Canon pushes boundaries at SGI 2017 to unleash printers' business potential

• Showcases region’s best performing solutions from outdoor and indoor range 
• Unveils Canon Business Solutions, new reseller strategies strengthening Canon’s position as a ‘Partner of Choice’

Dubai, 15 January 2017:  Canon Middle East, a leader in imaging and printing solutions, is showcasing its premium portfolio of technological heritage in the signage industry spanning from indoor to outdoor printing, unleashing a new era of printing revolution. Using the platform of SGI, Canon is demonstrating its range and depth of capabilities in wide format printing and how it can help print service providers to unleash the potential of their business, while also reinstating their commitment to resellers, partners and customers. 

A highlight at the Canon stand this year is the UVgel printing technology that offers large format print providers an unprecedented combination of productivity, image quality, application range, automation and low-cost operation. The ink instantly gels when it comes into contact with the media it is printed on. The result is a precise dot placement, and area control for consistent high-quality images at high speed. The potential is extremely exciting with technological advances encompassing both ink and print head developments. It provides an entirely new way for print businesses to produce cost-effective, high-quality printing with non-toxic, durable, and colour-fast results on virtually any flexible media.

Also for the first time at SGI, Canon will showcase their XEED range of projectors range, offering full solutions targeting verticals of retail and hospitality. Visitors at the stand will be able experience a digital interactive wall which will have multiple projection through XEED WUX450ST (short throw) along with motion sensors, a digital mannequin where visitors can choose products and the digital mannequin would elaborate in detail and floor projections with content flowing on the floor with minimal installation cost and maximum usage of retail space. 

On the Canon stand at SGI 2017, examples from the entire portfolio of Canon print solutions will be also seen including best performing solutions in outdoor signage such as Arizona 1280GT, and ace technology like UVGel. In the indoor signage category, printers such as Océ ColorWave, imagePROGRAF iPF8400SE and imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S will be available for viewing and demonstrations at the Canon stand. 

From a strategic perspective, Canon aims to attract wide format printing channels by showing their competitive capabilities in the form of workshops and special reseller events. Canon is also launching the Canon Business Solutions augmented reality with Canon Emirates. It is a self-service online marketplace and virtual storefront providing authorized dealers a simple way to offer, order, manage, bill and deliver subscription-based document and information management solutions from Canon.  

The potential for signage is huge especially in countries like the UAE which is highly committed to transform its cities into smart cities, which fosters a demand for more exchange of information including signage. According to a report by Smithers Pira titled 'The Future of Signage in an Electronic World to 2020', the global printed PoS/signage market amounted to 12.8 billion square metres of material in 2014 and was worth over $49.4 billion. Indoor signage is a much larger market, accounting for 72% of the volume output while outdoor signage accounted for 28%. Overall PoS/signage demand is forecast to grow by 0.8% annually to 2020 with indoor signage growing on average by 1.2%. 

Another report by Grand View Research states that the UAE digital signage market is pegged to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 23 per cent over the next four years, it is estimated. A noticeable growth in demands from interior décor and digital packaging industries is also causing manufacturers to create newer and better technology. 

“Sign and Graphic Imaging industry is rapidly expanding, and volumes printed on roll-to-roll printers are growing year on year. In addition to this, over 40% of orders usually need to be turned in 24 hours, demonstrating the pace and the expectations that are now commonplace in this industry.  Canon’s UVgel technology addresses these limitations; it enables to jet the ink faster onto the media which increases the productivity and speed, while using less ink and still delivering an improved colour gamut. With these innovations, Canon is proud to continue honouring its commitment to enable its customers and partners meet the demands of the 21st century print landscape,” said Ayman Aly, Professional Products Marketing Manager, Canon Middle East. 

Canon’s sustained R&D investment will be evident right across the stand, with a line-up of next-generation products in all areas of the portfolio. The Canon stand will feature a series of live workflows, showing how Canon - through its close and long-term partnership with resellers can support the development of innovative business models such as Canon Business Solutions Platform. 

“Canon is showing its partners that, to truly ‘unleash print’, they need to match technology innovation with a commitment to transforming business models and inspiring customers with creative and even disruptive ideas. We believe that the key to success is to surround yourself with dependable and like-minded partners and Canon aims to be the partner of choice for every print business, helping them to reimagine and realise their full potential,” added Ayman. 

Canon Middle East will be exhibiting at the SGI 2017 in Hall 06, Stand D84 at Dubai World Trade Centre, from 15th - 17th January 2017. Canon is also hosting a roundtable discussion on ‘Digital printing evolution and revolution’ at JW Marriott Marquis on 16th Jan, from 12-1pm.