Ricoh packs unprecedented intelligence into compact multifunction products (MFPs)

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation today unveiled a new class of multifunction products (MFPs) that pack the power of the new technology platform Ricoh announced last week into the compact and affordable A4 class.

The breakthrough is expressed most obviously in Ricoh's convenient new tiltable 4.3-inch color touch panel, which is an enhancement to the A4 line's traditional 4-line LCD display. The bold new interface enables seamless interoperation with a wide range of new applications that solve information management problems. It also offers first-ever integration with Ricoh software solutions (e.g., cost recovery, device management, document management and advanced security) previously available only through A3 platforms.

"The intelligence of this new MFP platform, as well as the sheer breadth of our expanded A4 product line, gives our customers a distinct advantage over what our competition offers them," said Mike Dane, Vice President, Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "Whether customers need a single device or a fleet for their Managed Document Services strategy, we have the most powerful solution for the money and an unmatched array of choices."

Ricoh introduced two flagship devices from the new A4 line today, the Ricoh Aficio MP C305 Series, a color MFP, and the Ricoh Aficio MP 301SPF monochrome MFP, both of which print 31 pages per minute. Though compact for tight office spaces, they offer a full range of print/copy/scan/fax capabilities for high productivity, security and advanced distribution.

Custom workflows
The new control panel is customizable for each department, workgroup or user workflow. Users can create a personal start page that includes shortcut functions for their most popular workflow processes and settings. Operated through this interface, the new technology platform on which these MFPs are built is designed to allow access to the Web, seamlessly integrate with cloud services, as well as support a wide range of future applications that solve customer business problems and generate true business value.

Unmatched energy efficiency
The MP C305 is the most energy-efficient imaging product in both Ricoh's history and in the industry's A3/A4 21-35 ppm color MFP class(1). It reduces energy consumption while providing high productivity with a best-in-class sleep recovery of less than 10 seconds, best-in-class 1.2kWh/week typical electricity consumption (TEC) value, and best-in-class first-copy time of 6.9 seconds (black and white) and 10.8 seconds (color). The MP 301SPF offers similar efficiency.

Sustainability
Also unique to the industry is Ricoh's new Eco-Friendly Indicator, standard on the MP C305 and MP 301SPF, which helps individual users monitor how much paper they're saving. An attractive icon grows virtual leaves to reward users for being greener, which saves the organization money while conserving natural resources. Organizations can also set paper quotas for individuals or groups.

Mobile Printing
Both MFPs include mobile printing capabilities for users of all the standard smart phones and tablets. As the workforce becomes more mobile, these printers fully support the bring-your-own-device ("BYOD") culture. 

Security
To assist with the right level of security for current business environments, the MP C305 and MP 301SPF help enable organizations to require users to prove their identities prior to obtaining documents from the system. Users can also attach digital signatures to documents before distribution and encrypt documents or address books residing on the MFP.

The MP C305 Series is available for an MSRP of $4,420 and the MP 301SPF is available for an MSRP of $2,960. To learn more about Ricoh's full line of products, services and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com.

(1)  From "US Energy Star Imaging Equipment Product List – Multifunction," May 3, 2012.

About Ricoh
Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in more than 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2012, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,903 billion yen (approx. 23 billion USD).

The majority of the company's revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialized industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.

Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change. Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.

For further information, please visit
www.ricoh.com/about/ 

© 2012 Ricoh Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact:
Linda Montefusco
Ricoh Americas Corporation
(973) 882-2172
[email protected]

Jill Searl
Brodeur Partners
(603) 559-5824
[email protected]

SOURCE Ricoh Americas Corporation