PrintIT issue48

BULLETIN PRINT.IT 7 www.printitmag.co.uk Lexmark targets manufacturing firms Lexmark International aims to boost the efficiency of European manufacturing businesses with the launch of a new solution that works with Lexmark Smart MFPs to automate time-consuming, paper-based processes in shipping and receiving operations. Lexmark Supply Chain Document Optimisation for Manufacturing enables manufacturers to: n Improve customer service: Shipping and receiving documents are produced and captured at the point of transaction so order and delivery information can instantly be shared with customers. n Reduce expenses: Multipart forms and dot matrix printers are replaced with advanced, efficient laser technology that prints on demand using standard copier paper. n Drive productivity: Electronic forms provide instant visibility of supply chain documents and eliminate delays caused by out-of-stock supplies and pre- printed forms. n Support compliance: Information for audits and compliance requirements is immediately accessible. Lexmark manufacturing industry director John Linton said: “Manufacturing and supply chain processes often rely on paper, making them slow and inefficient. It’s also difficult to have real-time visibility into shipment status, which can impact customer service. And when a pre- printed document, label or tag is out of stock, it can shut down a production line and further delay shipments. We developed Lexmark Supply Chain Document Optimization to help manufacturers overcome these challenges.” www.lexmark.co.uk Epson Nuance agreement Epson Europe has signed a global partnership deal with Nuance to integrate the Equitrac Office/Express and eCopy ShareScan print management solutions with Epson’s range of business inkjet MFPs. The combination of Epson’s inkjet technology and Nuance’s software will enable customers to cut costs and improve the efficiency of their print and document processes, while helping Epson Europe to take a greater share of the € 8.4 billion European corporate MFP market. Epson Europe aims to increase sales in the region by 25% to € 2 billion by 2020. Stagecoach streamlines purchase invoice approval process Public transport group Stagecoach is automating the purchase invoice approval process for its Stagecoach Rail Business Development (SRBD) team with a cloud- based offering from Cloud B2B Solutions. By enabling invoice approval at any time, from any location, the solution has reduced supplier payment delays and improved invoice traceability and auditability for the geographically dispersed team. Cloud B2B Solutions produced a bespoke version of its Purchase Invoice Approval product, which allows five levels of approver to approve, reject or query invoices, with the option to add explanatory notes. www.cloudb2bsolutions.co.uk in brief... SMEs behind the curve Fewer than one in four SMEs has a print policy, despite the cost savings and efficiency gains that they can deliver. In a recent survey by Altodigital, 78% of SMB IT managers said their company did not have a print policy in place. In stark contrast, 57% of corporate IT managers surveyed by the office technology provider say they reviewed their print strategy at least once a year. One quarter review their print policy at least every six months. One in four unproductive One in four UK workers (23%) describes themselves as ‘unproductive’ at work, rising to 28% of employees aged 18-24. The main causes identified in the Vodafone report Working in the UK: Power of Productivity include work processes (cited by 51% of employees), meetings (47%), poor technology (42%) and stress (42%). www.vodafone.co.uk/ business/solutions/ Remote management KYOCERA Document Solutions has launched cloud-based remote monitoring and management services for its MFPs. Partners can use KYOCERA Fleet Services to view the status of devices, identify problems and, for the first time, undertake remote maintenance from any location, including the remote control of device panels, device configuration and managing maintenance tasks, such as firmware upgrades and settings adjustments.