Key elements to look for in modern inkjet printing solutions

Tim Bolton, Manager, Inkjet Technology Portfolio

Summary

Discover how print fleet optimization and upgrading your continuous-feed inkjet printer delivers higher speeds, helps reduce costs, enhances productivity and drives efficiency.

Read time: 2 minutes

Modernizing and optimizing your press and print environment is critical for many reasons. Upgrading your press and printing equipment can help:

  • Reduce costs. Upgrading your printing technology can often lead to cost savings. It’s no surprise that newer presses are more efficient and can minimize waste and lower your overall operational expense.

  • Enhance productivity and drive efficiencies. Implementing the latest printing equipment offers faster speeds and a boatload of improved features, leading to quicker turnaround times and empowering your employees to become even more productive.

  • Improve data security. When it comes to security, continuous feed inkjet printers and presses can often be overlooked. However, they too could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to a recent report, the average breach now costs $4.45 million, that’s a 15% increase over the last three years.1

As you know, printing environments handle sensitive information, making security a priority. Upgrading your press ensures better security measures and helps protect sensitive data.

Modern printing solutions: from scalability to support – here’s what to look for in a new continuous-feed inkjet printer

When thinking about print fleet optimization or investing in a new press, consider everything from scalability to sustainability. This machinery is the powerhouse driving new business, impressing your current customers, and keeping you ahead of the competition. With so many options available, you’ll want to keep the following in mind.

Scalability

Like most professional printers, you’re constantly growing your business. Ensure your press can grow with you without limiting your operations. Future-proof your business by opting for a scalable design that supports continuous enhancements.

Automation

Modern-generation inkjet presses offer various benefits, including enhanced efficiencies, productivity, and quality, allowing for a more streamlined approach to printing. Significant advances in automation offer time- and cost-saving features such as paper setup, real-time color and print quality control, and unattended make-ready.

Sustainability advantages

As with any new technology, upgrading to the latest and greatest in innovation helps keep your business energy efficient. Ultra-low-power model presses help reduce utility and facility-related expenses and allow you to be more eco-friendly. Look for a press that allows for reduced paper waste at start-up and utilizes water-based inks free from hazardous chemicals and VOCs.

Speed, power, and flexibility

Gaining a competitive edge while maintaining quality and media flexibility is critical. New technology allows you to expand into new markets. Be sure to upgrade to a continuous feed inkjet printer that allows for personalizing text and images and versioning every page without slowing down the job or shrinking your margins.

Pre- and post-sales support

When researching and comparing equipment, consider the support that should come standard with your press. You’ll want to make sure your new press includes pre- and post- sales support. It’s imperative to work with an organization that offers peace of mind with best-in-class support and not just cutting-edge technology. Your machinery must include consultations, installation, training, follow-ups and check-ins, part management/support, lifecycle management, etc.

Final thoughts to keep in mind with inkjet print optimization

From speed and scalability to sustainability goals … there’s a lot to consider when thinking about print fleet optimization. When looking at solutions, the RICOH Pro VC40000 with speeds of up to 738 feet per minute — that’s over 3,200 letter size impressions per minute — make it one of the fastest continuous-feed inkjet printers on the market with features that address the many needs of graphics printers today.

If print optimization or modernization is on your to-do list, the RICOH Pro VC40000 may be worth a look. Of course, do your research, prepare questions and concerns, and talk to experts in the industry. And feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.

About the Author

Tim Bolton.jpg

Tim Bolton

Manager II, Inkjet Technology Portfolio, RICOH Graphic Communications, Ricoh North America

Inkjet Technology Portfolio Manager for Ricoh N. America, Tim Bolton brings nearly 30 years of print industry experience in his role overseeing all things associated with Ricoh's production inkjet product line. As a former offset and digital pressroom manager, operations manager and plant manager, Tim's experience brings significant real-world value to Ricoh's customers undergoing digital to offset transformations. Tim joined Ricoh in 2008 and is responsible for product commercialization and portfolio management along with helping customers translate the value and impact of inkjet into the day-to-day production operations.

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