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The University of Melbourne leads in innovation with Ricoh’s first new colour production printer install in Victoria

Ricoh’s Pro C900 has been installed at the University of Melbourne’s Digital Print Centre, which chose the printer for its colour accuracy and latest technology.
  • 27 May, 2009 13:26

<p>Manager of the university’s Digital Print Centre, Tony Bertolotti, selected Ricoh’s flagship entry in the production market after careful selection criteria. He started the vendor process by taking a disc with several typical “University of Melbourne” images to numerous vendors, including Ricoh and industry veterans, and asked them to simply open and print the files, sending him back the results.</p>
<p>“The reason for this is that the University colour – PMS 294 – is an integral part of the University’s brand. This brand is the cornerstone of the University’s image. We wanted to start with the engines that could best replicate our colour. Ricoh came out the best, within 2-5% of colour accuracy,” explained Bertolotti.</p>
<p>There were a number of factors in Bertolotti’s decision making process. “We wanted the best in colour. But other key factors were speed, efficiency and finishing,” he said, adding “I wanted the newest technology. With the Pro C900 I’m getting the newest technology for colour available to the market. I’m also getting the latest hardware and software.”</p>
<p>Working in an incredibly tight market meant that the Digital Printing Centre must offer the best in pricing and service to its University clients. “We compete with local commercial print suppliers for every impression,” Bertolotti explained. “Therefore being competitive is crucial if we are to provide truly cost effective outcomes for our clients. The Pro C900 will give us the edge over our competition. It’s more efficient and cost effective to run, with its inline finishing options.”</p>
<p>The sales process has also left a positive impression. “When I started speaking to the Ricoh team, they listened to me. Other vendors like to tell you what you need. These guys just listened,” he said. “The sales process lasted more than six months, but they were helpful at every step, supplying me with all the necessary information to feel confident that our ongoing requirements will be met both in service and support.”</p>
<p>“This is a very important install for us. Tony is excited to act as a pioneer in the in-plant production space, and he knows he has an excellent team in Ricoh to back him,” said Kathy Wilson, General Manager of Production and Business Solutions for Ricoh Australia. He’s a long standing member of NIPPA, which means we know that everyone will be watching his site with anticipation. We couldn’t be happier!”</p>
<p>The Digital Print Centre produces between 90,000 and 100,000 colour pages per month –and is on the increase – so speed, quality and reliability were important considerations that needed to be weighed up against the cost of the solution. The constant threat of outsourcing means that the centre must continue to provide the best service at the best price. Bertolotti saw that the Ricoh Pro C900 offered him that capability."</p>
<p>The Pro C900 is Ricoh’s first digital colour production printer. It was officially launched in February, featuring the fastest speed in its class, a constant 90 ppm in full colour, an average monthly print volume of 170,000 and duty cycle of 400,000. Amongst its industry leading in-line finishing capabilities, it also boasts the first ever fully automated ring-binder finisher. As Ricoh bed down the first units of the Pro C900 in the country, they are anticipating a very positive response from the market.</p>
<p>“The Pro C900 is not our only production engine. At PacPrint we’re launching our latest range of black and white engines which builds on the successful existing engines and cements our leading position with inline finishing and workflow solutions,” said Wilson. “Along with our hardware, we provide a comprehensive offering that includes end-to-end services, software and service that is fostered through a strong culture of relationship-building.”</p>
<p>Ricoh will be presenting the University of Melbourne Digital Print Centre with a plaque at PacPrint 09, for being Victoria’s Pro C900 technology pioneer.</p>
<p>Media Note: for further information, please contact:
James Fewtrell
0419 693 611</p>
<p>Melissa Apte
Marketing Manager, Ricoh Australia
0408 664 881
mapte@ricoh.com.au</p>

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