Tagged With "COVID"
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Intel CEO comments on chip shortage
Intel CEO comments on chip shortage Interview of Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel Corp., by Nikkei Asia Review magazine - Computer chip shortage is set to last until 2023 - “The overall semiconductor shortage is quite significant and the semiconductor industry was growing about 5% per year before COVID” - “COVID disrupted the supply chains, causing it to negative” - “Demand exploded to 20% year over year and disrupted supply chains created a very large gap... and that exploding demand has...
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Heard @ Executive Connection Summit in Phoenix
Muratec peeps looking for new positions, many have positions as the transition takes place with KonicaMinolta Closing the brand was hasten by two years due to COVID pressure Muratec Dealers will be kept where KM needs distribution Someone asked about the other dealers where there is KM presence and "mums" was the word. It does not look good for those dealers
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Foxconn struggles to bring workers back
Foxconn struggles to bring workers back - (Foxconn, aka Hon Hai Precision of Taiwan, is owner of Sharp) - Is offering former workers extra cash to return to production line in a plant in Zhengshou, China - Plant assembles iPhones for Apple and has been impacted by shutdowns due to COVID-19 - Also offering reward for new recruit referrals - Factory at full staff would have 250,000 workers
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More supply chain issues?
More supply chain issues? Reuters News Service reported that new outbreaks of COVID-19 in Shenzhen, China, may negatively impact the worldwide supply chain slowdown queues of container ships outside major Chinese ports are lengthening by the day Chinese government’s “Zero COVID-19” policies keep some port, factory, truck workers home City of Shenzhen, with 17 million citizens, is a critical manufacturing and logistical hub with important ports Hackett Associates is reporting that US port...
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Supply Chain Day One........Not Really
COVID is still so fresh in everyone's mind. For those of us in the copier industry we jumped from one frying pan to another frying pan at the end of COVID. That second frying pan is the supply chain issues that we've been dealing with for some time now. I believe it's been 8-10 months since the problems really hit home with many of the dealers and sales people. For most of us the back orders are insane! Never in my 42 years of selling copiers did I every quote delivery might be expected in...
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Re: Supply Chain Day One........Not Really
If you really want to know what is going on with the Supply Chain, this is the best source from a University professor who reports on it three times a week. ... https://www.youtube.com/channe...yBgKSiwb3WP4ACPnF5nA ... long story short, the COVID lockdowns in China has made shipping containers a mess that will not resolve before many months. There are 100s of ships off China's coast that cannot load or off load containers. When that does eventually resolve, the USA West Coast is going to be...
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Re: Supply Chain Day One........Not Really
Toshiba Tec's recently revised consolidated financial report says it well, I think for all OEMs. "... and on the profit front, operating profit and ordinary profit declined in contrast with the previously announced forecast owing to factors such as semiconductor shortages, soaring prices of components, tightness in international shipping transportation, increased shipping costs and delays in product supply due to COVID lockdowns in some areas of China."
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Supply Chain Day Two........Not Really
If you didn't catch them, below are the replies from yesterdays Supply Chain Day One blog . SSG gave us two great contributions below..... Yesterday's replies SalesServiceGuy Maven VIP Toshiba Tec's recently revised consolidated financial report says it well, I think for all OEMs. "... and on the profit front, operating profit and ordinary profit declined in contrast with the previously announced forecast owing to factors such as semiconductor shortages, soaring prices of components,...
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Re: Supply Chain Day Two........Not Really
... there might be 40 or so ships directly off the California cost but there are several dozen more slow idling off the Baja coast waiting to move into postion off LA and Long Beach. ... plus the Port of LA has some big contract renogitations to deal with the longshoremen and various port operators.
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IDC reports on MFP market
IDC reports on MFP market return to office sales slowed by COVID-19 variants & supply shortages Geoffrey Wilbur, research manager for IDC’s Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions, explained that: “As workers returned to the office in 2021, shipments of desktop inkjet and lower-speed laser A4 MFPs favored by homes and home offices predictably declined “Likewise, sales of the higher-speed A3 devices used in offices rebounded. However, supply-chain issues muted market growth in the...
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Re: IDC reports on MFP market
Makes you wonder if the notorious "just in time delivery model" caused all of the damage for MFPs on back order for 2-5 months
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Ricoh jumps into mRNA pharmaceuticals with U.S. startup deal
TOKYO -- Ricoh will acquire U.S.-based biotechnology startup Elixirgen Scientific as early as July in a push to turn messenger RNA technology into a core business, Nikkei has learned. Known largely for office equipment like printers, Ricoh acquired a 34.5% stake in Elixirgen back in 2019. The Japanese company now looks to a become majority owner of the startup in a new deal estimated to be worth billions of yen, or tens of millions of dollars, entering the business of contract production for...
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Supply Chain Day Thirteen........Not Really
Let me count the ways.....how many clients are opting out re-leasing their copiers, others that want to buy their existing copier from the leasing company and a few additional accounts sprinkled in that they are opting to stay status quo. Yup the last few weeks many of my clients that were playing hide and seek finally got me the goods on where their heads were at. One of the talk tracks today was about a Fair Market Value (FMV) lease and what is the option for the client to buy that device.
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China lockdown to end?
China lockdown to end? Government officials stated that they are taking steps towards reopening and ending the 2 month COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, the largest city in Chin Bus and subway service restored Schools partially reopened Shopping malls, supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores allowed to open at 75% capacity Movie cinemas and gyms still not allowed to reopen
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Sharp Corp projects 32% drop in net profit
Sharp Corp. 6753, -1.37% shares fell sharply Thursday morning after the electronics maker projected a 32% drop in fiscal-year net profit, citing a deterioration in the market for large liquid-crystal-display panels. The company’s shares were recently 7.3% lower at 1,007 yen after falling as much as 8.7% earlier. Sharp said Wednesday after market close that it expects net profit to drop to Y50.00 billion ($372.4 million) for the fiscal year ending March 2023 from Y73.99 billion the previous...
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Shanghai to lock down again?
Shanghai to lock down again? Bloomberg News reported on 6/10/22 that the Chinese government is “backsliding” and will “briefly” lock down most of the city of Shanghai again due to pandemic issues Mass testing for COVID-19 More than 4,400 people who were found to be in close contact with those infected were sent to a quarantine facility
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Semiconductor Shortage Update
Before COVID-19 hit, insufficient capacities had already created a shortage of semiconductors worldwide. But the pandemic response, with government rules and regulations generating widespread lockdowns, forced manufacturers to temporarily cease production. Once shut-downs began to ease and production started to ramp back up to normal levels, the demand for these tiny microchips had grown beyond what the industry could meet at normal production levels. The issue was compounded by ongoing...
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Many Good People Have Left our Copier Industry
I was told today that a good friend and a great member of our site decided to leave the industry. I was asked not to make mention of that persons name until it's formal. I hate what the last almost three years has done to our industry. It was great that many of us made it through COVID, however the last 12 months of not being able to get copier/device is the straw that will or has broken many backs. I've never seen it this bad in my 42 years and feel we are losing too many of those good...
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Re: Many Good People Have Left our Copier Industry
I hate to see it! This business has a lot of good years left in it but people have to make money and it’s hard to make money when you can’t process orders. From a manager standpoint it is hard to get creative on paying people when orders are not being processed and money coming in and that has proved difficult for everyone. I will say it is a great time for people to start diversifying and selling other products that they can get their hands on, Although for some it will be too late in the...
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Ricoh survey of office workers
Ricoh survey of office workers 73% say they trust their company to invest in technology to meet future needs 75% are optimistic about opportunities that technology could bring to their career 85% expect their employer to provide tools and training to help them adapt to new roles 53% believe their employer currently provides right technology and office culture 34% think they will be working with robots and/or AI over next 5 years 35% say it is difficult to feel motivated and engaged when...
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How MSPs Can Accelerate Your Business Growth
Partnering with an IT Service Businesses are under increased pressure these days from many directions. The COVID-19 pandemic caused multiple disruptions to traditional business models. Changes in consumer behavior, a tight labor market, supply chain disruptions, and a shift to remote work are just a few of the pressures being applied to businesses today. As businesses focus on the day-to-day challenges to stay afloat in this ever-changing work environment, more strategic decisions have often...
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Survey shows people prefer paper for learning
Survey shows people prefer paper for learning Research published by HP Inc. 33% of parents say children students have fallen behind after COVID lockdowns 39% report social skills are behind as well 40% believe teachers have struggled as well 62% of parents believe students are too easily distracted if learning on digital screen versus using printed learning materials/books
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Supply chain issue update
Supply chain issue update Bloomberg News reported that the city of Chengdu in China has locked down its 21 million residents due to a COVID Zero government policy. Manufacturers impacted by this include: Volkswagon Volvo Foxconn (aka Hon Hai Precision, supplier to Apple) Shenzhen, China remains under movement controls due to COVID-19 spread 33 cities in China have been fully or partially locked down in current outbreak, affecting 65 million residents Yahoo News is reporting that shipping...
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COVID Killed the Traditional Office, Not Traditional Office Needs
COVID Killed the Traditional Office, Not Traditional Office Needs Response to the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world. While some businesses saw the potential for permanent change and began adapting, others waited patiently for things to return to “normal.” Unfortunately, two years on, most major employers are discovering that “normal” may never be the same as back in 2019. Despite governments relaxing most restrictions, the majority of employees expect to work remotely for at least a...
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Copier Leases Unlimited Pages "If it sounds to good to be true"
Copier Leases Unlimited Pages "If it sounds to good to be true" Just happened today and I tried to explain the pit falls to a current client that's believes working with a new vendor was advantageous because of unlimited page for black and color prints. Thus I thought i's time again to renew the pitfalls of many copier leases. Unlimited Pages The thought of unlimited black and color pages is extremely inviting. The client thinks that getting one price per month for the lease and the...
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Are US supply chain problems over?
Snarled supply chains that helped fuel red-hot inflation are slowly disentangling, offering hope for relief for cash-strapped consumers. But the U.S. faces geopolitical tensions, a shortage of truck drivers and a potential railroad strike that all endanger recent progress. The New York Federal Reserve’s global supply chain pressure index soared to an all-time high in December 2021 and remained elevated for much of this year before plummeting in recent months , reaching its lowest level in...
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Sharp’s parent has workers fleeing town
Sharp’s parent has workers fleeing town Bloomberg News is reporting that cities in central China hastily drew up plans to isolate migrant workers fleeing to their hometowns from a Foxconn plant in Zhengzhou city, fearing the returnees may trigger coronavirus outbreaks. Foxconn, aka Hon Hai Precision, is owner of Sharp, operates plant to build Apple products. Zhengzhou reported 167 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in the 7 days to Oct. 29, up from 97 infections in the prior 7 day period.
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China starts up lockdowns again
China starts up lockdowns again? Chinese government is again enforcing its “COVID Zero” policies City of Wuhan has 800,000 people on lockdown after infections have increased City of Bejing enforcing lockdown after just 20-25 new infections a day this past week 26 other cities under varying levels of lockdown rules 210 million people impacted Recorded just 1,000 new cases nationwide from total population of 1.4 billion
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Signs of recession?
Signs of recession? Article published in Daily Mail newspaper JPMorgan Chase CEO Daniel Pinto stated ‘a deeper recession is compromise for putting 40 year high inflation back in the box” “We are dealing with a market that is pricing the probability of recession and how deep it is going to be” “I don’t think we have seen the bottom of the market yet” Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon agreed that “US is facing recession after inflation has hit a 40 year high” Intel Corp. CEO Pat Gelsinger...
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Sharp’s parent struggles to produce iPhones
Sharp’s parent struggles to produce iPhones Foxconn, aka Hon Hai Precision, and owner of Sharp, is main assembler of Apple iPhones Its plant in Zhengzhou, which employs 200,000 people in China, has been rocked by employee discontent, according to report from Reuters News Caused by stringent measures enforced by Chinese government to stop spread of COVID-19 Workers have been seen fleeing the plant The company is denying reports that 20,000 workers had been put in COVID quarantine Production...
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Re: Covid Killed The Copier Industry
Covid pushed offices to adopt technology that would have otherwise been a least a decade away. I'm in my mid 30's and don't anticipate that I will be selling copiers in 15-20 years.
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Re: Covid Killed The Copier Industry
yup, I agree as well. The future is still bright for the industry as a whole
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Covid Killed The Copier Industry
Late 2007 It was late in 2007 that I had our first taste of the Great Recession. The housing bubble burst and I was one of many copier sales people that were affected by professionals and businesses going belly up. One day they were there and the next day they weren't, at one time the leases were paid on schedule and the next month many stated there was no income to be had. Many think the Great Recession was from 2007 to 2009, however with my feet in the trenches living that horrid dream it...
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Sharp’s parent has massive riot at plant
Sharp’s parent has massive riot at plant Sharp is owned by Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision of Taiwan Reuters News Service reported that hundreds if not thousands of workers took part in protests/riots outside Foxconn plant in Zhengzhou, China this past week The plant is used to assemble Apple iPhones, employs up to 200,000 people Workers were reportedly smashing surveillance cameras, and windows Caused by unrest over ultra-harsh COVID rules issued by Chinese government, as well as...
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Sharp’s parent shells out more to retain workers
Sharp’s parent shells out more to retain workers Foxconn, aka Hon Hai Precision of Taiwan, parent of Sharp, announced it will offer up to 5,000 yuan ($718) bonus to retain workers at a plant in Zhengzhou, China Plant is used to assemble Apple iPhones Many workers left, and some rioted, over COVID-19 lockdown measures
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S.P. Richards Acquired
US wholesaler S.P. Richards (SPR) has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired less than three years after it was taken private by Mike Maggio and Yancey Jones Sr, OPI has learned. Maggio and Jones led the acquisition of the $1 billion wholesaler from Genuine Parts in July 2020, navigating the business through the COVID crisis. reported by OPI PURCHASE, N.Y. , Jan. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG), a $9B global sales, marketing, and distribution leader in...
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Sharp’s parent to lose its biggest customer?
Sharp’s parent to lose its biggest customer? Foxconn, aka Hon Hai Precision of Taiwan, is parent of Sharp Foxconn’s largest customer, Apple Inc., is reportedly looking to move a substantial amount of its business from Foxconn to Luxshare Precision of Taiwan This would mean Foxconn would lose its monopoly on assembling Apple iPhone Pro models is apparently the result of the manufacturing disruption caused by Zero Covid policies enforced by Chinese government on Foxconn’s huge plant in...
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interesting releases at end of term
The post Covid era combined with the looking recession is still paying havoc with many of my lease renewals. Like others have stated on these forums, I've moved to offering a 24 month renewal if the is in renewal or will not budge to a long term 60 month lease. In most cases I'm offering the same price per month for 24 month term. Recent sales have netted $4K GP and $3K GP. What's more interesting is that I can start the process again in 18 months or so. At that time the MFP will be either 7...
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MPS Providers Must Transform Digital Services – Study Finds
MPS Providers Must Transform Digital Services – Study Finds MPS providers have been thrown many curve balls over the last decade. Covid-19 was just the latest in a string of circumstances and technological transformations facing MPS. These difficulties have disrupted the managed print services industry and they likely won’t be the last. Business automation requirements for vendors have steadily increased, requiring that MPS providers keep up with digital transformation and technology...
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The Rise Of The Remote Work-From-Home Workforce
The Rise Of The Remote Work-From-Home Workforce The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic created chaos in the workspace, forcing companies to find new ways to operate outside the traditional workspace. For most of us, working from home was considered to be an impossibility. Few businesses had reason to consider a remote workforce as something worthy of research, investment, or consideration as a part of their future development. Yet, as of December 2020, around 71% of employed adults performed at least a...
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Remote Work Still Preferred – How Print Services Help Offices
When the pandemic hit in 2020, global governments implemented extreme lockdowns. As a result, businesses that weren’t considered “essential” were forced to find new ways to do business. And a large part of that was moving employees to remote workspaces wherever possible. Both businesses and employees reaped the rewards from this maneuver. Perhaps the most important benefit was that companies were able to stay open despite mandates. As such, employees were able to ditch their daily commutes,...
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Printing Industry 4.0 – Changes For Managed Print Businesses
The first industrial revolution was mechanization through water and steam power. The second was the development of mass production through assembly lines and division of labor. The third was spawned by the introduction of computers, electronics, and automation. Now, experts say, we are in the fourth revolution, or “Industry 4.0.” Welcome to the age of Big Data, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things. In this transformation, worldwide commerce is being significantly reshaped by the...
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DocuSign & SPAM
Since Covid I've been using DocuSign for most of our lease/order docs that need signatures. DocuSign will send you and email when the docs are viewed and of course the email with the signed documents return. Lately I've seen some of the outbound emails (signature envelopes not opened for days). It's always a good practice to send an email to the client after you've sent the DocuSign envelope telling them that the DocuSign was sent. In some cases depending on your clients email settings...
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Re: DocuSign & SPAM
When you create the packet, go in your settings and turn on reminders. I set it to send a reminder every day until they complete it. If I send docs on Friday I set it to begin sending reminders on Monday and every day after. I'll usually send an email from my regular email as soon as I send the Docusign just to let them know that I've sent it.
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Five Things I Like With the New KIP C780 Wide Format MFP
I believe it was the late spring of this year when KIP released their new C700 series color wide format devices. The release was massive with the launch of 12 new color models. The models consisted of five print only color devices, five color MFPs and two color production devices. Indeed it was quite the roll out and I'm still trying to get familiar with each device. Tonight I'll focus on what I like with the C780 when compared to other wide format devices. The KIP C780 is a multifunctional...