WHAT INNOVATION MEANS TO TECHNOLOGY

WHAT INNOVATION MEANS TO TECHNOLOGY 

 

Worldwide there is a growing recognition that while reducing costs and improving reliability, functionality and quality can ensure survival, they are no longer differentiators that ensure growth. Customers now want benefits that go well beyond economic criteria to include customised solutions, social, ethical and environmental considerations. As a result, innovation through creativity and attracting and retaining creative people has become one of the key avenues to achieving differentiation and a competitive advantage.

We see ourselves as an agent of change, a company that welcomes and nurtures good ideas. Some of our best innovations have come from continuously asking ourselves the very simple question: "How can we do it better?" It has given our company its own unique culture and outlook.

As one example of this, a viewing of a news video showing IT refuse from Western societies being dumped in Chinese landfill led us on a journey to look for a local sustainable solution. Today, at Ricoh Australia we can now recycle over 95 per cent of our copiers, dramatically minimising our impact on landfill and the environment.

Ricoh devices incorporate software customised for clients that has expanded multifunction printer functions considerably. We now offer "communication portals" whereby information can be distributed on many platforms, converting hard copy to electronic documents. In combination with changed office practices, they are creating business efficiency while encouraging continuous improvement and innovation by helping organisations to share information and ideas.

Nigel Shepherd, managing director,
Ricoh Australia

Source