The Konica-Minolta Print Xpress digital yatra of four buses containing a complete digital press with its workflow and attendant finishing operations was flagged off at the end of March from Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR. In the latter part of May, the four Print Xpress buses had already reached more than 80 destinations for their one-day demonstration. Titled ‘Print Xpress – Innovations in print’, the roadshow showcases Konica Minolta’s AccurioPrint C4065 High Chroma Engine production printer, its AccurioPress C73hc, and a print finishing application zone.
Printers and potential customers are invited for demonstrations and down-to-earth explanations of the technology where they can examine the equipment and the finished products. They can ask questions about digital print business opportunities.
The four Print Xpress roadshow buses are expected to reach their target of one hundred towns, including those furthest away from the starting point, by the end of May. Despite various logistics challenges, including the paperwork required for the transport of capital equipment across state lines, there has been considerable enthusiasm for the mobile roadshow in each tier 3 and 4 town where the Print Xpress arrives in the morning, gives demonstrations throughout most of the day, and then trundles on to the next town or small city. In the Print Xpress bus traveling in South India, almost 100 local participants have come to see the demonstrations on a single day in many of the towns.
At Konica-Minolta India’s launch of the Print Xpress in end-March, which coincided with the company’s 150th-anniversary celebration, the company’s managing director for India Katsuhisa Asari said the roadshow – a digital press and finishing plant on wheels – aims to connect with new customers and showcase new business opportunities. “India is huge and so is its print market. This roadshow will touch base with our customers, potential customers, or curious visitors. We aim to educate Tier 3 and 4 cities about the possible capabilities with digital print and how incredible their businesses can be with the right application,” Asari said.
Commenting on what he calls the Print Xpress digital yatra, Indian Printer and Publisher’s editor, Naresh Khanna said at the time of its launch, “Listening to printers across the country and interacting with them by demonstrating the latest technology can be a transformational and inspiring voyage of discovery.
“For any citizen or company that dares to explore the vast potential of creativity and uses of print that a nation hungry for communication and education possesses, there is bound to be a great reward of learning. These lively interactions will enhance the power of print and democratize the business – creating livelihoods. The Print Xpress digital yatra will engender access to ideas, education, and technology. Print helped to bring freedom to the nation and it is essential to use it more widely to continue to build prosperity and a scientific temper.”
