Xerox is expanding the capabilities of its multifunction printers (MFPs) through advancements to its ConnectKey technology. The 14 Xerox ConnectKey-enabled i-Series MFPs are equipped with ready-to-use apps on the user interface to speed up paper-dependent business processes.
According to Xerox, MFPs built on the ConnectKey platform – a combination of technology and software – enables companies to streamline how they communicate, process and share important information, and simplify complex paper-driven tasks.
The new Xerox Easy Translation Service app lets users scan a document through their MFP, snap a photo from their phone or upload it to a web portal. The service can then translate business-critical information securely to 35 languages.
The Xerox App Studio 3.0 allows channel partners to build and tailor MFPs using simple templates that modify and customize the user interface to synchronize to their business processes. For more sophisticated customization, the Personalized Application Builder (PAB) program lets users connect with partners to build complex apps to meet their unique workflow requirements.
Xerox recently launched an Arabic user interface for all its ConnectKey technology-enabled MFPs, providing users access to native functionalities entirely in Arabic, such as completing important tasks with the help of the MFP through the user interface’s touch points and menus; enhanced address book that stores all email, fax and scan information in a unified address book; and integrated workflow software such as ConnectKey for Sharepoint and Xerox DocuShare.
Xerox also offers online support in multiple languages for downloading drivers. The i-series of machines also has features that provide online support in multiple languages direct from the touch screen of the device.
Dan Smith, head of integrated marketing for the Middle East and Africa region of Xerox’s developing markets operations, indicates that language services can unlock new revenue opportunities for business partners.
“The new Xerox Easy Translation Service application supports businesses to take advantage of the $38 billion market for language services and technology and gain a competitive edge. It allows businesses to go beyond printing, scanning, faxing and copying, and gives channel partners the tools they need to capture new recurring revenue streams. Xerox has its own in house translators in our Language Services operations. This helps to ensure consistency of translated material, especially where a technical vocabulary is used,”
Arabic language is not yet part of the list covered by Translation Services App, but Xerox is looking into it. “It is still hard to say when such a service will be available on the regional market,” says Dan.
Dan shares projections for mobile printing adoption in the UAE and Middle East considering the high smartphone penetration in the region.
“According to IDC, half of smartphone users and 35 percent of tablet users don’t know how to print from their devices. Take a look at the user review section of any mobile print app, and you will encounter plenty of comments around printing issues (e.g., app doesn’t work, formatting is incorrect, printer isn’t supported). However, developed markets are printing less, and page volume is expected to being held flat by growth in emerging markets until 2017. Incremental page volume is also starting to come from mobile devices,” says Dan.
To give businesses the tools they need to print from mobile devices, the ConnectKey-enabled i-Series MFPs are designed with ready-to-use MFP apps right on the user interface. With the PrintByXerox App, employees and visitors can securely print from any mobile or network connected device to an MFP by way of a single email address without IT support. The QR Code App lets users connect and pair to a ConnectKey-enabled MFP with a scan of a QR code from their phone or tablet to print and scan documents. The Mobile Link App lets users create one-touch, automated workflows on their mobile devices to remotely control a Xerox MFP and transmit documents to fax, email and cloud hosted services like Box, Dropbox and Google Drive. A new camera capture feature squares and straightens photos of documents taken with a mobile device, and workers can route them directly to relevant departments.
