Bidvest company, Konica Minolta South Africa has launched its world-class, cost effective and all inclusive photo-PRESS photo book solution, opening up new business opportunities and revenue streams for local print providers.
According to Konica Minolta South Africa product manager: production systems, Leon Minnie, the beauty of this solution is that Konica Minolta South Africa will provide a similar model to its ‘click charges’ offering, making it all inclusive, from web hosting, online payment, backup support and integration to current MIS systems, to the customisation of customer specific designer applications.
“Often companies purchase a software application, only to find that they also need to invest huge amounts of money in hosting fees, servers at an Internet provider or to manage complicated administration functions,” he says. “When it comes to the photo-PRESS solution, these additional headaches will all be taken care of by Konica Minolta South Africa, allowing users to focus on building a profitable business and allowing them to concentrate on what they do best – printing high quality photo books, calendars, year books, greeting cards, wall art and a host of other options.”
Driving volumes
The photo-PRESS offering comprises a suite of three solutions, designer, web and production, intended to drive more volume through digital presses. The software is also available in two business models, standard and professional. Each has been tailored to accommodate specific needs for most business sizes, budgets and applications.
“Print providers can use the solution in the way that best suits them, from either a B2B or B2C perspective. In addition, it provides a ‘shopping cart’ feature, whereby a user can promote additional options to add value and greater margin to the print, including foiling, embossing, lamination and UV coating.”
The customised designer application provides a host of features that will satisfy even the most advanced users, while still making it easy enough for the novice user to create a photo book or calendar in just a few minutes. These features can be limited if the print provider prefers, including the look and feel of the designer application.