Production print technology continues to evolve as businesses demand greater efficiency, higher quality, and more versatility from their equipment. To stay current with the latest innovations, Rhyme recently attended hands-on Xerox production print training focused on the new Xerox® Proficio™ PX300 and PX500 Production Presses.
The training took place at the Xerox Gil Hatch Center for Customer Innovation outside of Rochester, New York — Xerox’s state-of-the-art, 100,000 square feet, experience and innovation center focused on production print, workflow automation, and emerging print technologies. Jon Janusz, Rhyme’s Client Services & in-house production expert, participated in hands-on demonstrations, expert-led sessions, and in-depth discussions exploring the device’s capabilities, workflow enhancements, and how the technology can help clients improve productivity and print performance.
We sat down with Jon to hear what stood out, what’s next, and why this device meets the needs of today’s production environment.
1. Can you tell us about your experience attending the recent Xerox Proficio training? What has stood out to you the most?
Xerox’s team was excited to convey not just commitment to production print going forward but to show their partners the results of their time spent in their labs. Xerox showed us a fully refreshed product line including most models being all new products and a clear roadmap for what’s coming next. They set out to present deliverables, direction, and long-term vision.
2. What new insights or knowledge have you gained from the training that you’re excited to bring back to Rhyme and our clients?
Xerox’s commercial production print teams, previously working only on Iridesse, are now working hand-in-hand with the whole production team with the introduction of the PX300 and PX500 and the fifth color station for specialty toners in the new light and midrange production presses. Our PrimeLink and Proficio (formerly Versant) clients now have the opportunity to create the same quality, variety, and impactful printed materials that were previously impractical or out of reach.
3. How has this training deepened your understanding of Xerox Proficio? Any particular features or innovations that caught your attention?
Ease of use improvements that started with the new PrimeLink C9200 are now paired with advanced capabilities from Iridesse to make the Proficio closer to being a commercial quality printer that runs like an office work group machine.
For example, Xerox leaned into their partnership with Fiery to include one-click automation to enable using specialty colors without doing anything to the design of the document. As well as Xerox’s low melt next generation EA toner from Iridesse is now standard across the line.
4. Can you share a specific moment or part of the training that really impacted you or changed your perspective on the capabilities of this device?
Xerox proudly showed that if you put a four-color sample print of the same job that came from a PrimeLink C9200, a Proficio PX300, a Proficio PX500, and an Iridesse side-by-side, it is almost impossible to tell them apart. A five-color print between PX300, PX500, and Iridesse deliver the same result.
5. From your experience, what sets the Xerox Proficio apart from other devices in today’s market?
The Proficio feels significant because it is Xerox’s first major “new-era” production platform after years of relying heavily on the Versant architecture. It stands out from the Fuji product in the areas of automation, making it "operator-proof" and deep integrations with Fiery an the overall Xerox ecosystem.
6. What advice would you give to organizations looking to stay current with advancements in print and document technology?
Xerox’s Genesis program is an end-customer-facing training program intended for graphic designers and print managers that teaches how to design for production print, market and sell high-value specialty print, and optimize running digital presses for quality and efficiency.
The launch of the Proficio PX300 and PX500 include a refresh to this program with new webinars and classes coming soon. These sessions show customers who have invested in the new Xerox presses – or prospective customers interested in the latest technology at Xerox – what the newest technology can do and how to get the most from it for a business or organization. Our client managers would be glad to help get someone interested in the communications about these upcoming events.
7. How do you see this technology making an impact on the way our clients manage their day-to-day workflows?
For our SMB clients, corporate inplant clients, and organizations where production print supports the business, rather than bundling in or integrating off the shelf advanced tools into the products and calling that “automation”, Xerox is developing features within their products to bridge the knowledge gap between dedicated print operators and professional power users and end users. Xerox is focused on making the new line of production devices easy to use so customers realize ROI instead of being left with unrealized potential at the end of their investments.
For our commercial print clients, expect to see a more reserved and strategic development of AI-empowered tools, maturation and scaling of existing platforms and solutions, and evolutionary more than revolutionary steps for workflow solutions launched a few years ago starting to come more into their own.
8. What excites you most about introducing this technology to clients?
That we can and that it is practical. With the previous generation of Xerox’s production print lineup, we were often in a bind between showing off something exciting but out of reach, or powerful but impractical to implement because of one or two deal-breaking reasons on a case-by-case basis. Xerox listened and built us a portfolio where we will be able to tell our clients more often: Yes, you can have it. Yes, you can do it. Yes, it is that easy.
9. How does participating in this type of training align with Rhyme’s mission and commitment to staying on the cutting edge of office technology?
The theme of this production summit was to show dealers like Rhyme what is new, and just as importantly from an industry perspective, what’s coming next. I can’t say more right now, but as big as the launches of the Proficio PX300 and PX500 and the IJ900 are to start the year, Xerox isn’t done yet.
The training on the Xerox Proficio gave us valuable firsthand insight into how the Xerox Proficio will fit in and continue to support greater efficiency, enhanced quality, and more streamlined workflows. From advanced capabilities to practical day-to-day benefits, the knowledge gained through this experience will help us better guide clients toward solutions that support their goals today and into the future.
If you’re interested in learning how Xerox’s Proficio could fit into your organization, our team is always here to talk. Fill out this form to get in touch.