HOME OFFICE 01732 759725 magazine 23 Power banks add mobility to Brother scanners Brother UK meets needs of home workers with new range of faster, more compact document scanners The need for workgroup-grade devices in employees’ home offices is fuelling growing demand for document scanners, which Brother is aiming to satisfy with the launch of a new range of faster, more compact scanners suitable for decentralised workflows. The ADS-1300 and the ADS1800W, replacements for the ADS-1200 and ADS-1700W, are the first Brother desktop scanners to feature a chargeable power bank, adding full portability and enabling them to be moved and used around the office or home. The new devices can also be powered by USB type-C directly from laptops, with no need for additional power cables. Both models are more compact than the previous generation, scan 20% faster (at 30 pages per minute), can be supplemented with an additional output tray and come bundled with a range of solutions including Brother Web Connect, Barcode Utility and the Tungsten Automation suite, saving time and improving workflow no matter where users are working. In addition, the ADS-1800W is the first model in the home scanner category to feature a 7.1” LCD touchscreen for enhanced operability. Terry Caulfield, chief commercial officer at Brother UK, said: “Setups in home and small offices are becoming more advanced, as users seek out the same benefits delivered by large workgroup devices, but at a fraction of the size and cost. The new range delivers on those needs, with faster scan speeds, reduced size and better connectivity to help users moving between home and office. Businesses are investing in this tech because they recognise the productivity gains on offer.” The launch of these new scanners follows Brother’s recent introduction of a revamped line-up of 36 new laser print devices that are the quietest on the market and more compact. www.brother.co.uk Hybrid technology still not up to scratch, reveals new research from Ricoh Europe Sub-standard collaboration tools frustrate flexible workers Most organisations in the UK and Ireland lack the technology to support seamless collaboration with colleagues, even though flexible working remains a top priority for employees, warns Ricoh Europe. In a Ricoh-sponsored poll of 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers across the UK and Ireland, just 28% of workers said they have the technology they need to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues. One in four business leaders (25%) admit that their collaboration tools are sub-standard and make it hard for employees to do their day-to-day jobs. Over a quarter (28%) of workers don’t have access to any collaboration hardware/hybrid meeting technology (e.g. audio-visual/videoconferencing equipment) and 15% don’t have access to essential collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Despite these failings, only 14% of business decisionmakers regard providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead. Commenting on the findings, Paula O’Brien, Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, said: “These findings highlight a need for technology and robust infrastructure to ensure that teams can thrive regardless of location or time zone…The ability to collaborate seamlessly is not just a luxury but a necessity for organisational success. I feel passionately that by embracing innovative solutions that empower flexible working, businesses have an enormous opportunity for growth now and in the future.” Nicola Downing, CEO of Ricoh Europe, added: “Organisations have had several years to adapt to flexible working practices, so it’s startling that many are still falling behind in providing even the most basic technologies that facilitate collaboration and communication. Given the significant benefits that flexible working offers, businesses must prioritise the necessary tools and technologies to get the best out of their workforce and retain top talent. Embracing these changes isn’t just about staying competitive, it’s about valuing and investing in the happiness and fulfilment of the people who drive the success of the organisation." https://www.ricoh.co.uk
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