to replace an Oce plan printer. The new machines were installed in August and operational the same day.

‘The DC5000AP has placed us at the forefront of quality, production and ultimately service,’ says David Scholtz, owner of Downtown Print and Copy. ‘For example,
we are able to produce 500 full colour business cards printed on 300gsm in only 40 seconds. Our customers are now getting the best quality and turnaround time and at the right price.’

Downtown Print and Copy has a 10-year relationship with Xerox equipment, supplied and serviced by local Bytes Document Solutions’ authorised dealer, Digi Copiers.

Prior to its latest acquisitions the Eastern Cape business, with 24 employees between its head office in central Port Elizabeth and branches in Walmer and Lorraine, had four DC12 colour copiers and printers with EFI Fiery and Splash RIPs, two DocuTech 6135 production black and white printers, an 8100 plan printer, a DC3535 colour copier and printer, two WorkCentre Pro 45 copiers and printers, a DigiPath Make Ready pre-press system, and a DC252 colour copier and printer with a Creo RIP.

‘We chose Xerox because they have always looked after us as a business, they are professional, skilled and competent in their field,’ said Scholtz. ‘We have looked at other offerings which were cheaper but, because we are in the print-for-pay market, if the solution does not work we are out of business. Xerox equipment seems to be made to last and from our past experience we know that it does.

‘We standardised on Xerox because we believe that the product and solution are the most powerful at this stage of the game and most important, the after-sales service delivered by Digi Copiers is on par with Bytes Document Solutions standards which is recognised as the best in the industry,’ he said.

Downtown Print and Copy has also seen an uptick in business in its short run operations following its latest acquisitions.

The newest machine, the DocuColor 5000AP, has in addition enabled the business to increase the run lengths of jobs due to the lower running costs of the system.

‘Anyone with a need for colour printing will put the DC5000 to good use, while the 6204 meets the needs of the architecture and design industry,’ said Scholtz. He added that the newest systems are easy to understand and operate and require no specialised training.

‘Downtown Print and Copy has operated in Port Elizabeth for the past 28 years,’ said Paul Haglich (pictured above). ‘They have a huge amount of experience in the industry, long-standing clients because of the service they bring to market, and it’s a huge feather in our cap that they have standardised on our equipment.’

Click here for more Downtown Print and Copy standardises on Xerox

Printing decreases for first time in U.S.?

Printing decreases for first time in U.S.? According to researcher, Jake Wang, of IDC:

- “Starting with the fourth quarter of 2008, we saw a definite drop in printer page outputs”
- IDC uses computer software to monitor the use of 700,000 printers and MFPs in the U.S.
- “It was like going over a waterfall.”
- Total of 1.5 trillion pages for the year, or 5,000 sheets of printouts per man, woman & child.
- Predicts drop of 10% in 2010.
- “When an economy sheds million of workers, there are that many employees who aren’t
doing the printing”
- “I’m thinking fewer contracts are signed. Fewer documents sent from one person to another”
- Expects increase in 2011 after the recovery.
- Forrester Research predicts that electronic bank statements will start declining in 2010.
- In 2007, the Securities & Exchange Commission stopped requiring corporations to mail out printed annual reports to shareholders.