Features

Colour printers and MPS gaining ground

Published

9 years ago

January 2, 2017

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Historically, until a few years ago, the world of commercial print was entirely offset. While offset presses still account for a significant portion of print volume, it can’t be denied that digital printing is gaining further ground.

Vast improvements in the quality and speed of digital systems have opened the door for print service providers to pass along significant advantages to their customers. Today, the customer want more options and outdoor digital signage is a fast growing opportunity.

Ayman Aly, Professional Products Marketing Manager, Canon Middle East says, “The world of print has changed. It’s no longer about compromise – it’s about saying ‘yes’ to your customers. It’s about adapting and seizing new opportunities. From laminates, glass and wood for interior décor applications through to membrane switch overlays and printed electronics for applications in manufacturing, industrial printing applications are increasingly being printed digitally. 3D printing is also growing in popularity for use in supporting design and prototyping, as well as creating concept models.”

While there is a growing shift towards digitization and paperless options, paper and print still retain a good demand because of the entrenched sentiment of comfort and familiarity, working with paper.

Discussing the growing phenomena of paperless offices, Ahmed Kamal of Ricoh Middle East commented, “The adoption of the trend of paperless office continues to meet a lot of resistance in market because people are emotionally attached to working with paper. However, the offices are very much focused on the challenge of making the vision of the paperless office a reality. RICOH is going through a digital transformation by introducing new features like Scan to E-mail/USB drive, FAX to E-mail, searchable PDF and auto duplex printing.”

Rising demand for MFPs

The office user segment are demanding more efficient systems and MFPs offering more options than standalone devices, are therefore seeing growth in demand. There are also a wealth of product choices available in the market within the MFP segment.

Poi Chi Li, Head of Marketing for Middle East and Africa at Xerox comments, “Various industry market data sources show that the standalone printer market continues to be the largest segment. However, over the last few years through technological advancements, commoditisation of MPS and affordability, the MFP growth has been greater than standalone printers. In some cases, growth has been up to 10% in certain markets, therefore we see almost equal market size. A particular growth area is the Colour Multifunction printers where we have seen up to 20% YOY growth.”

Ahmed of Ricoh also agrees that MFPs are more in demand than standalone printers in the region.

He says, “There is a growth in the Multi-function products vis- a-vis single function printers. In the IT distribution segment, RICOH is witnessing a consistent growth in the printers and A4 MFPs capturing market share from competition. We have been introducing more volume selling A4 & A3 multifunction printers with ultra-low cost toner supplies and lower TCO.”

On the other hand, Canon’s Aly opines that while undoubtedly, MFPs are more popular than ever before, the fact is that Canon is witnessing equally strong demand for both standalone printers and MFPS.

Aly says, “MFPs are designed to boost office productivity with exceptional performance, smart value and an impressive range of intelligent capabilities. But both, standalone printers and Canon’s range of multi-function devices are in equal demand.”

Colour appeals

According to Canon Middle East’s recently released Office Insights 2016, colour use is evolving. 47% agree they are printing more in colour than a few years ago and 57% use their printer or MFP for colour. For example, PIXMA printers use either dye-based or pigment-based Canon ink cartridges. “In general, dye-based inks offer vibrant colours, while pigment inks last longer. Canon Chroma Life 100 ink features in most PIXMA printers, including some of the PRO models, such as the PRO-100. This dye-based ink resists colour fading, and when used with select Canon photo paper, it creates photo prints that Canon claims should last up to 100 years in an album. A number of PIXMA PRO printers use Canon LUCIA ink, a pigment-based ink that delivers a wide colour gamut, high colour stability, and better scratch resistance,” added Aly of Canon Middle East.

Kamal of Ricoh shared his opinion on Colour printers by saying, “Colour Printing is a real need for an office and RICOH targeting to get more market share by introducing lower TCO colour MFP with less cost per page. RICOH is targeting to sell more number of colour MFP’s to the office segment.”

Ricoh’s Gel jet printers and MFPs are a fast and affordable alternative to conventional print technologies. They producing vibrant colour output at speed, they deliver the productivity of a colour laser printer for the price of an inkjet device. The technology is well accepted in the marketplace, according to the vendor.

MPS in demand

The digital transformation towards paperless offices is a journey that is underway at offices and in everyday life. His also helps meets need to manage and optimise print costs.

Ahmed opines, “Ever since the Internet became an everyday aspect of life, with high accessibility to a variety of digital screens and consumers favoring digital sources of entertainment over physical ones, it makes sense that paper isn’t used as regularly. The transformation in the end user segment to reduce their printing cost via managed print services (MPS) is on the rise. RICOH as Global MPS leader is providing low cost per page printing solutions with minimum investment option helps to grow the product segment.”

Further elaborating about Managed Printing Services, Kamal of Ricoh said, “Managed print services is gaining visibility and control of the office printing business. RICOH is a leading player in MPS offering has sizeable growth for partners in the region. This is changing the value proposition for MPS, Whilst MPS is delivering on cost-saving expectations, and it must play a more important role in helping organizations realize strategic growth plans.”

Xerox has been one of the earliest in providing solutions that enable digital transformation for documents and records. MPS is poised for growth in the Middle East as organizations flock to it to fulfil different motives, ranging from budgetary purposes, to environmental compliance, as well as security and reliability considerations.

Poi Chi says, “Our experience with digital transformation has not been a complete transfer to a paperless environment but rather an enabler to working smarter. Xerox Managed Print Services (MPS) help our customers to optimise their document processes and uncover hidden costs but allow them to continue to operate normally and run their businesses efficiently. As an example, Xerox has launched the award winning Xerox Print Awareness tool, designed to enhance MPS cost savings through print reduction and efficiencies at an individual customer level. Essentially Xerox supports smarter management of information, regardless of whether it is paper based on not.”

Industry experts have already predicted a double digit growth for this segment and according to an IDC report, large companies as well as SMEs in the Middle East are ready to look beyond traditional printing and explore MPS as a business solution. Among the Middle East countries, it is the United Arab Emirates that is seeing a strong growth market for MPS, thanks to its political and economic stability.

Ayman says, “While the public sector continues to be an important segment in the Middle East, it is also pertinent to note that MPS is now attracting interests from small and medium-sized businesses. Instead of buying 30 individual desktop printers, they are opting for 2 multi-function devices with a sound support partner. MPS is heading mid-market, a sign of increased awareness about its many benefits. Verticals such as hospitality, banking, finance, medical, oil & gas are seeing a great uptake of Canon MPS solutions to simplify their print processes and curb costs. MPS also helps in reducing an entity’s overall carbon footprint through less printing and lower power consumption and therefore environmental sustainability is also serving as a key driver for MPS in the region.”

“Some markets are more advanced than others; the United Arab Emirates for example has shown to be a strong growth market for MPS, thanks to its political and economic stability. Other markets are on the contrary seeing a rise in MPS, because of the pressure imposed by hardships to better manage budgets,” Aly adds.

Opportunities for Partners in Printers

With the office printer segment remaining a vibrant one, there is a significant opportunity for partners who can align with forward looking digital transformation strategies of companies and meet their requirements for an optimised fleet of printers that keep their costs well within budgetary constraints. Major vendors are offering partners the opportunity to align with their MPS programs.

Chi Li of Xerox says, “Xerox XPPS offering directly addresses the opportunity of Managed Print Services (MPS) through our channel partners. The Next Generation of MPS expands on the Automate & Simplify, Secure & Integrate and Assess & Optimise key pillars and offers a suite of tools and solutions to address key concerns of customers. As part of the XPPS program, partners can register, train and qualify as an accredited XPPS provider and have access to all tools to differentiate and take their offering to the next level.”

In addition to MPS, Ricoh also sees an opportunity in contracts for consumables.

“Consumable contracts and Managed print services are the new opportunities that can be introduced to our IT channel partners in the SMB segment,” says Ahmed Kamal of Ricoh.

Canon has been working closely with channel across different countries of the region. The manufacturer consistently recognizes and rewards its partners.

Aly stated, “We launched the Canon channel partner programmer last year which is designed to support and grow business in the IT channel and seeks to continuously recognize the contribution of key players and team members who in turn contribute to our success. The feedback from the channel community for the programmer has been fantastic and we are receiving a substantial increase in applications each day.”

Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

Published

4 months ago

March 14, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

5 months ago

February 20, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

5 months ago

February 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.