Miami, FL – Océ, an international leader in digital document management, will display its latest innovations in large format color and monochrome print/copy/scan systems and workflow software at booth #2679 during the 2010 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention and Design Exposition, June 10 - 12 in Miami, FL. True to the theme of the convention, these solutions can help architecture and design firms “design for the new decade” with faster, more efficient ways to finish projects on time, under budget and with reduced risk.
 
“In an increasingly aggressive marketplace, the businesses that will remain on top are those that are constantly rethinking the traditional approach to project completion,” said Sal Sheikh, Vice President, Marketing, Océ Wide Format Printing Systems division of Océ North America. “The Océ solutions on display at the AIA Convention provide architecture and design firms with ways to maintain their competitive edge and win business. This includes an innovative strategy of advocating the use of color CAD document printing throughout the entire design/bid/build process.”
 
Building the Case for Color
Despite the inherent benefits of using color CAD documents – faster, more accurate decision-making, increased visual appeal and improved team member communication – many architecture and design firms still believe these advantages only accrue to project owners and contractors. At its booth, Océ will highlight the direct-to-architect benefits of designing, printing and publishing construction documents in color.
 
For example, offering color CAD capabilities is a competitive differentiator that can lead to increased business.  With the advantages of color, firms can offer project owners a process that delivers a quantifiable return on investment.  Current research shows that every dollar invested in color can save just over four dollars in overall project costs. And, because color improves the intelligibility of documents, requests for information and change orders are reduced. This leads to a win-win scenario as associated project management costs passed down to the architecture firm are also slashed.
 
All-in-One Innovation for Easy Color Integration
Now, architecture firms no longer have to invest in separate systems for printing large format color and monochrome documents, making the jump to color more economical. On display at the convention, the new Océ ColorWave® 300 system is the world’s first integrated large format, single-footprint system for color and monochrome printing, copying and scanning.

The Océ ColorWave 300 system’s powerful controller easily handles the most widely used file formats, including HPGL/2, PDF, DWF and JPEG, without sacrificing speed. One simple, intuitive user panel controls all functions. Proven Océ Image Logic® and Océ Dynamic Switching technologies ensure first-time-right results. And printing from or scanning to a USB stick provides even more user flexibility.

The system also supports user sustainability initiatives. Paper waste is eliminated by using automatic original and media size recognition and image positioning features to avoid misprints. Additionally, the system does not emit ozone, dust or odors into the work environment.

The Next Wave in Large Format Monochrome Technology

Similar to the adoption of color CAD printing, the architecture industry is also adapting to the trend of decentralized printing. And, with this trend comes a critical business need for a single footprint system that is easy to use, fits into small spaces, is able to withstand the workload of multiple walk-up users and does not sacrifice productivity. AIA attendees can see first-hand why the Océ PlotWave® 300 print/copy/scan system is an ideal solution – combining simplicity, durability and energy efficiency in a single compact design.

Users can print and scan documents at the system with a USB flash drive, easily switch media rolls with automated roll changing, feed scanning originals in face-up with automatic width detection to decrease scanning errors, and a top delivery tray eliminates the risk of damaged or curled prints. Plus, a scroll and click panel and smart buttons make it easy to use for both experienced and new users. The system is constructed of solid, hard-wearing materials designed to make it last longer than comparable systems – perfect for firms looking to keep new equipment costs in check.

Utilizing patented Océ Radiant Fusing technology – the most efficient way to fuse toner onto paper – the Océ PlotWave 300 system starts up instantly, uses half the energy of comparable systems, makes no noise when it is idling and produces virtually no ozone emissions; making it the most energy efficient CAD plotter in its segment.

Simple Print Management for Decentralized AEC Environments
Visitors to Océ’s booth can also view the latest in print management software. Océ Repro Desk® Studio software allows end users to easily build, preview, and submit print jobs to a wide variety of printers – whether from Océ or other brands, wide or small format, color or black & white, local or remote – all with the same user interface. It also allows jobs to be submitted to local printers or even to an external print provider. Specific workflow rules can be created for the automatic distribution of jobs to the most suitable printers, for example by document format, use of color or size of the print job.
 
Jobs can be created from multiple documents using the free Océ Client Tools™ print submission software. Individual documents can then be previewed before printing with true WYSIWYP functionality – What You See Is What You Print – that shows exactly how they will print on the selected printer, allowing accurate checking of document contents and print settings.
 
With its integrated job tracking and accounting capabilities, Océ Repro Desk Studio software is a significant advance in wide format print software functionality. The accounting features of Océ Repro Desk Studio software allow all print, scan and copy jobs on wide format devices to be tracked automatically. As well as optimizing internal cost control, these functions ensure that printing costs can be charged to projects or customers instead of disappearing into overhead.