Print.IT Reseller - issue 74

PRINTITRESELLER.UK 43 VOX POP We are also offering a service to all of our clients to ensure the necessary relocation of current machines in order to comply with current government guidelines Alpesh Unalkat, CEO, Aura: “There are a number of solutions Aura is able to provide to make print accessible and safe as lockdown is eased and work starts to return to the new normal. Whilst total non-touch is less likely when using functions such as copying or scanning from the device, we are able to introduce paper automation and workflow solutions from users’ own devices such as phones, tablets and laptops, avoiding the need to physically touch the print products in the first place. “Additionally, Aura is supporting ‘touch-less’ solutions such as authentication via QR code, ID cards, Fobs and RFID tags to enable users to safely interact with devices with minimal physical contact. These technology solutions are complemented by adjustments to associated processes around the device (e.g. engineers equipped with PPE, engineers undertaking sanitisation during preventative and remedial care visits, cleaning schedules and parts/consumables replacement coordinated with client facilities teams etc.) to ensure users can safely continue with their work and use print technologies accordingly.” Phillip John, Product Marketing Manager – Solutions, Konica Minolta: “Konica Minolta has a strict policy in place to protect against possible cross- infection from shared printers and MFPs. This starts with cleaning the machine, including disinfecting the panel (screen and keys), document feeder, document glass and handles of paper trays using a soft cloth dampened with IPA (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol. Once this is done, we suggest minimising physical contact with the device. This includes using secure access (contacting our team if the user needs help getting this enabled) so users don’t have to touch the device to release a print job, along with remote access which controls the device from a tablet or smartphone and enables access to the buttons on the LCD control panel remotely. “We also suggest the use of a stylus on the multifunction panel to keep it as clean and possible and to allow the user to avoid direct contact. Many Konica Minolta machines also offer remote scanning, so you can scan documents remotely using your smartphone. “Konica Minolta’s eBiz secure customer portal is also in place to help with the maintenance of printers and MFPs, and again cutting the likelihood of cross-infection. This enables the review of all the devices covered by your print solution, the creation of service requests (and monitoring of the progress of those requests), the ordering of consumables to ensure business continuity, tracking of orders and service requests as well as request email updates, management of current and historical invoices, and contact with our technical support teams (again to avoid further unnecessary physical contact wherever possible). “Inevitably a Konica Minolta engineer will need to visit some of our customers, but safety is still our primary priority. All our technicians have been issued with PPE equipment (masks and gloves) and we ask our customers to ensure their staff follow government guidelines in terms of social distancing and use of PPE.” Clive Hamilton, Managing Director, Pinnacle Group: “We have been looking at various solutions that will allow us to manage and utilise contactless printer app services. So by being able to deploy mobile print solutions along with RFID readers to authenticate a secure print solution. “We are also offering a service to all of our clients to ensure the necessary relocation of current machines in order to comply with current government guidelines as well as installing additional devices within departments. “Implementing appropriate social distancing signage alongside monitored and regular cleaning of the machines as a service provided by Pinnacle, with staff taking a more personal responsibility for the cleanliness of the device.” ”Faced with the current COVID-19 pandemic, safety is even more important. As such, Kyocera offers a range of software solutions and practical tips to enable users to continue to utilise our multifunctional and single-function devices, helping organisations to get back to the ‘new normal’. “In order to minimise traffic in areas surrounding printers and MFPs, Kyocera has made two mobile apps available that allow employees and visitors to seamlessly access Kyocera devices without spending unnecessary time by the printer or MFP. “By doing so, Kyocera is supporting businesses to implement the current 2 metre social distancing guidelines. Kyocera Mobile Print and Kyocera MyPanel are free applications that allow users to securely access the device from their smartphones or tablets, introducing the concept of touchless printing and scanning. Moreover, we have issued device cleaning and disinfection tips to minimise the risk of transmission.” continued... Alpesh Unalkat Michael Field