Electronics brand expands from printers, projectors to wearables

Eduardo Bonoan, senior general manager and head of marketing of Epson Philippines, speaks during the brand’s “Fusion 7” event on Siargao Island recently.

Epson has evolved from printers and projectors to labels and now wearables.

In its annual media event called “Fusion 7” on Siargao island recently, Epson, led by Toshimitsu Tanaka, president and country manager of Epson Philippines, introduced new, as well as enhanced, business solutions and urged people to “Discover More” and look beyond its flagship products.

“We want to give you a glimpse outside of our regular printers and projectors,” said Eduardo Bonoan, senior general manager and head of marketing of Epson Philippines.

Melissa Khoo, regional product manager for smart glasses of Epson SEA, introduced smart glasses for augmented reality applications in a quick demo.

Most companies have positioned smart glasses mainly for entertainment and games, but Epson saw the potential of wearables in boosting productivity in the workplace. The company sees warehousing/logistics, repair and maintenance, automotive, manufacturing and construction businesses benefitting the most from virtual reality (VR) applications.

“VR is completely immersive and we want to explore smart eyewear use in the workplace,” Cu said, introducing the Moverio Pro BT-2000.

Cu explained the Moverio Pro BT-2000 is able to overlay 3D content on top of the real world environment. The boring graphs and bars can now be presented using 3D technology and takes presentations to a whole new level. Epson introduced the Moverio series in 2011 and launched the second generation in 2014.

Reinventing the printing business

“We are reinventing the whole business of printing,” said Benjamin Wong, regional product manager for Business Inkjet and Software of Epson SEA as he introduced Epson WorkForce PRO WF R8591, which will be using ink—Replaceable Ink Pack System (RIPS)—instead of toner and promises to save on printing costs.

Moverio Pro BT-2000

Wong pointed out the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-R8591 is the first printer model to utilize high-capacity ink packs that can hold a much higher volume of ink compared to traditional ink and toner cartridges. With a full set of ink packs, the WF-R8591 can print up to 75,000 pages before replacement.

Epson’s next-generation labeling solution LabelWorks LW-Z900FK was recognized for its innovative use of technology for practical use. Companies or organizations that use labels extensively such as hospitals, factories and warehousing can benefit from this handy yet sturdy labeling solution. Users can create variable lengths of labels through its mix-length printing option and it is also made of scratch-durable elastomer material, making it drop-impact resistant and able to withstand different industrial environments.

“It can also print magnetic labels,” said Russer Cabrera, product manager for inkjet printers of Epson Phils. “The convenient cutting method supports labeling in every field and it also has a quick-tape replacement from the side.”

LabelWorks LW-Z900FK comes with a full kit for quick setup.

Mobile payments are gaining traction and some companies have created apps that can print receipts using mobile devices. This is where Epson TM-m30 comes in handy. The TM-m30 POS receipt printer offers the freedom to print three receipts from any mobile device or desktop computer. Also, the TM-m30 can be used with one power source for a tablet and printer.

LabelWorks LW-Z900FK

Food stalls can now issue receipts when needed with Epson P80 POS. The P80 is the best in its class with speeds up to 100mm/second, unparalleled battery life and connectivity options suited to meet the requirements of iOS, Android and Windows printing applications.

Epson got the whole printing business covered with its SureColorTM S-Series printers, the company’s next generation of high-performance roll-to-roll eco-solvent signage printers, which showcase the latest Epson technological advancements in printing. Its extensive advanced features include the high-performance PrecisionCoreTM TFP printhead, a new Print Mode that improves image quality by reducing visible banding, and an auto media adjustment.

New plant

In a media advisory released in March, Epson announced a P4.7-billion investment in the Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. (EPPI) “to construct a new plant for increasing inkjet printer and 3LCD projector production volumes. The state-of-the-art facilities will be constructed inside the existing site by the early part of 2017, with operations slated to begin in the spring of that year.”

Epson plans to install a mega solar power generation system with a capacity of approximately 3,000 kWh on the roof of the new plant. This system will reduce overall daytime electricity consumption at Epson Philippines by half.

Last year, Tanaka became the managing director of Epson Southeast Asia regional office, Epson Singapore Pte. Ltd. apart from heading the Philippine office. RC