Apps have become an everyday part life – not only for leisure, but in business too. Now a common feature on smartphones and tablets, Xeretec takes a look at how technology has advanced to help businesses be more productive.

Over the years, apps have continued to be developed to make everyday tasks simpler and quicker, enabling people to do so much more at the touch of a button.

But did you know that this technology has now been applied to modern printers/multifunction devices? App technology now exists that seamlessly and securely integrates with multifunction printer (MFP) interfaces, to help your business be more productive. As with most smartphone apps, the goal of these apps is to enable people to get things done quickly and simply.

The possibilities for app technology in this context are endless. At present, apps exist that can send your scanned documents directly to your Dropbox or OneDrive, as well as translation apps that can scan a document in one language, translate the document into another language and then print or email a copy.

A variety of apps have been developed to date that bring efficiency and productivity into the office with a touch of the screen.

At Xeretec, we continually look at our product ranges to ensure we offer the best machines for business use. For example, Xerox® ConnectKey®-enabled MFPs come with a selection of apps to help users to improve their day-to-day printing and processes. The @Print by Xerox app is a free mobile cloud printing solution, which allows users to print from any mobile or network connected device to an MFP using a single email address – without IT support.

Alternatively, a QR (Quick Response) code app also exists which allows users to connect to an MFP with a simple scan of a QR code from their phone or tablet to print and scan documents.

Going beyond a simple mobile printing functionality, there is also an app which allows users to create automated workflows on their mobile devices to remotely control a Xerox MFP and transmit documents to fax, email, or cloud-hosted services – such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Camera capture capability also helps to square and straighten photos of documents taken with a mobile device.

Our own in-house software development team has created the Xeretec Support App Suite, which delivers immediate on-device support for your business. The nine apps help to simplify and speed up fault resolution while maximising user convenience and productivity for users of Xerox devices.

But this is just the beginning, with apps opening up the opportunity to streamline many untamed business processes. That’s where Xeretec’s in-house development team comes in. Unlike many MPS providers, we have the capability to create custom apps in house.

So if you have a need that you feel might be satisfied by an app, or if we spot an opportunity to improve your print solutions, we can put our team to work to develop an app specifically for your needs.

Six intrepid volunteers are set to tackle demanding trips to Africa equipped with smartphones provided by an independent Edinburgh tech company.

Scottish network service provider, Commsworld are helping the volunteers to share their amazing experiences abroad with state of the art phones that have the capability to use local 4G networks in any country.

The young adults, who have travelled to Africa thanks to funding from the profits of Ginerosity, the world’s first social enterprise gin, will use the handsets to produce weekly video diaries and build up a portfolio of pictures.

Ricky Nicol, CEO at Commsworld, said: “Commsworld is really excited to be supporting Ginerosity with this project, and glad we can do our bit to keep the candidates well connected while abroad.

“As a growing company Commsworld is always keen to develop young talent and see those individuals flourish in the workplace.

“The Ginerosity project will bring a whole new set of skills and experiences to its lucky candidates. I’ll be following their careers with great interest!”

With help from Ginerosity’s funding, the volunteers have made trips Ghana, Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda with charity Challenges Worldwide.

Having devices that can utilise local network providers is vital for the volunteers to pick up local SIM cards and join the right network before they use them.

Eoghan Mackie, CEO of Challenges Worldwide, said: “Thank you Commsworld for providing smartphones to our business support associate volunteers in Africa.

“We champion technology as a core element to enable us to deliver faster, cheaper and easier results for hi potential and high impact small to medium enterprises.

“Better internet access will make it easier to leverage our cloud knowledge platform and remote experts, meaning the businesses get more value from us at point of delivery.”

Aimed at growing local economies and providing vocational training, the 10-week programme enables the young people to develop key business skills and undertake the coursework for an industry recognised qualification, while also enabling the businesses to access social investment.

Marcus Pickering, one of the co-founders of Ginerosity, said: “The support from Commsworld has been very generous, and has been a great boost to this six young adults who have received Ginerosity funding, raised through the sale of our social enterprise gin. It’s another great example of individuals and businesses making a positive difference.”

Commsworld is an Edinburgh headquartered firm, with offices in Glasgow and Aberdeen and more than 70 staff.

Founded in 1994, it supports thousands of the country’s leading organisations, in both the Public and Private Sectors, with their business-critical Internet, Data and Voice Communications.

Ginerosity invests profits from the sale of its gin into projects that will help and support under-privileged or disadvantaged young people. It was founded in 2016 by Pickering’s Gin directors Marcus Pickering and Matt Gammell, Dave Mullen of Story UK, David Moore of Flavourly, and Chris Thewlis of Beer for Good CIC.

Founded in 1999, Challenges Worldwide is an Edinburgh-based developmental organisation that has experience of working with businesses in over 40 countries across the globe.