Copier Cabinets "The Flatpack Design"

I'd like to introduce Gary Lucas of Lucas Distribution to all of our readers and Print4Pay Hotel members. Lucas Distribution has signed on as a sponsor the Print4Pay Hotel Message Boards. I asked Gary to give us brief outline of his tenure in the office equuipment business and to tell us about his flatpack cabinets.

I spent 35 years with 3M / Harris-3M / Lanier / Ricoh – starting in the 3M Service Dept in 1972 as a facsimile technician (when 6 minute faxes were considered state-of-the-art!), spent many years in the Harris-3M & Lanier Product Sourcing group and finished up in the Product Marketing Dept in Atlanta, GA.

After retiring in 2007, I started Lucas Distribution, LLC, based in Atlanta, GA, as the exclusive distributor of Kentinental flat pack cabinets for the Ricoh family of products. These patented cabinets are custom-designed for Ricoh family MFPs. My manufacturer, Kentinental Engineering, has been an approved OEM provider to Ricoh Europe and to Lanier. This product line had been sold exclusively through the Lanier channel until 2007, when Kentinental authorized my company to open the products up to all Ricoh family distributors.

In 2008 I brought out a line of Canon cabinets using the proven flat pack design.

Here are some of the reasons customers like to use my flat pack cabinets:
• Can be assembled in less than 1 minute
• Flat pack design allows for lower storage and shipping costs - the 19" FAC16 cabinet ships in a carton 7.5" high!
• Prevents back strain that can occur when removing fully assembled cabinets from the carton
• Less susceptibility to shipping damage - if a cabinet is ever damaged, you can replace the damaged part without having to discard the entire cabinet
• 100% guarantee against shipping damage - if you unpack a cabinet and it has damage, replacement parts will be provided at no cost, regardless of who or what caused the damage
• 2% 10 Net 30 payment terms - products are stocked in Atlanta, GA
• As a small business owner, customer service is very important to me. I want to make it easy to do business with Lucas Distribution!

Muratec MFX-C3400

I can see this box as a big seller in the AEC market place. A3, scan2email, scan2folder and fax. This is an Oki product, and I for one am hoping that Muratec also has the embedded print solution software. This would make this a tremendous value for AEC (Architect, Engineering and Construction).

One pitfall of this system is there is no LAN fax, LAN fax is very popular now, and the ability to send faxes from the PC and forward faxes to a folder or email address is valued point when discussing a customers business process.

Here's the specs:

Muratec announced it will relabel an Okidata color LED MFP, and call it the Muratec MFX-C3400 featuring:

- Base MSRP of $9995.00
- 26ppm color speed and 34ppm b/w
- Uses LED instead of laser technology
- Pulverized toner infused with wax
- Built-in print controller
- HP PCL and PostScript print drivers standard
- 40GB hard drive
- 512MB RAM
- Scan to email/PC/FTP
- Scan to PDF/TIFF/JPEG/XPS
- USB & 10/100BaseT ports
- Auto duplex standard
- 600x1200dpi (does not offer true 8 bits per pixel)
- Up to 11”x17” paper handling
- Banner print mode up to 42.7” long
- Offers smallest footprint for an A3 color device, only 22” wide and 26” deep
- 4 tandem OPC drums
- 50 sheet RADF
- ID card copy feature
- Fax board
- Comes standard with 100 sheet stack bypass and 300 sheet drawer
- Can add more drawers to make the unit floor-standing
- Maximum paper supply of 1,460 sheets
- Uses a 5.8” monochrome LCD control panel
- Bypass supports up to 110lb. index
- drawers and duplexer support up to 46lb. only
- Black toner yield of 9,500 based on 5% coverage
- Color toners yield 10,000 each
- Each drum yields 20,000 images
- No finishing options offered

Small Business Multifunctional Copier

Below is a question that was posted on CNET. I took the time to answer the post on CNET. Here's the link for the entire thread small business multifunctional copier.

We would like to purchase a color/b&w copier for under $1000. Estimating 2500 b&W, 1000 color copies/day. We don't need alot of whistles just volume. Any suggestions. Also where can I find cost/page info for comparisons?

Here's the real scoop, if you get a machine for under $1,000, here's what you can expect based on your volume.

1. Color per page cost at .20 cents per page based on 20% coverage of the page. That means you'll spend $200 per month for color supplies!
2. Black per page cost at .03 cents per page based on 5% coverage of the page. That means you'll spend $75 per month for black supplies!
3. Within two years or less the machine will be worthless and probably be down more often for consumable supplies and maintenance than its running.
4. If this device could last 5 years you would spend $16,500 for a $1,000 system.
5. You would probably replace the system every year, because systems under a $1,000 are not built for that capacity.

Now here's what you should do:

1. Lease a larger machine ie: Ricoh mp c2550 for under $120 per month
2. Black per page cost is .015 with on-site service, means you'll spend $37.50 per month for supplies and maintenance.
3. Color per page cost is .10 or under with on-site service, means you'll spend $100 per month or less for supplies and maintenance.
4. System will be faster, have better reliability, plus add additional features which may stream line your business process.

Summary: That $1,000 system will cost you $275 per month in supplies only and will not last the year. In 12 months you'll need another, here you must also amortize the cost of the $1,000 system over 12 months which equals $83.33 per month. So your TCO (Total Cost of operation) is $358.33 per month. Moving to a larger unit such as the Ricoh MP C2550 your total monthly cost with supplies, on-site service and lease is $257.50. That's more than $130 per month in savings. Keep in mind that if your volume increases so do your costs. If your volume increases at 10% per year for 5 years your savings could be well over $300 per month.

Don't let the small investment price fool you, you need a larger system to meet your needs. Please also keep in mind that the cost per page for the Ricoh device may vary from dealer to dealer and geographical location, the cost per page is only an average of what I have seen in the industry for this device.

Art

MFP Copier "Brand Poll"

We've just released a new poll on our new Multifunctional Copier Network community.

We want to hear your thoughts on what brand you would pay more for considering feature and benefits were equal. Would you pay more for a Xerox, Ricoh, Canon or KonicaMinolta?

There's is no cost to take the poll, and membership is not required. You can vote here Multifunctional Copier Network.

Art

New Color Laser MFP from Fuji Xerox

Fuji of Japan announced a couple new color laser MFPs, that may show up in the U.S. under the Xerox name:
- DocuCentre C1101
- 16ppm full color or b/w
- Uses “Imari” 4 drum engine, which is also found in many current Xerox color MFPs
- Fully loaded MSRP of $12,310
- DocuColor 5151
- 51ppm color or b/w
- Based on engine used in current Xerox DocuColor 242, 252, etc.
- Fully loaded MSRP of $73,400.00.

Okidata Launches New C830 Color Printer

- Okidata launched a new color LED printer, the Okidata C830 series that includes:
- all models are A3, or able to handle 11”x17”
- use LED, instead of laser technology (Okidata owns most of the patents worldwide for LED printing technology)
- use pulverized toner infused with wax, called Okidata High Definition Color
- supports banner printing up to 52” long
- all are desktop models
- 30ppm top speed full color and 32ppm for b/w
- First page out time of 10 seconds for color
- 1200x600dpi (not true 8 bits per pixel)
- 4 tandem OPC drum design
- Handles up to 220gsm or 80lb cover stock (can not handle 10 point)
- Advertised as offering a 5 year warranty, but this is just on the LED printhead
- Optional automatic duplex
- 75,000 page per month maximum duty cycle
- Built-in print controller
- 256MB RAM standard (maximum of 768MB)
- 40GB Hard drive is optional
- PCL and PostScript print drivers standard
- Front loading 100 sheet stack bypass comes standard
- Front loading 300 sheet paper drawer comes standard
- Can add one or two 530 sheet paper drawers
- Becomes floor standing unit with optional storage cabinet
- Base MSRP of $2199.00
- soon launch MFP version of this engine

Riso launching two high speed inkjet systems

Riso announced it plans on launching two new high speed color inkjet systems to replace the existing HC-5500.

The new model will feature:
- Like current model, is not a Riso made duplicator, but an inkjet engine made by Olympus
- 120ppm and 150ppm versions if set at 300dpi
- The company claims that the existing models account for 24% of its sales and $100 million in revenue
- The Americas only count for 13% of Riso’s global sales of all products, and that U.S. sales declined 11% in 2008
- The Americas division lost $3.7 million in 2008
- Unlike previous models, the new versions will use oil-based inks to improve print quality
- New models are smaller and weigh 30% less
- Come standard with three 500 sheet paper drawers
- Built-in print controller
- 1.86MHz processor
- 512MB RAM (can upgrade to 1GB)
- 160GB hard drive
- Optional external PostScript print controller
- Optional HS4000 scanner (made by Epson) allows unit to scan and make copies (top speed of 40opm)
- Pricing not yet announced

Multifunctional Copier Network Community

While searching the web, I've seen many web sites/aka message boards that cater to technicians, along with many sites having information pertaining to multifunctional systems. But, there is not one site that is dedicated the industry as a whole, merging end users and industry support people. The Multifunctional Copier Network is focused on the end users ability to get immediate information on their multifunctional systems, printers, fax and scanners (technical or support).

So, in short, I've put together a community for end users, technical, sales and support people. Not only is this system designed to help diagnose problems for the end user, the system will also post the latest information from all industry related manufacturers.

Features:

Updated Press Releases
New Product News
Manufacturers Resource Links
Leasing Information
Third Party Software and Hardware Solutions
Support Forums
Where to Lease or Buy a System
Trade or Sell Items
Equipment Lease Calculator

As the site grows there will be more features added, the site is free for all to view. Click here for The Multifunctional Copier Network Community.

Ricoh Introduces DocuClass Document Management Solution

RiSVP Member Software to Streamline Business Processes

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced the release of DocuClass document management software - one of the first solutions to become available to the Ricoh Channel through its recently introduced Ricoh Independent Solutions Vendor Program (RiSVP).

DocuClass, a product of Cima Software Corporation, Inc., is a complete process-oriented, document management software solution that enables organizations to streamline their internal operations by dynamically controlling and organizing the capture, management, access, and distribution of documents and information within their business process. Enhanced for Ricoh, the DocuClass MFP Link ties the software directly to most Ricoh multifunction products (MFPs), offering a simplified method of document indexing, archiving, document processing, workflow routing and full version control directly from the MFP control panel.

"We are delighted to partner with Ricoh in delivering world-class document management solutions to the marketplace," said Nelson Cano, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Cima Software Corporation, Inc. "Going forward we will continue to develop innovative solutions for Ricoh customers."

One of three Ricoh Alliance programs, RiSVP, developed in cooperation with Ricoh solution partners and Ricoh's direct and dealer channels, focuses on two key areas: expansion of channel marketing opportunities for RiSVP members and simplifying solution access for Ricoh sales channels. By providing RiSVP member products directly from Ricoh, the direct and dealer channels have more opportunities for new revenue growth combined and simplified sales operations. In turn, RiSVP members enjoy faster and greater financial return on the investments they have made in developing solutions that when combined with Ricoh's award-winning product portfolio address customers' key concerns. Cima Software is a Platinum Plus member of RiSVP.

"Together with Cima Software, we will continue to provide customers with real enhanced value by delivering a broad set of capabilities designed to improve business processes and reduce operational costs," said Hede Nonaka, executive vice president, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "Both organizations are committed to developing solutions driven by customer need and not industry hype."

For more information on RiSVP, please visit www.ricohalliances.com.

About Cima Software Corporation

Cima Software Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is an information management organization, specializing in creating and delivering innovative and process oriented document management solutions. Information about Cima's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.docuclass.com.

About Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 72-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2007 sales in excess of $22 billion, a 7.3 percent increase over the previous year.

Ricoh Americas Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Ricoh Americas Corporation directly or through its network of authorized dealers markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com.

All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies

Copy Machine Lease or Purchase?

Over the years, I've had many customers ask the age old question. Should I lease or purchase this copier?

I've been in the business almost 30 years and for those 30 years at the end of 36, 48 or 60 month lease you have been able to lease a new machine with more features and the same speed for less than what you leased the system for.

Yes, interest is charged on the lease.

However there are many things to consider when leasing. One, you preserve you capital, meaning you do not have to lay out $10,000 for a new system. Two, the "Time Value of Money". Three you can write off the entire amount of a "Fair Market Value" lease within the term. Four, basically the system are worthless after 48 & 60 months, new technology in the industry comes along every eighteen months or so.

Consider this scenario, today I spend $20,000 for a new copier system, in three years the system is shot, either due to not working well, or over use. Purchasing another system means spending another $20,000, so in three years you've laid out $40,000. If you would have leased the system for three years, you would no initial out lay of cash and could turn in the system and release another. Even if you lease leased for $20,000 for 60 months, payments would have been $390. Thus, after 36 months you would have 24 payments of $390 ($9,360) left. Here you can do a few things, negotiate with dealer to pick up a few payments to upgrade with them, or roll the balance into a new lease. Most dealers will pick up some of the remaining balance, lets say 20% ($1,872), your balance in the old lease is now $7,488, the cost of the new machine is again $20,000 ($390 for 60 months), and the balance on the old lease is $7,488 ($146.01), your new lease would be for $536.01. Your out of pocket for 36 months would have been ($14,040 initial term & one new payment at $536.01) $14,576.01.

Talk to your account, see what they think is right for you.

The only way I would purchase a system is at the end of the the year and I need the right off, or I am a very low volume user and believe the system will last ten years.

Hope this helps!!!