Print.IT Reseller - issue 74

VOX POP 01732 759725 44 ...continued... Clear signage should outline how controls are to be wiped down after use and for employees to apply hand sanitiser before and following print jobs Simon Warnes, Head of Corporate, Sharp UK: “As our customers slowly start to return to their offices, ensuring that print solutions are accessible while maintaining the government’s safety guidelines will be a main focus for Sharp. There are a number of solutions that Sharp recommends to overcome the challenges that we will all undoubtedly face as we settle back in to new processes. “In offices, printers are often grouped together (in hubs), which lead to people congregating at the same time. These are usually positioned in high footfall areas too, such as next to the coffee machine or near an entrance. Space and distancing are essential, as we well know and we are strongly recommending that these devices are moved apart and installed in more spacious areas, reducing the need for people to be in close contact. “Authentication at a device is also seen as a potential hygiene risk as many companies require users to manually input a code or user ID when using a secure printer to release jobs. As such we are also encouraging users to authenticate at software managed printing devices, utilising door passes or key fobs – which removes the need for people to come into direct contact with the printer or MFD keypad. “We will continue to proactively help our customers print efficiently whilst operating within government recommended guidelines; which will include printing safely in the office, the factory or the production area and more in-demand print-at-home solutions for mobile workers.” James Pittick, Partner Channel Director, Canon UK: “It’s important that we adhere to government guidelines and keep everyone as safe as possible as businesses return to work. Following optimum cleaning and device hygiene is more important than ever and as a vendor, we see the importance of supporting our partners to supply customers with appropriate support and guidelines. For example, we recently provided partners with updated cleaning best practice and our devices can also be updated with a visual graphic to emphasise these. Advice includes using a soft cloth for regular cleaning and ensuring surfaces are dry before turning a machine back on – steps that seem simple, but are crucial in keeping the virus at bay. “In addition to cleaning, we also have guidance to advise partners and customers on how they can minimise the number of touchpoints when using our devices. An example of this is using the Canon Print Business App, available on iOS and Android devices. It eliminates the need for a common touch point by allowing users to log into the MFD and/or printer to carry out requests via a smartphone. Another option for reducing touchpoints is the uniFLOW app (available on iOS, Android, and Windows) which allows for print management using personal devices. Users can securely release jobs from their personal print queue via the app. Locations can be detected using QR codes which can either be stuck to the device by an administrator or displayed on the device’s screen. A further option is Canon’s Remote Operator’s Software kit, a programme that replicates the device touchscreen on a computer instead, enabling the full function of the device without the need to access the usual touchscreen. “If customers are unable to use an app or mobile, administrators can set up devices to release print jobs from a user’s personal queue directly after they log into the device. This eliminates the need to use the touch screen, as the login can be handled securely and safely using a proximity card. A more lo-fi, but a very safe and simple solution is to operate the device touchscreen using a soft tip stylus pen. It eliminates common touchpoints, without the need to change personal habits or install new software.” Andy Johnson, Head of Product and Solutions Management, Brother UK: “Printing will remain a vital office function as offices and workplaces re-open and employers can ensure their people use them safely by creating instructive signs and labels and by providing hygiene essentials, from anti- bacterial wipes to Perspex screens. “Clear signage should outline how controls are to be wiped down after use and for employees to apply hand sanitiser before and following print jobs. The same processes should also be used for other ‘high-touch’ items across the workspace, from lift controls and door handles to bathroom and kitchen taps.” James Pittick David Warrington