Navigating the shift towards digital – Katsuhisa Asari
-Konica Minolta plans experience centers in Mumbai and Kolkata.
India, 23 September,2024: Post-drupa, Konica Minolta, a provider of digital printing solutions, is focusing on sustainability, automation, personalization, and digital transformation, including integrating AI and IoT to enhance predictive maintenance, optimizing workflows with advanced software solutions, and introducing new high-speed digital presses.
The company is also in the process of opening two new customer experience centers in Mumbai and Kolkata. These centers will provide hands-on training, demonstrate the latest printing technologies, and offer comprehensive support to customers, ensuring they can fully leverage Konica Minolta’s solutions.
‘These centers are designed to offer extensive training programs, remote assistance, and on-site technical support, ensuring that businesses have the expertise and resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently,” says Katsuhisa Asari, managing director, Konica Minolta India.
Asari says the company will develop its AccurioPro Workflow software and Dispatcher Phoenix to automate more complex tasks, reducing manual intervention and errors. “Human and capital investment in variable data printing and AccurioJet arsenal is a competency in practice at Konica Minolta for the growing demand for personalized print products,” he says.
The growing emphasis on product branding, eCommerce, and supply chain management is making customized labels an in-demand service. However, high initial investment and scalability issues often plague traditional label printing methods, making it difficult for businesses to manage costs and expand efficiently. Konica Minolta addressed these challenges with the AccurioJet KM-le inkjet printer providing high-quality and scalable label printing solutions. This technology, coupled with flexible financing options, helps reduce initial investment costs and facilitates smooth scalability, ensuring businesses can grow without financial strain.
While the traditional photo printing market has evolved, there is still a demand for high-quality prints and personalized photo products, he says. ‘The calendar market remains steady, with opportunities for customization and premium products. Achieving consistent quality in photo and calendar printing can be a significant challenge with traditional printing technologies, which often fall short of maintaining high standards. Konica Minolta’s advanced color management software helps to ensure that every print job meets the highest quality standards, delivering vibrant, consistent results for both photo and calendar printing,” he adds.
With rising urbanization, and the rise of eCommerce, the demand for high-quality, personalized, and short-run print jobs is on the rise. However, the industry is also grappling with challenges like high operational costs, complex workflows, data security concerns, and a shortage of skilled laborers. Given the projected headwinds, India’s print media industry is likely to grow by 8-10%, according to a report by ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency).
“We view this as a significant opportunity. Our solutions, such as the AccurioPress Series for high-speed production, AccurioPro Workflow Software for efficient management, and Secure Print Release for data protection, directly address these pain points. Additionally, our Optimized Print Services can provide valuable consulting to help businesses navigate this digital shift,” he concludes.