Inkjet & Digital Printing
SHARP FOCUSES ON “U,” UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY NEW MFP USER INTERFACE AT ITS 2011 NATIONAL DEALER MEETING
Wednesday 23. March 2011 - UI Brings Unprecedented Interactivity, Ease-Of-Use and Customization to the Document Management Experience
Intuitive interface allows easy access to all features
Fully customizable with real-time image preview
New interface debuts on MX-2610N | MX-3110N | MX-3610N MFP models
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, introduces a revolutionary intuitive MFP user interface (UI) that brings unprecedented interactivity, ease-of-use and customization to the document management experience. Debuting on Sharps new A3 workgroup MFPs, and soon to be available throughout the companys line, the new interface is displayed on a large, bright 10.1-inch color LCD touchscreen and will change the way MFPs are used.
“Sharp is known for leading the MFP industry with cutting-edge products and technologies, but our new user interface is perhaps the most significant leap we have made as a company in more than a decade,” said Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Our smart MFP user interface is an absolute game changer. The icon-driven operation, combined with the Sharp OSA platform version 4.0, makes the MFP significantly more convenient to use, more adaptable to specific jobs and more productive than ever before.”
The “Smart MFP”
Operating in a manner similar to todays most advanced smart phones, Sharps new user interface provides easy access to all MFP features, each of which are viewed as familiar icons. Users can perform all tasks using “flick,” “tap,” “slide” and “drag” gestures on the color LCD touchscreen. Icons perform the tasks the user expects them to, and the system guides the user based on the previous commands to help them execute desired functions more quickly. This “smart” user experience dramatically reduces the learning curve, leading to more widespread use of advanced functions like duplexing, staple sorting and others.
The new UI also intelligently helps eliminate waste with a virtual proofing feature. Users can see and proof the entire document on the MFPs large color LCD panel before printing. Page layout and staple or hole-punch locations are also displayed on the screen to ensure that fewer printing mistakes are made. MFPs with the new interface also feature an eco-learning mode which allows them to adjust the power-up cycles to meet the customers usage schedule. This promotes optimal productivity while achieving the lowest possible power consumption.
The MFP built for “U”
Sharps new UI enables unprecedented levels of customization and personalization. Each user can have their own personalized menu that matches their profile, workflow and even personal or language preferences. The home screen is customizable down to the screen colors and can be easily programmed with one-touch icon shortcuts based on the users permissions or most-used functions. In traditional MFPs, complex jobs require drilling down to multiple menus and a high level of familiarity with the interface. With a one-touch shortcut, there is less time sifting through menus each time a job is performed.
The new UI can present menu choices in 24 different languages, making it an ideal solution for multilingual offices.
“Without a doubt, Sharps new touch screen UI has raised the bar in the product segment,” said Andy Slawetsky, president, Industry Analysts, a leading office equipment testing and market research group. “Sharp has ushered in the era of the smart MFP and we believe it will significantly change the way document solutions are built, sold, and used.”
National Dealer Meeting Focuses on “UI”
The theme of Sharps 2011 National Dealer Meeting is “UI”, which has multiple meanings. Of course, “UI” signifies the new User Interface. It also underscores Sharps commitment to the end user. Sharps new UI is based on several years of collaborative research between the companys engineers, its global product development teams, and its dealer customers. Through a process that is unique to Sharp, the company actively engages both dealers and end-user customers to test ideas and get their input on future product development. This focus and commitment on “U” (the user) means that Sharp can clearly understand an enterprises needs, and develop a product that meets these needs.
Sharp OSA version 4 Optimized for Sharps New UI
In conjunction with the launch of Sharps new UI, the company is also releasing Sharp OSA 4.0, the latest version of Sharps award-winning application development platform. Optimized for the new UI, Sharp OSA 4.0, opens exciting new possibilities for integration with cloud-based and SaaS technologies.