Ricoh 2000 Annual Report Download - page 9

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Not so long ago, the office was a simple place. Most people
had narrowly defined roles, as did their equipment. The
irony is that document creation and dissemination were
often complex, unproductive, and expensive.
Ricoh has done much to change all that with its
drive toward computer-networkable, multifunctional
office machines at reasonable prices. We have made it easier
for people to do more with their documents—in far less
time—so they can concentrate on new challenges.
We have innovated a full line of hardware, software,
and support options that simplify complexity in today’s
office. In short, we deliver document solutions with
appliance-like ease.
Our dedication to simplicity, efficiency, and cost-per-
formance has helped us become a leader in the world’s
key digital copier markets. And we are well on our way to
becoming a winner in a broad new category called multi-
functional printers (MFPs)—machines that integrate
printing with functions like faxing and copying.
In the copier segment, we have won global recogni-
tion for a host of multifunctional models that match all
speed requirements without breaking budgets. Speeds
range from 15 to 105 copies per minute (cpm). Two mod-
els, the networkable Aficio 850 and Aficio 1050, can be
used in tandem to generate an amazing 170 and 210
cpm, respectively, at a much lower operating cost than
our competitors can provide.
We now offer printing solutions—an area in which
we were long absent—thus topping off our output offer-
ings for networked offices. We focus on mid- to high-vol-
ume monochrome and color laser machines. Sales have
boomed. According to BNS Co., Ltd., a Japanese market
research organization, we shot from nowhere to the No. 1
spot in the domestic market for color laser printers in the
first three months of calendar 2000. We aim to capture up
to 30% of the Japanese market in the segments we operate
in by 2001. Together, our MFPs and other printers provide
customers with complete printing solutions.
Another important aspect of our document solutions
approach is our recognition of the need to handle both
paper and electronic information as seamlessly as possi-
ble. We have commercialized several systems incorporat-
ing our advanced image processing software. Upmarket
efforts include REDMS, for Ricoh Enterprise Document
Management System, which allows companies to manage
all equipment linked to their networks and transfer docu-
ments between paper and electronic environments. As its
name suggests, RIDOC Cabinet lets you file and access
originally photocopied or faxed information from the PC
desktop.
We also support information management with digi-
tal cameras and CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable drives
and media, for which we helped formulate global stan-
dards. In these and other ways, we are providing our
customers with complete solutions to connectivity needs.
Meeting New Challenges with Innovative Solutions
Complete Connectivity
Solutions
MaryBeth Masturzo, Sales
Manager of American Copy
Equipment of Cleveland, Ohio,
poses proudly with John Baron,
President of that company.
MaryBeth sold two Aficio 850s to
the Cleveland Indians, a Major
League Baseball team, whose
Jacobs Field ballpark is famous
around the United States.