Oce Discusses Industry Concerns At Ipex

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Apr 7, 2006

The Oce User Group held its regular meeting at Ipex 2006 this week to discuss some of the key issues currently being debated at the show and throughout the industry.

The Oce User Group held its regular meeting at Ipex 2006 this week to discuss some of the key issues currently being debated at the show and throughout the industry.

In addition Oce users were given an in-depth briefing on the company's new 'print innovation through convergence' strategy, as well as an insight in to some of Oce's latest products.

Simon Wheeler, business unit director for the commercial market at Oce, said: "As part of our strategy we want to work much more closely with our users to understand their concerns and plans for the future.

Oce has always been very good at delivering innovative products and systems but we need to work closer with our customers to address their needs." The group, which comprised senior people from throughout the industry, including representatives from British Gas, Business Continuity and CFH, took time to complete a questionnaire examining some of the biggest concerns and issues across the industry, many of which are hot topics in evidence at Ipex this week.

There was unanimous agreement that collapsing timescales to turn things around for clients was a continued and increasing pressure.

Whilst the financial cost of keeping up with, and investing in new technologies was also one of the key elements pressurising printing organisations.

In addition the internet was cited by everyone as a key concern for the industry but a couple of people felt that it could be a real driver for innovation.

Marian Cafferty from CFH said: "We have come to Ipex this week as we see investment in new technologies and innovation as a crucial part of keeping ahead in the sector.

We are particularly interested in moving in to the colour market.

We find attendance at the Oce user group a real opportunity to discuss new innovations and products." Lack of young talent entering the print world was also a major concern as was in some cases the industry's outdated image to those outside it.

Many believed that printers could market themselves more effectively, said Oce.