{"id":6304,"date":"2013-12-27T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2013-12-27T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theweekinimaging.com\/?p=6304"},"modified":"2014-01-06T16:43:42","modified_gmt":"2014-01-06T21:43:42","slug":"2013-highlights-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/feature-articles\/2013\/12\/2013-highlights-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"2013 Highlights of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2013<\/a>Over the past four weeks we’ve been\u00a0presenting the highlights of the year from a wide variety of companies serving the office imaging space from hardware manufacturers, to solutions and services organizations, to the consulting and analyst communities. Taken together these highlights paint a broad and positive picture of what went down in the industry in 2013.<\/p>\n

GreatAmerica Financial Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201cGreatAmerica Experience\u201d continues to prevail as the highest quality of service in the financing industry (as recently confirmed in Frank Cannata\u2019s Annual Dealer Survey).\u00a0 This drives customer satisfaction as we uncover opportunities to help our dealers evolve in the market.\u00a0 We continue to provide flexible invoicing solutions to support their managed print initiatives as well as a bundled solution for managed IT. Our highlight of 2013 centers around the good momentum we have gained with our Managed IT Services offering. Starting and growing a Managed IT Services business takes a tremendous amount of discipline, and we\u2019ve added a number of support and resource offerings to help dealers evolve their Managed IT businesses. Good progress was made with our Navigator Managed IT Business Planning sessions in 2013.\u00a0 We also enhanced our Collabrance new partner training with guidance around financial modeling, sales, marketing, implementation and onboarding. Our Collabrance partners are now consistently bringing on new profitable deals. We look forward to adding to our tools and resources to provide benchmarking and building a model for success through our Managed IT Peer Groups in 2014.<\/p>\n

Canon U.S.A.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2013, Canon U.S.A. launched important new and updated services designed to help businesses of all sizes implement high-performance print workflow systems in the most productive, secure and cost-effective manner as possible, initiatives we expect will continue to increase our market share and overall growth in Canon\u2019s Business Imaging Solution Group. For example, one of Canon\u2019s latest software innovations \u2013 Therefore, an end-to-end information management solution \u2013 provides employees with the ability to retrieve, edit and process documents quickly and efficiently so entire workflows can be completely automated. Another key highlight of 2013 was the release of our MREAL mixed reality system in March, which simultaneously merges virtual objects with the real world, at full scale and in three dimensions. With the increasing demand for cloud and mobility products and services, in 2013 we continued to focus on developing advanced software and hardware solutions that speak to these needs, across all the major verticals we serve.<\/p>\n

HP<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2013, HP took the office mobility revolution to the next level making mobile printing more simple and secure than ever before. The 24×7 workday makes it essential for organizations to invest in printing technologies that support mobility without sacrificing security or efficiency. This year, HP has innovated to help the mobile workforce print whenever and wherever they need using NFC touch-to-print and wireless direct technologies. In October 2013, HP launched new printers and MFPs, the HP LaserJet Enterprise M800 series<\/a>, and two mobile print accessories, the 1200w Mobile Print Accessory<\/a> and HP JetDirect 2800w for FutureSmart Fleet<\/a>, that bring touch-to-print and wireless direct capabilities to more than 40M HP LaserJets within HP\u2019s installed base.<\/p>\n

Image Star\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2013 Image Star put a solid focus on growth and customer service.\u00a0 One of the most significant additions was a new warehouse facility in Fresno, CA.\u00a0 This helped reduce ship time to West Coast customers while improving our national fill rate.\u00a0 This along with some strategic distribution partnerships like Eastern Connection allowed us to increase the number of customers where we offer next day ground service.\u00a0 There is more to come in 2014.<\/p>\n

Also we focused on product line expansion.\u00a0 The additions of SINDOH, Fellowes and a remanufactured printer line expanded our offering into hardware.\u00a0 Also, adding the Skilcraft brand of imaging supplies opened up new opportunities for our customers with the Federal government.\u00a0\u00a0 Focusing on Xerox compatible cartridges helped fuel growth and adjust to significant distribution changes in the OEM market.<\/p>\n

We have also added additional staff this year to help our Account Managers service our customers.\u00a0 The new staff has been mentored by experienced people to improve their proficiency quickly.\u00a0 This reduces our phone hold time.\u00a0 It\u2019s been an exciting year and sets us up for fantastic 2014.<\/p>\n

MWA<\/strong><\/p>\n

2013 –\u00a0What\u00a0a year it was! During 2013 we witnessed and participated in the ongoing “morphing” of the Imaging Channel which is the key driver for our collective future. \u00a0Here at MWAi we enthusiastically welcomed and participated in this “morphing” which guides us to the ongoing development of our Technology United Program, forged an exciting new partnership with \u00a0SAP – the number one ERP company in the world – and created the all new MWAi FORZA product specifically developed for the BTA community. We have achieved something special thus far, but we view this as just the beginning!<\/p>\n

CIT Vendor Finance<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2013, CIT Vendor Finance used our expertise and insight to solve a problem for our vendor and dealer customers through the launch of a new product. In September, FlexAbility (www.cit.com\/flexability<\/a>) went live. This industry-first suite of products allows companies virtually unlimited options in structuring what they sell, how they charge for it and who they partner with. CIT\u2019s clients say FlexAbility provides capabilities that they\u2019ve never seen and are working with CIT to use it to grow revenues and margins.<\/p>\n

Managed Print Services Association (MPSA)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our awards; it was the first time we standardized the whole process. We now have a solid process written in stone that will be used for years and years. That\u2019s big for us. Also, in the last three months MPSA Europe has really taken off and we have a solid presence that\u2019s building. Our membership is also\u00a0 growing and we have new corporate members joining, including Xerox for the first time.<\/p>\n

BTA<\/strong><\/p>\n

2013 was a banner year for the Business Technology Association. The association ended its 2012-13 fiscal year on June 30 with the highest membership retention rate it has achieved in at least 15 years. Clearly, more office technology dealers are taking a second look at BTA and seeing the value of its many member benefits.<\/p>\n

Sharp<\/strong><\/p>\n

This past November, during its Dealer Meeting, Sharp introduced Cloud Portal Office, a first-of-its-kind software solution designed for an increasingly mobile workforce where companies need to share information while maintaining control and security over critical documents. What differentiates Cloud Portal Office from other cloud solutions currently on the market is the unique combination of capabilities it brings together. CPO provides secure anywhere, anytime access to business content, facilitates both remote and in person collaboration, and creates a single repository for both electronic and hard copy documents accessible from a wide range of business platforms including tablets, smartphones, traditional PCs, as well as Sharp\u2019s AQUOS BOARDTM Interactive Display Systems and Sharp OSA enabled MFPs. CPO will be available in the first quarter of 2014.<\/p>\n

West Point Products<\/strong><\/p>\n

West Point Products continues to focus on innovating and adding value by investing in products and services to maximize profit margins for dealers and resellers. This includes the release of the ColorLogic Technology series and the printXL extended yield cartridge line. ColorLogic Technology sets a new standard in color quality and performance by utilizing next generation technology, high quality chemical toners and components, and proprietary robotics and automation – offering a true alternative to the OEM.\u00a0 The printXL extended yield cartridge line is equally impressive. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in state-of-the-art,\u00a0ISO 9001:2008-certified facilities,\u00a0 printXL cartridges offer superior performance while surpassing even the highest OEM page yields\u00a0 without sacrificing print density or quality.\u00a0 In addition, West Point Products enhanced the Axess MPS program with the launch of comprehensive sales training and a fully turn-key contract services program to provide dealers a partner for MPS delivery.\u00a0 These new MPS program tools complement the existing program infrastructure that includes remote monitoring software, TCO calculator and proposal generator, and national service support and dispatch. In recognition of the quality of its services and adherence to best practices, the Axess MPS program was awarded the CompTIA MPS Trustmark.<\/p>\n

Ervin Leasing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ervin Leasing highlights for 2013 include closing the transaction with the Bank of Ann Arbor ( BOAA just named \u00a0a top twenty best banks in the country), funding our 87,000th<\/sup> transaction, reengaging in the office technology space to help independent resellers, and hiring top sales executives to support our growth.<\/p>\n

Toshiba America Business Solutions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The year 2013 has been an incredibly positive time for us at Toshiba.\u00a0 Our \u00a0e-STUDIO2550C\/2551C color series secured an array of honors including the American Business Awards \u201cBest New B2B Product\u201d as well as Better Buys for Business \u201cInnovative Product of the Year\u201d and \u201cEditor\u2019s Choice Award.\u201d\u00a0 To help organizations enhance their environmental leadership, in June we unveiled the world\u2019s first multifunction product using erasable toner \u2013 the e-STUDIO306LP\/RD30 \u2013 which allows users to reuse the same sheet of paper up to five times.\u00a0 We are further excited about our new Toshiba Managed Business Services organization, which completed its first full year of operations in the black while scoring some impressive wins along the way.\u00a0 Rounding out the year, we launched our digital signage brand, called Ellumina, which includes everything from interactive touch displays to large networked digital signage solutions.<\/p>\n

Square 9<\/strong><\/p>\n

Square 9 Softworks, developers of the SmartSearch document management suite of solutions, has taken content management to the next level with new functionality within the advanced GlobalSearch mobile access Web platform. To further enhance customer experience, GlobalSearch leverages breakthroughs in Web technology, including a fully eSign compliant Web-based signature solution as well as drag and drop capture capabilities and a new touch optimized interface. Through advanced viewing technology, GlobalSearch is the proven solution to increase document interaction while having anywhere, anytime access to create, review or approve workflow activities.<\/p>\n

Xerox<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year, Xerox expanded its offerings to address the impact the \u201calways-on\u201d workplace has on productivity, and to better support customers\u2019 entire IT environments from end-to-end. As enterprises looked to better manage an influx of documents and data, we responded with new solutions to simplify how work gets done: ConnectKey \u2013 a software system and set of solutions that supports mobile access, BYOD and cloud apps \u2013 and the next generation of managed print services (MPS). We introduced ConnectKey to make it easier and more secure for businesses to tackle document management needs right from their multifunction device, while our new three-stage approach to MPS \u2013 assess and optimize; secure and integrate; automate and simplify \u2013 is a roadmap to help bridge the paper and digital worlds.<\/p>\n

Notable Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been another great year for Notable Solutions with the launch of NSi Output Manager, significant enhancements to NSi Mobile, and integration of\u00a0 NSi AutoStore with SAP in Europe. Additionally, our solutions successfully met stringent DoD certifications, EHR interoperability mandates, and financial banking security requirements. And for the second consecutive year, Deloitte recognized Notable Solutions on its Technology Fast 500 list of high growth companies in America.\u00a0 We have seen exceptional growth and new business opportunities in the government, financial and healthcare sectors and are now supporting more than 20,000 customers worldwide.<\/p>\n

Industry Analysts\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Industry Analysts, Inc.’s highlight of the year was the success of our newsletter, The What’s Happenin’s Report, and taking over as the number one copier\/printer group on LinkedIn, both in terms of members and activity. The What’s Happenin’ Report\u00a0is now read over 40,000 times each month (up 64 percent from this time last year)\u00a0by more than 15,000 print industry professionals and has become one of the most popular places to find breaking stories, industry trends and all kinds of relevant news about our industry from all manufacturers.<\/p>\n

Katun<\/strong><\/p>\n

2013 has been a banner year for Katun. We celebrated two significant milestones:\u00a025 billion color pages and one trillion combined monochrome and color pages produced using Katun toners. We’ve introduced more than 150 significant new products, and rolled out several online catalog\u00a0tools to benefit our customers, including a mobile version of our site and a new dashboard feature that enables customers to quickly and easily access important account information and cost saving opportunities.<\/p>\n

DocuWare<\/strong><\/p>\n

For DocuWare, the highlight of this past year was the acquisition of Westbrook with its Fortis and Fortis Blue product line. Having the opportunity to merge with one of the great pioneers of document management and now work with its very loyal partner and customer base towards a great future as part of the DocuWare family, has truly been a thrilling and rewarding experience in 2013!<\/p>\n

Parts Now!<\/strong><\/p>\n

2013 has been one of the most transformational years in Parts Now\u2019s 25-year history. We have made significant investments in warehouse logistics, business integration, ecommerce solutions, and product line expansion, in order to better support our customers today and ready their businesses for future growth. With changes of this magnitude there are bound to be transitional challenges, and we have greatly appreciated the patience and commitment we have experienced from our valued customers during this past year.\u00a0 We are coming out of 2013 having re-established ourselves in this industry in a new, exciting way and look forward to what 2014 and beyond holds for Parts Now.<\/p>\n

Strategy Development<\/strong><\/p>\n

We continue to help industry leading players grow revenues and profits\u2014nothing is more rewarding than that!\u00a0 In 2013 we launched our advanced enterprise selling skills\u00a0(AESS) training program to rave reviews; every dealership that sent people to a class sent additional sales professionals in the future.\u00a0 AESS truly helps sales professionals understand how to sell from a consultative perspective.\u00a0 We updated our MPS sales and advanced sales programs and had great attendance at these courses as well; we’re now the only company offering MPS training, which is exactly where we were eight years ago.\u00a0 Our sales management training had record attendance as more companies become aware of just how important the front line manager is to the success of a sales organization.\u00a0 And finally, we added some great new clients to our consulting portfolio.<\/p>\n

Everbank Commercial Finance<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the last 12 months, client demand has driven\u00a0incredible growth\u00a0for\u00a0both EverBank Commercial Finance’s sales team and our product offerings. In our office products division, we have been aggressively\u00a0recruiting\u00a0the best in the business to support our partners\u2019 needs, adding two new sales directors and increasing our field sales team by 25 percent. We expanded our offerings in these areas in response to what we were hearing from our partners, and we\u2019ve really gotten a lot of positive feedback, which I\u2019d attribute in no small way to the tireless, hands-on approach our team has taken to help our partners really get the greatest value for all of their financing needs.<\/p>\n

Lexmark<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our highlights include:<\/p>\n