Samsung Deals another Blow to MFP Giants (Ricoh, Canon, KonicaMinolta)

You here it from me over and over, A4 devices are the way to go!

Samsung has launched their 6555N Multifunctional System, a 55 page per minute device that incorporates a 7" LCD display, 1200x1200 dpi, max paper capacity of 3,240 sheets. The system will color scan out of the box along with an FCOT of 5 seconds, a FPOT of 8 seconds and a max monthly volume rating of 250,000 pages per month. Optional sorter/stapler, fax module and three additional paper trays are available. Get this, the MSRP is $3,995!!



First glimpse tells me that this system is based on the 6354n (45ppm) device, Samsung has changed from older the mono 7" screen to a color 7" screen and beefed the speed from 45 pages per minute to 55 pages per minute. From the picture it seems like the document feeder may have been changed also, not sure, I'll have to wait until I see one of these bad boys.


No 11x17 capability, but who the heck needs 11x17 anymore! Personally, I think the MSRP is two low. It should be more like $6,995, thus allowing dealers and salespeople the opportunity to upgrade older A3 devices to SCX-6555N. I have a few 6345N's in the field generating an average of 8,000 pages per month and no reported problems.


What's next for Sammy a 75ppm device, maybe 85ppm, are all of the A3 devices made by the likes of Ricoh, Canon, Fuji Xerox, KonicaMinolta overpriced? It all depends on if you need 11x17 to print copy or scan. Fact is, Sammy has plans on 75, 90 & 110 ppm systems!


Realizing, that the cost per page of the SCX-6555N is twice that of a 55ppm A3 device. The SCX-6555N still has a home in the SMB market place especially if the user is average 10,000 pages per month. At a cost per page of .016 the SCX-6555N will have a total cost of ownership of $13,995 with out any options. Take a similar A3 device that has an MSRP of $20,000 and a consumable cost (based on 600,000 pages) of $5,100, thsu we have a TCO of $25,100. That's a HUGE difference. Some will argue that the 55ppm A3 devices will last longer and have a larger paper supply, and I might agree, however I could buy three of the SCX-6555N's and still be under the $25,100.


What I'd really like to see is the likes of Ricoh, Canon, KonicaMinolta, Fuji Xerox to wake up and smell the coffee! We don't have to bring to market A4 devices with a very low MSRP, we can bring them in higher and we can sell the reliability, quality and a lower cost per page. Currently we are producing 55ppm A3 devices with cost per pages under a penny, why o why can't we do this with an A4 device!! Come on people Wake UP!!

Buying a New or Used Copy Machine on the Internet? "Buyer Beware"

Sneakers, Software, Computers, and Clothes all good things to buy via the Internet. New or Pre-Owned and used copiers....not a good thing to buy over the Internet.

In my 28 years in the business, copy machines are service intensive machines, whether they are analog or digital, they need a qualified service engineer in order to service them correctly and keep them running. Without getting very technical and I could, but its late on Sunday and I'll need some down time later. I'll list a few reason why you should not buy used, pre-owned or off lease copy machines over the Internet.

1. There is no "car fax" for copy machines, you have no idea who serviced the unit, how qualified the service engineers were, if the machine was in a flood, dropped, re boxed or if the factory updates were ever performed. This alone should be enough to scare you away.

2. How will it be shipped? Copy Machines are very susceptible to bent frames, broken covers, trays and displays when not shipped properly. Do you want to go through the hassle of an insurance claim if the copier arrives damaged? Be wary of any copier that ships via UPS, real copiers are heavy and very susceptible to damage.

3. Who will service this new beauty or the very low volume system that only grandma used to make a few copies a week. Are there reliable service engineers in your area that are Authorized to make repairs? You could have everything go right and the copy machine is perfect, however your local service company does not know how to fix it, or they will take three days be on site or maybe the closed Authorized Dealer is 150 miles or more away!

4. Who will assist with all of advanced functionality of the unit? Are you prepared to spend hours on the Internet searching for manuals, software and drivers? Or countless hours to figure out how it making print, scan and fax connections?

5. When the machine arrives are you prepared to pay for someone to install the unit or train your staff how to use the system?

6. Meters on copy machines, if they can be turned back on cars, they can also be turned back on copy machines. Are you willing to take that risk and get a machine that has a million pages on it, when you thought the meter was 100,000 pages?

Buying anything new, used or pre-owned is a risk on the Internet, especially copiers. If you want a new, used or pre-owned call your local dealer and ask what they have to offer. Most dealers will be able to accommodate your needs with new, used or pre-owned copy machine that they have service from day one!

Decesion Making for the Right MFP!

The following features will help you decide which is the right All in One Printer for you:

Speed: Pages per minute(ppm) is the average speed printing black and white pages only. Since color images need to be scanned thoroughly and printed differently, they tend to take longer than black and white copies.

Resolution: Resolutions is measured in dots per inch - the more dots, the finer the resolution of the text or image. As images are more complex to copy than text, image resolution can be different than the text resolution. RAM: Or buffer memory holds the graphic information on its way to be printed. The larger the buffer memory, the faster the printer can print complex graphics.

Parallel Port: An Interface cables is typically used for two way communication between the printer and the PC, usually they aren't included with printers.

USB Port: Or Universal Serial Bus Ports are a different and new way to connect printer and Computer. USB ports allow more than one external devices connected to the same port, to the computer. Not only are they easier to install they transfer data much faster than the parallel or serial ports.

MacIntosh Port: Some printers come with mac interface ports which looks like the round keyboard and mouse ports on PC.

FAX: If there are going to be multiple users for the same machine, a single click copy and fax function with easy to read front panel is ideal. Fax Speed: This is the maximum bits per second that can be sent or received by the fax machine. Actual speed can be different as it also depends on the machine on the other end of the fax.

Fax Forwarding: This feature automatically forwards received faxes to another number programmed.

Fax Page Memory: A larger memory allows you to leave the fax machine unattended for a longer period of time. It keeps recently received faxes in memory if the fax machine runs out of paper. After refilling the paper for the fax, it then prints out the faxes that were stored.

Automatic Document Feeder(ADF): ADF is convenient as you don't have to feed each page by hand. A large feeder has a number of pages and hence is more appropriate for long documents as it is not required to be reloaded soon.

Speed dial: Frequently dialed numbers can be programmed into the units memory for convenience.

Junk Fax Block: This feature provides the freedom to program numbers from which you don’t want to receive faxes. The fax machine still answers the call; it just doesn’t print anything out. On the other side the fax machine thinks the fax was transmitted and doesn’t call back.

Broadcast Number Locations: This features helps you in saving some money as it sends the same fax to different phone numbers. You only feed the documents into the machine once, enter a list of phone numbers, and the fax machine takes care of the rest.

Scanners: A scanner makes a digital copy of an image and outputs that into a file that you can view and change on your computer. Some MFPs combine a color scanner with a color printer, so they can function as color copiers. Others offer only a black and white scanner, providing you monochrome copies even if they include a color printer. Generally all the scanners let you scan to copy or fax, but some of them let you scan to disk, giving you all the benefits of a scanner.

Copy Speed: Is the speed in pages per minute for a series of copies. Copy speed of 1st page is different than the copy speed 2nd pages. Since the copier has to scan the original to generate the first page, it takes longer than the rest of the pages.

Enhanced DPI: The scanner enhanced DPI resolution indicates the resolution that the device is capable of yielding through interpolation (a software program in the machine does this).

Optical DPI: The scanners optical DPI is the physical resolution at which a device can capture an image. The larger the number of the optical dpi, the sharper the image will be. Compatability: Most MFPs work fine with windows PCs but not with a Mac system. So don't forget to check the compatability of your PC with MFP. Also make sure that your system has room in hard-disk and RAM for your Multifunction Printer, as is require

What is a "searhable" PDF?

ADVANCED FUNCTIONS- create searchable PDF documents with this application.

What is a “searchable” PDF?-
In simple terms, a searchable PDF is an image (picture) containing the “text” in a layer (usually behind the image and not visible). A scanned document (PDF as image format) is NOT searchable until an OCR (optical character recognition) process is performed on the document. Some scanning hardware can deliver a searchable PDF (the OCR process is performed during the delivery process). A searchable PDF can also be created by PDF distiller software. This process “converts” a digitized file, such as a MS Word document, to a PDF format. Because the original document was digitized (contains text), the OCR process is not required and a searchable PDF is rendered. An easy way to determine if a PDF is searchable is to open the document with Adobe Reader or Acrobat and perform a “find” function. If the found “text” is highlighted, the document is a searchable PDF.

Benefits of a “searchable” PDF-

Searchable PDF’s are very useful for retrieving documents from a document Repository (full content management) and useful to find the location of a word (s) within the document.
Adobe Systems provides a free downloadable tool known as an iFilter. The iFilter provides a link between the “text” layer of the searchable PDF and an “indexing” engine. This connection provides for retrieval of the document by any word(s) contained in the “text” layer or in the metadata (Title, Subject, Author, Keywords) of a PDF. Indexing engines include:

A) The catalog feature of Adobe Acrobat- very powerful engine which provides advanced searching functionality.
B) MS Indexing Services- an “index” maintained at the server level with “load” processing options built into MS server platforms. Note: this application has an unlimited user retrieval tool that leverages this free MS service.
C) MS Desktop Search- a free, downloadable MS powerful tool that maintains an “index” on the desktop of either desktop files, server files or both.
D) MS Sharepoint- searchable PDF’s can be retrieved with the built-in query tool.
E) Other DMS- most document management systems can retrieve searchable PDF’s.



The requirements are:
1) A full license of TOCR (the OCR engine)
2) The “captured” document should be a Group 3 or IV B/W tif.

There are two components that are used to create “searchable” Pdf’sOCR Processor must be set as Full Page; however, you may OCR All pages, the first page, or identify the pages to OCR.

Laser Printers vs Inkjet!

For Printing requirements the choice is Laser Printers versus Inkjet Printers.

Laser printers usually are capable of producing professional-looking text and images. They are ideal for handling heavier printing jobs at a lower cost per page.

Inkjet Printers on the other hand are less expensive, but they're designed for modest printing needs.

Return Leased Copiers

Over the years, I would say that ninety percent of my clients leased their copiers with an option to buy the copier at the end of the term. Most of these leases had a buy out option for FMV (Fair Market Value). The general idea of an FMV lease is that the customer has no intention of ever owning the equipment and they will return it at the end of the lease.

Most leasing companies have been and still are very aggressive with FMV rates (interest), however most will have clauses in the leases that you must notify them in writing before the end of the term. All of the leasing companies have a "Window" clause, meaning you only have "x" amount of time when you can notify them, some are not more than 90 days prior to the end of the term and others are not more than 180 days and not less than 90 days. Make sure you read the lease!!!

Here's a few helpful tips for you:

1. Read the lease and be familiar with the return clause, Make sure you notify with in the parameters of the lease contract.


2. Set a reminder in MS Outlook or another contact management program to remind you to submit your LOI (Letter of Intent), state whether you will return or you wish to purchase.
   Send all correspondence via certified mail of Fedex, where you will get a signature that they received your letter.


3. Make sure that the system is in good condition, good quality copiers and that the machine passes a piece of paper (some leases now have clauses that they will charge you for parts and labor if the system was not returned in good working order).


4. Most leasing companies have preferred shipping companies that will pick up, pack, return and insure the product, make sure you call the leasing company for a list of preferred shippers.


5. When calling the leasing company for a pay off figure, never ask for a buy-out, ask what the remaining stream of payments are. When asking for a buyout you are telling them that you want to buy the system.


6. Make sure all shipments are insured.


7. Take a video of the copier making copies, also the model number and serial number, hence you proof that it left your facility in good working order.


8. Whenever calling them always get the name of the person you are speaking with, log date and time of call and if you have a verbal agreement make them send you a fax, email or letter stating their position.


9. Be wary when upgrading and the new copier company states they will return it for you, while most companies will do this as a service and most are very good at it, there are some who will drop the ball and not return the system on time. If they don't return on time it's your headache not theirs. Have a separate contract with the new vendor that covers everything above.


10. Never have the system moved from your location until you have notified the leasing company or they have sent you a RAL (Return Authorization Letter).


11. I've written this for the end user, however dealers and sales people can benefit from some of this especially videoing the product before it is shipped and having a separate contract for return.

PRINT4PAY HOTEL APPOINTS NEAL PETERMANN AS MODERATOR FOR KONICAMINOLTA MESSAGE BOARD

Highlands, NJ, March 01, 2008 --(PR.COM)-- The Print4Pay Hotel: The Imaging Professional’s Resource Center, and the leading provider of information for the copier sales professional has announced Neal Petermann as Moderator for the KonicaMinolta Message Board.

“We’re excited about having Neal on board. Neal brings 13 years of sales experience to the site along with having been Major Account Rep, Sales Manager, District Manager for various companies like Minolta Business Solutions, and Oce. Neal is positioned with McShane’s Business Solutions in Direct Sales, notes Art Post, founder and CEO.

“Now all KonicaMinolta Copier Sales Professional can communicate with their own Message Board in a secure environment where they can share information with other successful KonicaMinolta professionals from all over the world!”

Post emphasizes that the message boards that allow Print4Pay Hotel members to share knowledge ultimately add value to the customer-dealer relationship, and that more knowledgeable sales professionals have a direct impact on the dealerships they serve as well as the products they service. “This is a rapidly changing industry that’s becoming increasingly complex as manufacturer’s introduce more solutions that integrate with a customer’s network,” says Post.

The Print4Pay Hotel (http://www.p4photel.org/), which debuted in 2001, provides extensive imaging product information—both on the Ricoh Family Group products, KonicaMinolta, Canon & Kyocera products—and serves as a forum for imaging industry personnel to share knowledge. In addition to the message boards, the site provides its members with the latest press releases, industry links, industry blog, competitive price quotes, industry news, and classified ads as well as photos and articles related to selling more solutions. The site currently has more than 1,600 members and averages 1,000 page views per day.

Although most members are from the U.S., the site also serves members from 90 other countries.

The Print4Pay Hotel was envisioned as a means for imaging industry professionals to satisfy their “Need for Knowledge.” The site, http://www.p4photel.org/ , allows digital imaging specialists to share information and find answers quickly. It’s also a place where imaging professionals can store their knowledge, search their knowledge, and share their inspirations, ideas and passion for the industry.

"MFP Wars" Hi Speed A3 Devices vs A4 Devices

In the MFP (copier) business A3 devices are capable of reproducing Ledger Size documents (11x17) and A4 devices are confined to reproducing Letter and Legal Size documents.

In recent years HP led the charge with A4 devices with the HP4345 45 ppm), complete with duplexing, stapling, fax, print, scan and stapling. Hp is using an AIO (All In One Cartridge) that combines toner, drum, cleaning blade, toner waste, magnetic roller and cleaning blade. Samsung during the last year launched the 6345N(45 ppm), another A4 device that also has all of the features of the HP4345 plus a few more. The Samsung 6345N uses a separate drum cartridge and a toner unit (houses magnetic roller, toner and hopper). Six months ago Xerox launched the Work Centre 4150 (Xerox claims a monthly up to 200,000 pages a month), the Xerox 4150 is OEM'd by Samsung and is almost identical to the Samsung 6345N. Just three months ago Muratec launched their version the MFX 4550 (also the Samsung 6345N). Toshiba has recognized the need for hi-speed A4 devices also, and I expect them to launch a similar product in 2008. Samsung already has plans for a 55ppm A4 device to launch in 2008!

So whats the big deal with these devices? Industry reports indicate that upwards of 90% of users do need need to print A3 (Ledger), plus these devices can support average monthly volumes of up to 10,000 pages a month or more! Typically all of these devices have a higher per page cost that traditional A3 devices, the cost per page can be almost be half the cost of A4 devices.

Back in the 80's when Minolta launched the 350Z, it was a unique system in that it could scan 11x17, but could only copy letter and legal. The selling advantage was that you could reduce your 11x17 documents down to a more manageable paper size. Why can't this be done today? When are manufacturers stepping up to the plate and delivering real savings to customers. How about designing an A4 system that has a per page cost that is equivalent to A3 devices., and also giving customers that ability to scan 11x17 if needed.

It seems like Samsung and HP are driving A4 devices, while the likes of Xerox and Muratec are relabeling. Can or will Ricoh, Canon, Toshiba, KonicaMinolta or Kyocera design an A4 device for the ages that will copy, print, scan and fax with the traditional cost of A3 devices.
Love to hear from others on this.

How to Buy A Copier (multifunctional)

Buying or Leasing a copier can be troubling at times. Using a few of these tips may be able to guide you through the nine different manufacturers and countless salespeople. After 27 years of selling copiers I think I've got a pretty good handle on how to buy or lease them.

1. (Critical) Know your current monthly volume if you already have a copier, if you have never had one before and you are just starting out consult other people in your business and get an idea of what their volume is. Copiers are built for speed and endurance, usually the lower the speed, the lower the monthly volume.

2. (Critical) What are you going to make copies of monochrome or color originals, and what size (maximum 11x17 ledger, 8.5 x 14 legal and 8.5 x11 letter) are the originals that you need to copy? If you plan to make color copies then you'll need a copier that can copy in color.

3. (Critical) Do you need finishing capabilities? Copiers can now staple sets (be careful here some copiers can only staple up to 50 pages), copy two sided originals, make booklets, 2 and three hole punch, GBC punching and even Z fold 11x17.

4. (Critical) Speed, the faster the copier, the less time you have to spend there, an average office that produces 10,000 pages a month usually will buy or lease a machine that has a speed of 35 or 45 pages per minute.

5. Research the Manufacturer, alot of information can now be found on the Internet, pick out two or three manufacturers (call them in for an appointment, you can get a good look at how the company operates by the professionalism of the rep) and take a look at their products, most manufacturers will have page that allows you to compare or select models based on your volume or needs.

6. Copiers can now Print, Scan and Fax from the Network, these are awesome features and can save allot of money or paper when these features are used correctly. Most new copiers can now receive incoming faxes and forward to a email address, thus eliminating paper and consumable costs. Also getting an All in One can save hundreds of dollars on maintenance agreements and you only have to stock one brand of toner.

7. Ask questions from the representatives! Ask how long they have been working with the current company, alot of reps comes and go, you want to do business with the professional who knows his or her equipment inside and out. Ask for references and then call the references to double check their experience with either the Rep or the Dealership.

8. The thought of a cheap price is long forgotten after poor service! Yeah, you can call in nine reps and have them all give pricing, and then take the lowest price, however don't expect good service from the rep or the company, there's a reason why the are the lowest. Most copier sales people will bend over backwards for their accounts when they need help. Understand that they need to make a living also and have families to support.

9. Do not put service and supplies or a maintenance agreement into a lease! You will then be paying interest on this, negotiate outside of the lease for either a monthly, quarterly or yearly billing if you want a maintenance agreement.

10. Try and select the shortest term lease that will meet your financial budget, copiers are always changing with new features and lower operating costs. Try for a 36 month or 48 month lease.

11. Lease or Buy, leasing will cost more because of interest on the lease however monthly payments are easier to make rather then spending $10,000 or $20,000 for a copier. If you have money and do not like payments, by all means buy the system.

12. What type of lease? There are three different types of leases FMV (Fair Market Value), 10% and $1.00 out. I you are the type of company that's going to beat the tar out of a copy machine then you should opt for an FMV lease for 36 or 48 months. With FMV you have four options at the end of the term. (A.) Give the machine back and just pay the fright back to the leasing company. (B.) Trade the system in for a new one. (C.) You don't want a new system and you don't want to return, depending on the contract you can renew the lease (check your contract and read the small print) (D.) Buy the equipment for FMV, you never want this, the equipment is outdated and the technology old and you'll end up paying too much for a machine that will probably be worthless! 10% and $1.00 purchase options means that the purchase is fixed at the end of the term if you like to buy, traditionally 10% and $1.00 have higher interest rates than FMV.

I go on and on, however if you need too ask more questions, pleas log onto Copier Questions and I would be than happy to answer them for you! Hope this Helps!!!

Who Should I Buy from an Authorized Dealer or Direct Branch?

Hmmmmm, should I choose Column A or Column B?

Many years ago you could only buy Copiers from Authorized Dealers. An Authorized Dealer is a privately owned company that is local to your geographic area. A Direct Branch is owned by the manufacturer and may or may not be local to your geographic area.
For many years the debate has raged who should I buy from. Too me it plain and simple, you should buy from the company that has the best support, the best people, the company that offers more than one manufacturers solutions and the company that change on a dime when your needs change.

Typically you should ask some key questions from your sales person or your service person.
Ask the sales person how long they have worked with their current company. A sales person who has less than 2 years experience may not have the resources nor the knowledge to meet your needs.

1. Ask about the the tenure of their service personnel and if you will see the same service technician. Having an experienced service person and the same person servicing the machine is important to quality work and troubleshooting. A company that send inexperienced service reps and multiple reps to the same machine is mot what you want. Too many chefs can spoil the soup and is true with copiers.

2 Ask how long they have been in business. A couple of years may not be what you are looking for, today's machines are highly evolved from yesterdays, go with a company that has a proven track record.

3. Ask if they carry multiple solutions from different manufacturers. No one manufacturer can be everything to everyone. Authorized Dealers will have multiple solutions from multiple manufacturers. While direct branches will only sell their solutions.

4. Ask them how long it takes for a service rep to be on-site and then ask for some references. Doing the research before hand will save you time.

5. Get a copy of the sales contract and service contract to review before you sign, a wishy washy document that was created in a word document is NOT THE CONTRACT! The contract will have many clauses to protect the Direct Branch and allow them to charge you extra for supplies, fuel surcharges and more!

6. Do you really want to buy from someone who offers the lowest price? Ask yourself, what are you sacrificing when you buy solely on the lowest price? Will it be the service, the training, or the support years down the road.

Typically, Independent Authorized Dealers have longevity with their customers, sales people, service staff and technicians. Typically, Direct Branches have the higher turnover with sales people, service staff, technicians and clients.

Now some of you who know me may say that I work for a Dealer and he doesn't know the other side. That's true, I have only worked for a Dealer and never a Direct Branch. My problem is that with 27 years in the business I don't know one rep who has more than 6 years with a Direct Branch while on the other hand I know 40 or more with Dealers who have over ten years with the same Dealer (they must be doing something right). Plus, why is it, that I will get new service accounts from the Direct Branch and I don't lose any to them.

The end result is most Direct Branches (mind you there are a few excellent Direct Branches out there) are out there to capture market share for the manufacturer. They have a high turnover of sales people and support people. Since they have NO "Value" to sell, they typically sell on price. What is "Value"? It could be a number of items, the value of support after the sale, the value of competent support staff to conduct on-site training, the value of troubleshooting a problem and finding a solution. The value of providing the right solution at the right time.
Some of you may be located where there is not a choice between an established Dealer or a Direct Branch, just follow that you should buy from a company that has the best support, the best people and the company that can offer more than one manufacturers and a company that can change on a dime when your needs change.

We all want a good price, however a cheap price is long forgotten after poor service!