FedEx, Canon, HP Collaborate on Retail Printing

FedEx Office, an operating company of FedEx Corp., announced an alliance with Canon U.S.A., a subsidiary of Canon, and Hewlett-Packard to create a network of printing and imaging capabilities, giving customers access to new technologies and an extensive machine fleet.

Beginning next month, FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko's) will utilize Canon and HP as sole-source providers in their respective printing categories, and will deploy more than 12,000 new Canon and HP printing devices across more than 1,800 locations in the United States and Canada. The majority of the next-generation document imaging equipment will be installed over the next 12 months, the company said.

The network will provide benefits such as new devices that will be deployed, including Canon's imageRunner Advance multifunction products (MFPs) and imagePress digital press systems. In addition, HP is delivering market-changing innovations in the form of online and cloud printing applications. Advanced software tools from Canon will enable FedEx Office employees to monitor the installed device fleet to help ensure optimum working status and reduce potential downtime delays.

"Customers' expectations of printing have changed dramatically, and we are transforming our business to stay ahead of those trends and improve on our leadership position," said Brian Philips, president and CEO of FedEx Office. "In Canon and HP, we are choosing two companies that understand our business and whose incomparable reputations, brands and histories of innovation align with our vision to bring customer ideas to life through the world's best print-on-demand network."

In providing its imageRunner Advance MFP and imagePress digital press systems, Canon U.S.A. will also bring to the alliance a variety of advanced document imaging solutions, including its imageWare Enterprise Management Console, which simplifies the management of installed devices, allowing FedEx Office to conduct remote monitoring and configuration of the equipment. Additionally, all Canon devices will be equipped with Canon's imageWare Remote service diagnostic software.

"Canon U.S.A. is pleased to join in this alliance with FedEx Office and HP to bring our advanced document imaging solutions to retail print consumers and redefine how people access, share and manage information-digitally and on paper," said Joe Adachi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A. "This relationship builds upon the mutual technical understanding that continues to develop among our companies. Together we can provide an extraordinary customer experience to millions of FedEx Office customers."

Through imageWare Remote, Canon will be able to automate the capture of meter and operational data for the devices. It also will diagnose device error conditions and remotely update device firmware. Using imageWare Remote, Canon will provide the highest levels of proactive nationwide service and support to FedEx Office and its customers through its extensive network of authorized service providers, including Canon Business Solutions.