Canon 3rd Gen. ImageRunner MFPs: Taking workplace productivity to next level

Canon India recently expanded the company's printing base in the Indian market. The company announced its new range of multi-function devices aimed at small and mid-scale enterprises. The new product lineup is company's third generation imageRUNNER ADVANCE series built by keeping in mind the modern-day habits such as mobility, flexibility and security.

With the new product line-up, the company aims to empower consumers with the personalization of individual workflows for maximizing productivity in day-to-day tasks.

The newly launched model under the next generation printers includes:

iR-ADV C3500 series (3 variants consists of 30PPM/25PPM/20PPM), A3 Colour iR-ADV C355i A4 Colour (35PPM)

iR-ADV 4500 series (4 variants consists of 51PPM/45PPM/35PPM/25PPM) A3 Mono

iR-ADV C5500i series (4 variant Consist of 60PPM/50PPM/40PPM/35PPM) A3 Colour

iR-ADV 6500i series (3 Variants consists of 75PPM/65PPM/55PPM) A3 Mono

Big screen with smartphone like Gestures

One of the most irritating things about the printing machines is their complex user interfaces. While a long-time user can easily access the required functions, a novice can have a really tough time to get his/her job done. Canon's latest printing machines try to address the issue with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports smartphone-like gestures such as swiping and pinching for easy navigation across the local user interface.Canon iR C3020 - A3 Color multi-function printer.

In-built HDD Security

The 3rd Gen ImageRUNNER series also takes into account the security of consumer's data by offering Hard Disk Drive (HDD) security. The iR-ADV machines come standard with features such as HDD Data Erase, HDD Password Lock and HDD Encryption which is FIPS 140-2 validated.

Remote Assist with built-in Operator Software kit

Canon's 3rd gen. printing machines will also have built-in 'Remote Operator Software Kit' to help IT administrators remotely assist users during troubleshooting without the need to be physically at the device. Moreover, the machines also feature Content Delivery System (CDS) to automate firmware updates via eMaintenance allowing the entire device fleet to be updated in tandem.

Personalize Workflows as per requirement

The new printing machines also features MYADVANCE personalized mode where individuals can customise workflows and preferences. Users can personalize display language, initial display screen, frequently-used settings, address lists and more, enabling a one-step approach to streamlining work processes. Last but not the least, all the machines in Canon's 3rd gen. line-up comes with Auto Sleep, and Auto Wake mode to save business's energy costs.

Apart from the Gen 3 line up Canon has also launched iR C3020 - a color MFD best suited for SME's and start ups. We at GIZBOT had a chance to see the color MFD in action and here's what we have to say about it.

Canon iR C3020 - A3 Color Multi-function Printer

It is a well-known fact that quality printing solutions are a major requirement of businesses around the globe. A good printing machine can make a dramatic difference in a business's daily productivity and can enhance efficiency levels to a greater extent. While the multinational enterprises can afford big printing solutions at workplaces, the small-scale enterprises, or as we call them startups need reasonably priced yet advanced printing solutions for seamless business execution.

And when I say advanced printing solutions; a user-centric printing platform which is mobile, flexible and secure at the same time is what these small-scale enterprises actually look for.

This is where Canon iR C3020 - A3 Color multi-function printer can prove beneficial for SMEs. The color printing machine is designed for small-scale workplaces to enhance productivity by ensuring that consumers are not just limited to Black and White prints. The machine comes under the Canon's Multifunction Devices portfolio, which is engineered to increase the color market share by bringing 'More colors to India' through small scale industries.

Canon iR C3020 Specifications and Features

Backed by Canon's Dual Custom Processor, the printing machine can print, copy, Scan and can also carry out fax related tasks. The machine has 2GB RAM and works on Canon's new ‘V Colour Technology', which expands the standard colour gamut to support a wider range of colours, attaining great depth and richness in the reproduction of images.

The iR C3020 has a paper capacity of 1200 standard A4 sheets and takes just a small space in an office. The machine has an approximate weight of 70 kgs including the toner. The machine has a 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution that can produce vivid and vibrant printouts for personal and business communications.

This makes it a perfect solution for small and medium office setups. Take for example a coaching firm with student strength of 100 to 250 where note-taking is the key to succeed in an entrance exam. Providing quality study material and that too at right time can dramatically increase the student's individual performance and the coaching centre as a whole. A machine like iR C3020 can effortlessly, economically and timely deliver the prints to students.

5-inch TFT LCD Screen with Gesture support

Using this machine was not at all tough. The iR C3020 has a 5-inch TFT LCD screen with touch panel controls and a virtual QWERTY keyboard. You also get smartphone-like gestures such as swiping and flicking to conveniently operate the MFD with minimum screen switching. Multiple languages are supported, and a soft-closing mechanism for cassettes is incorporated to eliminate noise during paper reload.

Use-case Scenarios

It was quite impressive to see what iR C3020 can accomplish. With this machine, you can scan original documents and store the converted electronic files, such as PDF, JPEG and TIFF in folders, or send the files directly via e-mail in one simple user interface. One feature that I really liked is the automatic detection and correction of the orientation of scanned documents. It saves time and you don't need to manually rotate the document prior to its sending. You can also scan documents to a USB memory directly, preview images and print files right the first time.

No compromise in connectivity

The printing machine also offers some nifty connectivity features. It comes with built-in wireless LAN that allows seamless wireless connectivity via direct access point. There's support of a range of mobile printing solutions such as Google Cloud Print, AirPrint, QR code scanning and Canon's PRINT Business app. You also get USB 2.0 x 2 and USB 2.0 (Device) x1.

Smart tracking for better control

SMEs need to make sure that they are making the most out of their investments and are not incurring any unwanted losses. The new iR C3020 printing setup empowers businesses to track and monitor device usage for better control, reducing toner and paper wastages effectively.

Moreover, as an administrator the MFD also allows you to manage user access such as restricting printable pages and functions up to 300 registered users.

Canon's latest imageRUNNER series is now available for sale through company's official website.