Training Out of the Gate

Your shop finally purchased that shiny, new printer. Now what? Attending all the seminars and keynote addresses in the world won’t bring you customers if you don’t know how to correctly and efficiently use the new machinery.

Fortunately, many print manufacturers and suppliers include on-site training and additional educational materials in the cost of a printer. We asked several of these companies to share the training programs available to their customers:
 

• Agfa: With the installation of a new Anapurna UV Inkjet system, users are provided with two to three days of training and education. Part of the training includes engine-operation training, which covers recognizing and dealing with good versus bad substrates (including proper viewing techniques and hands-on application and imaging instruction) and recognizing and correcting image-quality problems. Training also includes an overview of standard wide-format applications that are compatible with the printer, troubleshooting, and color-management function and controls.
 

• Seiko I Infotech: Seiko fi rst trains its dealers, who in turn pass on the training to their customers. The company mandates that all dealers who provide installation and after-sales services of ColorPainter printers attend a hands-on, 31⁄2 day training course at the company’s sales and marketing offices. After a printer is sold and installed, the dealer trains the ColorPainter end-user on the operation and maintenance of the machine, explains Trish Kinman, marketing manager. The dealer also provides hands-on training on RIP and color management as well as production and application tips.
 

The end-user training module includes education on operating conditions, including environmental conditions; media installation; ink pack installation and replacement; periodic maintenance; cleaning procedures; and operation training on print modes, special printing, double-sided printing, and mesh banner printing.
 

• Mimaki: “The main objective of the application training is to promote confi dence and understanding of the printer capabilities,” says Francisco De Brito, color services supervisor with Mimaki. He explains that application training takes place two to three weeks after a printer has been installed. “During this time span, the end-user gets familiar with the equipment and software and goes through a learning curve that will promote questions.”
 

A Mimaki application engineer performs the training onsite. During the training, he or she explains the printer functions and software capabilities, reviews daily maintenance procedures, explains the functions of the menu, and instructs on the operational dos and don’ts. In addition, the engineer gives an in-depth review of Raster Link Pro and goes over tips and techniques that will best fi t the user’s needs and workflow. The engineer also covers basic color-management techniques. Training lasts two to three days, but De Brito says it can be extended to accommodate users needing additional training.

• Durst Image Technology: “Our approach to training is to provide comprehensive training so that the customers can realize the full quality and productivity of their equipment,” says Christopher Guyett, Durst sales and marketing coordinator. The package includes assistance in integrating the printer into the customer’s workflow, printer operation and general maintenance training, Caldera RIP, and color-management training. “All training is customized to best match and fit each customer’s needs,” says Guyett.
 

All education is done onsite at the end-user’s location. Operator training is generally performed at the time of printer installation. The workflow integration and color-management training can take up to a week.
 

• LexJet: Each customer who purchases a printer through LexJet is assigned a trained account specialist that will provide training over the phone, online (using tools such as GoToMeeting), or on location at the customer’s shop. LexJet can also help expedite the training and service process with the OEM or service company, if needed. Additionally, LexJet provides hands-on training at its Technology Center in Sarasota, Florida (which is home to a variety of the latest wide-format aqueous and solvent printers from Canon, Epson, and HP). Customers can train on the printers and experiment with a variety of software and media available from LexJet. This training is helpful not only for new or fi rst-time buyers, but also those in the market for a new printer or those looking to expand their printing capabilities and application offerings, the company explains.