Access Direct Adds Océ VarioPrint i300 Cut-Sheet Press to Its Production Inkjet Fleet

Canon Solutions America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., today announced that New York-based direct mail and marketing service company, Access Direct, has enhanced its production inkjet fleet and entered the production inkjet cut-sheet environment with the installation of the renowned Océ VarioPrint i300 color digital press. Access Direct’s newest installation follows its recent acquisition of four Océ ColorStream 3900 digital color printing systems that, coupled with the new VarioPrint, are set to once again increase the direct mail leader’s overall production room efficiency, productivity, and product offerings.

Founded in 1969 as a data compilation company, Access Direct has evolved into one of the largest direct mail and marketing service companies in the U.S., mailing over a billion pieces annually. From data processing and print production management to bindery, inserting, and mailing, Access Direct provides a full array of services to publishers, banks and financial institutions, advertising agencies, communication companies, membership organizations, retailers, and other Fortune 1000 companies.

Over the course of its history, reliability, speed, and efficiency have become synonymous with the Access Direct name. During its steady growth and emergence as a premier direct mail provider, the company has continued to gain new customers while keeping its current clients ahead of the curve with new and enhanced services. The concurrent rise of inkjet technologies — which have since redefined the industry — gave Access Direct the opportunity to further expand their capabilities and offerings that continue to differentiate them from the competition.

With a keen sense of industry trends, Access Direct turned to its long-time collaborator, Canon Solutions America, and adopted the inkjet movement. What started with the company’s acquisition of one Océ ColorStream 3900 inkjet printer, has since grown into an all-encompassing and robust production print fleet that now boasts four ColorStream 3900 printing systems and most recently, the Océ VarioPrint i300 digital inkjet press, which are all powered by the Océ PRISMAproduction workflow suite.

Since moving into the inkjet space over two years ago, Access Direct has experienced significant business growth — growth that the VarioPrint i300 will take to further heights. Turning to the ColorStream technology gave Access Direct a look into new and polished applications, which compelled the company to take a step further and examine the possibilities with cut-sheet advancements. What the VarioPrint i300 has now brought is the ability for Access Direct to round out its print fleet and better support the dynamic applications the company produces for its customers. Bridging the gap between the application flexibility of toner based, sheetfed printers and the productivity of web-fed inkjet presses, the VarioPrint i300 will help Access Direct’s national customer-base to get more creative than ever before with their application offerings.

The Transition Set in Motion
"The time came when we knew full well that the industry was transitioning toward an inkjet-focused landscape," says John DiNozzi, executive VP, Access Direct. "We now have a full commitment to inkjet and alongside Canon Solutions America, have embraced the exciting new technologies."

Combining the reduced costs of inkjet with the media and application flexibility of sheet-fed production, the Océ VarioPrint i300 provides an advantageous proposition to print providers looking to expand their business and customer base. With the ColorStream 3900’s already in place, Access Direct was looking for an inkjet production press that could seamlessly blend with its existing equipment and provide broader reprint solutions. Offering the versatility of sheet-fed, inkjet, white-paper-in full-color-out workflows and an ability to draw from multiple paper sources, automatic duplexing, and in-line connectivity to finishing equipment, the Océ VarioPrint i300’s features matched Access Direct’s print room goals.

"The VarioPrint i300 gave us a dynamic platform that now allows our entire print fleet to work more efficiently and productively," relays Lori Messina, executive VP of Access Direct whose shop is 100% equipped with Canon and Océ equipment. "We looked to the inkjet cut-sheet digital press for shorter runs, reprints, and new applications, and suffice to say, the quality has been outstanding."

Francis A. McMahon, senior VP, Marketing, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America, also adds, "It’s no secret that Access Direct’s success lies in its adaptability, commitment to excellence, and an unwavering appreciation of new technology. From implementing inkjet software, workflow solutions, and state-of-the-art technologies, working with Access Direct is a privilege. We’ve grown together, and will continue to help push this industry and its impact forward."

Future Growth
The relationship between Canon Solutions America and Access Direct continues to grow. Most recently, DiNozzi and Messina contributed their lessons learned with inkjet technology to "The Inkjet Edge," a comprehensive industry educational book from thINK, sponsored by Canon Solutions America. As long-term partners, the two leaders are dedicated to providing educational and networking opportunities for the evolution and growth of the print industry.

About Access Direct
As one of the largest direct mail and marketing service companies in the country, Access Direct Systems is responsible for mailing over a billion pieces annually. It services various industries including publishers, banks and financial institutions, advertising agencies, communication companies, membership organizations, fund raisers, retailers, and other Fortune 1000 companies. Many large volume and continuity mailing clients prefer Access Direct because of its record of performing these services consistently and cost effectively. To support these mailings, its services include database management, print production management, postal optimization, personalization, and mailing.

About Canon Solutions America
Canon Solutions America provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large-format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. With the technology offerings of the Canon and Océ brands, Canon Solutions America helps companies of all sizes improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs through high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Canon Solutions America is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has sales and service locations across the U.S.

Source: Canon Solutions America.