Canon offers various smart technology services and business solutions via its innovative Smart Tech solutions. — ART CHEN/The Star
WHEN you think of Canon, cameras and printers probably come to mind.
Synonymous with cutting-edge imaging solutions, the brand is powering up with transformative smart tech solutions that revolutionise how businesses operate – positioning Canon as a driving force in innovation and business transformation.
Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Business Imaging Solution Centre head Jeffrey Kung says that the company was prompted to diversify its business offerings in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which set them on the path of providing smart technology business solutions that utilise automation and digitalisation aspects.
“Canon has always been seen as a box pusher (printers and cameras), we were never viewed as a key player in terms of solutions,” he says.
“In recent years, we have made aggressive efforts to pivot towards solutions that can be integrated into our products and services, and industries where we have a foothold.
“This shift has given us a competitive advantage because it allows us to reach the market more quickly. This way, our customers understand us, know that we can deliver and have confidence in our solutions.”
'By offering tailored solutions, our customers won’t have to purchase extensive packages which they do not actually need, but rather can focus their efforts on specific solutions to increase their productivity and efficiency – without having to fork out large amounts of money,' says Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Business Imaging Solution Centre head Jeffrey Kung.
Kung shares that the company offers various services and solutions via its range of innovative Smart Tech solutions.
He shares that the uniqueness of the services offered is the ability for customers to tailor specific solutions and packages based on their business needs. These solutions are also scalable so that they can be upgraded if needed.
“Every organisation – and even each department within the organisation – has different requirements. So, it’s always important to understand the pain points of each respective department, so we can understand their daily routines and what type of solutions they require,” says Kung.
“Only after we fully understand what they require do we proceed to offer tailored packages to suit their needs.”
Kung adds that while Canon’s Smart Tech solutions can aid in driving automation and digital transformation, there is still a reluctance from businesses – particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – to adopt new technologies due to fears of having to make substantial investments.
Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good – drives its tailored approach, ensuring even SMEs can access smart technologies while fostering shared success.
“If you offer them expansive solutions packages, which require massive investments and have complicated infrastructures, instead of driving the need for digitalisation and automation, you end up scaring businesses away,” Kung opines.
“By offering tailored solutions, our customers won’t have to purchase extensive packages which they do not actually need, but rather can focus their efforts on specific solutions to increase their productivity and efficiency – without having to fork out large amounts of money.”
Kung adds that Canon also leverages the expertise of its regional and international offices, as well as its vendors, to further enhance their solutions offerings.
Canon BizMART
Canon’s BizMART is a one-stop smart technology solutions provider for SMEs, businesses and corporations of any size, with a wide range of software, hardware and service offerings.
It offers customisable and scalable business solutions with expert consultation to find the best solutions for your business.
Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Business Solutions and Services Division head Eric Er shares that the company’s Smart Tech is built upon three pillars: Smart Workplace, Smart Vertical and Smart Surveillance.
“In response to digitalisation and automation, and the rapid growth of business competitiveness, we developed the three strategic pillars for businesses to undertake digital transformation. This helps our customers take the first step towards transforming their businesses,” says Er.
Er shares that Canon’s Smart Tech solutions cover a wide range of software, hardware and service offerings.
He adds that Canon’s Smart Workplace solutions are designed to enhance the management of distributed teams by digitising information and processes, to automate workflow to improve efficiency and collaboration.
Smart Vertical streamlines complex industry workflows and ensures compliance by automating document management in regulated sectors, while Smart Surveillance improves public safety and business insight through real-time crowd monitoring and cloud-based access.
Er shares that Canon has implemented various solutions in different industries to date, such as integrating electronic document management systems for local businesses, installing anti-fall detection systems in healthcare facilities and traffic control systems for educational institutions, to name a few.
“We had a client, which is a prominent private school, that was facing issues with traffic congestion when parents came to pick up their children,” he says.
“We managed to come up with a solution for them that utilises automated vehicle registration detection at the school’s guardhouse, which will provide information like the car registration number, a picture of the parent, and who their children are.
“So, the moment a parent enters the school compound, the school representatives at the pickup point will be able to get the student ready for a smooth pickup.”
Er notes that this system was also fine-tuned for a logistics customer facing traffic congestion issues at bonded warehouses.
The technology was enhanced to integrate radar sensing, to analyse the haulage container conditions before they are picked up from the warehouses, which significantly improved efficiency by reducing the need for manual checks on each container.
While many may think that automation and digitalisation will replace the need for human workers, Er explains that adopting smart technology solutions will free up employees to carry out high-level tasks, rather than focusing on repetitive, mundane duties.
“From our perspective, these new, smart technologies will only help to improve efficiency and productivity. Artificial intelligence (AI) can handle all of the mundane or repetitive tasks, freeing up time for employees to spend more time and be more productive in higher-level duties.”
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Canon remains at the forefront, committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential through smart, integrated solutions that drive growth, efficiency and innovation.
For more information on Canon’s Smart Tech solutions, click here.
