In the graphic arts industry, the term ‘solutions’ refers to a combination of software, firmware, hardware and ink that combine to deliver high performance. In the late 1990s, manufacturers of press equipment and software collaborated, under initiatives such as CIP3 and later CIP4, to create common standards and languages to allow automation between often competing vendors’ equipment and software. Consequently, most of today’s wide format printing solutions comprise elements that are designed and made by different companies. It’s commonplace for printers, RIPs, cutters and inks to be made by separate manufacturers but sold as an integrated solution. OEM agreements mean that the end user is often quite unaware of this.

Roland DG's SolJet Pro III XC-540s now with Intelligent Pass Control.

While many printer suppliers claim to supply integrated solutions, very few actually control the design and manufacture of all the printing components. However, Roland DG is one company that does supply a truly integrated solution, having taken the strategic decision to control all elements that comprise its wide format solutions. In this way, Roland DG can offer its customers the benefits of a comprehensive ‘closed loop’ operation. Central to Roland DG’s ethos is the belief that there’s a world of difference between something that’s been specifically designed for a purpose, rather than to perform a generic function. It can be likened to the disparity between a bespoke, tailored suit and one that’s been bought off the peg, which is adequate but may not be the best fit.

The rise of the solution means that companies thinking of investing in a technology, such as wide format, no longer consider the merits of a single piece of hardware, based on price, output quality and speeds. Today’s printer is far more discerning and considers the manufacturer’s entire offering: machinery; firmware; software; service; consumables; business support and training services. But when solutions are nothing more than bundled generic technologies, sold under OEM or other agreements, how certain can purchasers be that they’ll receive the support they need?

Putting a Roland inkjet through its paces at Roland DG's HQ showroom.

Indeed in an industry where upgrades to technology can be frequent, it’s critical to choose a manufacturer that is prepared to work with its customers over the longer term and provide support and new upgrades as they come on stream. By controlling how all elements that comprise a wide format solution interact, manufacturers like Roland DG are able to offer a partnership that gives the printer enhanced performance. As the UK’s only true ‘closed loop’ wide format manufacturer, Roland DG technology offers a special synergy when it comes to putting ink on substrate: its own hardware, supported by VersaWorks RIP software, and its proprietary Eco-Sol Max inks. This gives printers the satisfaction of knowing they can deal with a single supplier should anything go wrong, rather than having the RIP partner blaming the machine manufacturer, or vice versa.

But, more importantly, because Roland DG controls the research, development and manufacture of all elements within its solution, it has complete control over how all elements interact, ensuring a synergy between them and a performance that’s peerless. An illustration of how these synergistic advances boost performance is Roland’s revolutionary new Intelligent Pass Control system, which is now available for all SolJet Pro III XC-540s. Intelligent Pass Control is a combination of RIP and printer software that doubles how quickly the XC-540 can lay down ink in standard print mode. It achieves this by precisely layering dots on top of each other to enhance print quality by creating even smoother gradations, flawless solid colours and reducing banding, all said to be at a faster speed than previous machines.

Control over all parts of the solution also allows Roland DG to ensure that its customers have access to the latest software upgrades at no extra cost. VersaWorks users are not charged for RIP updates, which can be downloaded from the Web at no cost to them. The fiercely competitive nature of the print industry acts as a catalyst to innovation, which means that improvements, particularly with regard to software, may become available months after a number of machines have been installed. However, if you don't control the manufacturer of the firmware or RIP, how can you ensure whether it's delivered or is just made available to those buying new machines, or whether or not your customer base is charged an additional fee for the upgrade?

In February 2008, Roland DG announced a powerful upgrade to its SolJet PRO III XC-540 54in printer/ cutter, which was made available, via the Internet, to current users at no cost. The combination of firmware and RIP software upgrades boosts productivity and print quality of all XC-540s in service, and is part of Roland DG’s wider Value-Up initiative to ensure that equipment in the field is supported by the very latest upgrade. The Value-Up initiative allows existing XC-540 customers to self install performance upgrades.

Roland DG customers also play a role in future product development. For example, the latest version of Roland’s VersaWorks RIP, which comes as part of the package as standard, has been designed as a visual interface. This was in direct response to customer feedback. As well as supporting Adobe Level 3 Postscript, VersaWorks also supports the principal graphics files, including TIFF, JPEG, PDF, PS and EPS. However, in recognition that accurate brand management is critical for signmakers and commercial printers, VersaWorks also includes Roland Color, which provides users with comprehensive colour libraries to allow them to match colour corporate logos to maximise brand consistency.

A true partnership demands responsibility on the part of the manufacturer to invest and support its installed base. At first glance, this represents an additional cost on the side of the manufacturer. However, those who understand the value of longterm partnerships will see that this cost is offset by the longterm dividends garnered through increased customer productivity, retention and loyalty. It’s always been Roland’s view that when customers buy a wide format machine, they must be purchasing more than just a great piece of production technology. Certainly great technology must lie at the centre of focus but it must be supported by professional service and delivered by an outstanding, dedicated and enthusiastic team. This is the acid test of whether a successful partnership between the manufacturer and its customers exists.

While all ‘solutions’ are made up of multiple technologies, those supplying them through agreements with other manufacturers will always be compromised to a degree. Roland DG says its synergy of technology – its hardware, VersaWorks, and Eco-Sol Max inks – ensures that all these constituent elements really do deliver a wide format performance that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

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