At Konica Minolta, we are passionate about driving meaningful change in the areas of sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). Our recent global DE&I event, “Sustainability & Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in Action,” brought together more than 300 participants from 35 countries to explore the pressing topics shaping our collective future.

This inspiring event was opened by our President and CEO, Tom Taiko, and moderated by Milan Lakhani, Director of Transformation and Partner ESG in BEU. With a panel of thought leaders from top clients, the capital markets and Konica Minolta’s leadership, we delved into expectations, goals and challenges tied to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Let’s explore the key takeaways from this impactful discussion:

A Client’s Perspective: Michael Colarossi, Avery Dennison

Michael Colarossi, Head of Enterprise Sustainability at Avery Dennison, shared how sustainability is an emotional issue that connects employees and communities alike. He emphasized that for companies like Konica Minolta and Avery Dennison, sustainability is not just a value—it is a business imperative.

Discussion Highlights:

Balancing Metrics with Emotion: By supporting community involvement, Avery Dennison’s foundation contributed over $5.5 million in 2023.

Investor Trends Shaping Sustainability:

• Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Prioritize cutting emissions by fostering collaboration across the supply chain.
• Shift from DE&I to Demographics: Broaden the focus to include wider population trends affecting the workforce and customer base.
• Transparency and Regulatory Preparedness: Emphasize transparency in supply chains and product impacts and ensure readiness to respond to regulatory changes.

Together with our clients, we at Konica Minolta strive to collaborate within a broader ecosystem to tackle challenges such as developing circular models, enhancing transparency and minimizing waste.

Capital Market Expert Opinion: Dr. Reich, Consultant in Sustainable Finance and initiator of the first Sustainability Index in 2007: The GCX

As a pioneer in sustainable finance, Dr. Reich shared valuable insights on how capital markets view ESG efforts.

Discussion Highlights:

• Sustainable funds are reaching $3.5 trillion in assets, and they reach a median return of 1.7% compared to traditional funds’ 1.1%
• Investors are focused on risks, opportunities, and concrete results. They are eager for ESG-comparable data, which is why they are anticipating the implementation of the CSRD in Europe. The key recommendation is that we should recognize the CSRD as an essential reporting tool for our investors.
• Investors assess commitment, goals, and action plans, but they also look for tangible results that follow. Avoiding greenwashing is essential; transparency and accountability are critical to sustaining investor trust.
• Social Impact: While there is no single global standard for social metrics, DE&I efforts are increasingly seen as indicators of long-term success. Investors expect companies to extend their influence beyond internal goals to include supply chain and societal impact.

Konica Minolta Leadership Outlook: Ken Itamoto, General Manager, Corporate Planning Division at Konica Minolta, Inc. (KMI)

Under the leadership of Ken Itamoto, General Manager of the Corporate Planning Division at Konica Minolta, Inc. (KMI), the organization is redefining success by aligning its business goals with sustainability objectives. Here’s how Konica Minolta is driving positive change while pursuing growth:

• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Konica Minolta views social and environmental challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to innovate and grow. This approach reflects its commitment to contributing to a sustainable society.
• Integrating Sustainability into Strategy: Sustainability is at the core of Konica Minolta’s management strategy. Addressing social and environmental challenges as business opportunities.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): Recognizing the value of a diverse and engaged workforce, Konica Minolta aims to:
  • Achieve 26% women in management roles by 2030 and enhance overall employee engagement scores as a marker of inclusivity and workplace satisfaction.
• Transparent Environmental Accountability:
  • Environmental targets are integrated into Konica Minolta’s Medium-term Business Plan, ensuring progress is monitored and verified through third-party assurance for credibility and accountability.
• Ambitious Goals for 2030 and Beyond: Konica Minolta has set measurable targets under five material issues, including:
• Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, with interim goals for 2030.
• Reducing natural resource use by 90%.
• Supporting broader societal and client emissions reductions through a “CO2 reduction contribution” initiative.

Building a Sustainable Future Together:

At Konica Minolta, we believe that the journey toward sustainability and impactful ESG practices is a collaborative effort. Through events like “Sustainability & ESG in Action,” we reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation, transparency and shared value. By uniting thought leaders, clients and stakeholders, we are creating actionable strategies to address the pressing challenges of our time.

As we continue to integrate sustainability into our core operations, we remain focused on ambitious goals, from achieving net-zero emissions to driving DE&I initiatives and advancing transparency across supply chains. Together, we can build a future where businesses not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to society and the environment.

We encourage our partners, customers and employees to keep pushing boundaries and inspire change—because a better tomorrow starts with the actions we take today. Learn more about how Konica Minolta prioritizes global sustainability here.

#KonicaMinolta #Sustainability #ESG #DEI #GlobalLeadership

In today’s fast-paced digital world, content is King—but managing it can feel like a never-ending quest. For enterprise businesses, content management is not just about organizing files, it’s about the data and information in those files that drives digital transformation (DX) and helps organizations achieve business goals more efficiently.

DX involves modernizing mission-critical processes, digitizing workflows, and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies. But none of this is possible without a solid foundation of Enterprise Content (EC). Your EC is more than just data, it’s your intellectual property and the fuel that drives business outcomes.

But here’s the challenge: content is often fragmented across multiple repositories, not only creating operational friction, but causing compliance issues too. The average organization has 7-10 information management repositories, making it nearly impossible to view and manage content effectively.

Let’s explore the new world of content management and how it can revolutionize your enterprise.

What’s New in the Content Management Space

Imagine having a unified application that seamlessly integrates with your existing repositories, providing a comprehensive view of your content without the need for data migration. With this unified approach, you can streamline operations, reduce compliance risks, and make informed decisions faster based on real-time data.

Cloud is Driving Content Transformation and Accelerating Growth

Cloud technology plays a significant role in modern content management by providing countless advantages over traditional approaches. The top benefits of using cloud-based content management solutions are the scalability and flexibility they bring to your operations. It allows you to adjust resources quickly and easily handle the growing volumes of content without compromising performance. The ability to scale resources on demand makes it possible to maintain operational efficiency even as your content requirements evolve.

Another essential advantage is the cost savings associated with cloud solutions. By eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure, cloud technology reduces capital expenditures and operational costs. Additionally, pay-as-you-go pricing models ensure that you only pay for the resources you actually utilize, leading to more efficient budget management. Enhanced collaboration is another major benefit, as cloud-based content management facilitates seamless teamwork across teams and locations. Employees can access content anywhere, anytime, improving productivity and encouraging innovation.

Get your Enterprise Content Ready for AI

AI-readiness is not going to happen overnight. It is a gradual process that requires careful planning and implementation based on your unique needs. In fact, AvePoint’s 2024 report  revealed that although 80% of organizations believed their data was ready for AI, nearly 95% encountered challenges during AI implementation, with more than half (52%) encountering issues related to internal data quality and organization.

Here are some steps to get your data, stakeholders and organization ready for AI when it comes to enterprise content management.

1. Assess Your Current State
   Evaluate your existing content management processes to pinpoint areas ripe for enhancement. Start by thoroughly analyzing each department to understand how complex procedures may be negatively impacting your overall operations and profitability. Take, for example, the finance department – issues within subdivisions such as accounts payable, or payroll might be low-hanging fruit. Investigate how AI-driven content solutions can streamline these processes, thereby improving efficiency and aligning them with your broader business objectives. Engage stakeholders and gather data to create a transparent overview of your current capabilities, needs, and potential areas for AI application.

2. Develop a Roadmap
   Craft a detailed roadmap for AI implementation that clearly sets the necessary steps and milestones to achieve your content transformation goals. This roadmap should include realistic timelines,  allocate the necessary resources, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to benchmark progress and success. Scenario planning can also help anticipate potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies. This comprehensive approach will help in aligning the organization’s objectives with technological advancements, ensuring the implementation delivers tangible benefits.

3. Partner with Experts
   The new era of content management is here, and it’s transforming the way enterprise businesses like yours operate. By unifying your content and leveraging AI and cloud technologies, you can drive digital transformation and accelerate business success.
   
   To do it right, partner with content management experts who have proven to stay ahead of evolving technologies —rather than chasing trends. Expert support will be crucial for not only maximizing the potential benefits of AI, but also customizing best-in-class solutions specific to your business needs and offering steady ongoing support. By tapping into expert knowledge, you’ll maximize AI’s potential and drive continuous innovation within your organization.

Introducing Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Information Management Solutions

Over a span of two decades, we’ve successfully set over 1,000 organizations on the path to unlock the power of their content. Let us do the same for you. Our extensive experience with diverse content management challenges allows us to tailor best-in-class solutions that drive real impact for organizations. Speak with our specialists for a free consultation today!

Have you wondered how you can help your printed products stand out in today’s competitive market? Or how you can help your customers make lasting impressions with their audiences? The latest industry trends show a big shift toward personalization and specialized printing techniques. In fact, recent research from Keypoint Intelligence found that 84% of consumers are more likely to open personalized direct mail, and 50% prefer it over email. So, how can you really shine?

Experts from NAPCO research suggest that Print Service Providers (PSPs) should diversify their offerings. Think unique, high-margin applications like custom prints, specialty substrates and custom design services. These not only attract new clients but also boost your profitability. Digital embellishments are changing the game, turning ordinary prints into extraordinary experiences.

If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and add a new revenue stream with a guaranteed return on investment, this blog is for you. From enhancing your product offerings to boosting customer satisfaction, you’ll discover why digital embellishment is a must-have for your business.

Where Can Digital Embellishments Fit In?

The short answer: strategically, everywhere. Depending on your customers’ needs, you can elevate your print output with effects like spot coating prints, highlighting defined areas and adding 3D effects, creating a tactile and unique experience which research shows enhances customer recall and engagement, leading to higher sales. With the growing demand for differentiation and personalization, digital embellishments have become a powerful way to enhance the value and profitability of printed materials. Impressively, 90% of print service providers (PSPs) surveyed by WhatTheyThink are excited about their digital embellishment initiatives, highlighting this technology as a key driver for innovation and growth in the printing industry. This fully digitized production process makes your materials stand out from the crowd, taking you beyond the average and into a whole new realm of possibilities. Plus, with digital embellishment you can produce short runs and one-offs quickly and cost-effectively. This means you can cater to a wider range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations.

Benefits of Digital Embellishment

1. Enhanced Printing Capabilities and Product Offerings

With digital embellishment, you can expand your range of services and offer more sophisticated products. Imagine providing customers with business cards featuring raised text, wedding invitations with shimmering foil accents or brochures with tactile textures. Offering digital embellishment services enables you to cater to a wider range of customer needs and preferences. From luxury packaging and high-end marketing materials to personalized stationery, the versatility of digital embellishments allows you to tap into various market segments and diversify your client base.

For instance, take a look at WhatTheyThink’s recent Finishing & Embellishment issue, which featured a tiny, folded card box printed and embellished with Konica Minolta technology tipped onto the cover. Our client, Elite Print Finishing, based out of Burlington, NC, originally created these boxes with their Konica Minolta digital embellishment technology as promotional business cards that could be folded into tiny boxes. The possibilities are truly endless, and the added value can set your business apart from competitors.

2. Boost Engagement

Digital embellishments not only enhance the visual and tactile appeal of your products, they also significantly boost customer engagement. This makes the customer experience more memorable and impactful. Heightened engagement can lead to increased brand loyalty and higher conversion rates, as customers are more likely to remember and favour your products over others.

3. Cash In on the Personalization Trend

Personalization is more than a trend; it’s a major driving force in today’s market. Sparks & Honey’s research forecasts that the personalized items market will surge to $201 billion by 2026, marking a substantial 49% increase from 2021. This growth is fueled by consumer demand for unique and customized products. Digital technology enables highly customized embellishments, tailored to specific designs to make each print run unique and resonate with individual customers.

4. Increased Perceived Value and Revenue

We know that adding embellishments can make products feel more luxurious and high-end. The tactile sensation of embossed or textured prints significantly enhances the perceived value of the product. According to research, mere touch can increase perceived ownership and value. With more than 70% of shoppers willing to pay a premium of at least 10% for products that offer customization or uniqueness – according to Sparks & Honey – digital embellishments offer the perfect solution to transform the impact of customers’ labels and packaging on the shelf.

Multi-Sensory Experience

The sensory marketing benefits of digital embellishments are well known. The combination of visual and tactile elements can create a more memorable and impactful experience for your audience. According to Fast Company, multi-sensory storytelling, enhanced by AI, is becoming a key trend in experiential marketing. Innovative embellishments can incorporate interactive elements, such as augmented reality (AR) triggers, further enhancing customer engagement and interaction with the printed material.

5. Cost Efficiencies and Sustainability in Operations

While the initial investment in digital embellishment technology may be significant, the long-term benefits can outweigh the costs. Digital processes are often more efficient and less wasteful than traditional methods, leading to significant cost savings and more sustainable operations. This in turn allows you to enhance your bottom line while being environmentally responsible. For instance, our new JETvarnish 3D Web 400’s 100% digital process eliminates conventional intermediate consumables like plates, screens, and solvents, which are particularly polluting and generate subcontracting, transport, and packaging waste. This innovation not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes environmental impact.

6. Maximize Productivity

Digital embellishment streamlines the production process, allowing you to complete jobs faster without compromising on quality. Unlike traditional methods, these digital processes are faster and require fewer manual steps, resulting in less downtime and more efficient workflows. For example, products like the JETvarnish 3D Web 400, equipped with one or two inkjet engines, allow you to apply UV varnish and hot foil stamping in a single pass at speeds of up to 42 meters per minute. This increased productivity not only enables your team to take on more projects, it ultimately boosts your overall output and profitability.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Brand?

The path to success is clear: investing in digital embellishment technology and training will set your business apart, attract new customers and foster strong, lasting relationships. Stay ahead of the competition and secure your place in the future of the printing industry by embracing digital embellishment today. Are you ready to elevate your prints and transform your brand? Discover how Konica Minolta’s Digital Embellishment Solutions can unlock a new realm of possibilities for your business.

Growth will be the talk of the town across industries in 2024. Gartner finds that 62% of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have chosen ‘Growth’ as their top business priority this year, which is at its highest since 2014. The newly identified focus on growth stems from Artificial intelligence (AI) being viewed as the primary driver of the next business shift after digital transformation.

Despite the buzz around AI, many organizations are still in the early stages of their digital journeys. 53% of CEOs report that their digital transformations are either just beginning or less than halfway complete, making technological change their second-highest priority.

Business leaders never seem to get a break. It’s non-stop work to stay ahead in all aspects of business — from corporate policies and employee engagement to technology solutions and customer needs. But every successful business leader knows, this is the exciting part  — and it’s actually what they crave! Thinking about growing a business doesn’t stop … and it really shouldn’t.

This doesn’t need to be a negative aspect of being an SMB owner. The trick is, how do you keep your business constantly moving forward to ensure profitability? There is no magic formula. Every organization has its own unique set of challenges and needs. It’s about having a growth mindset, that’s for sure! We know all too well that your priorities can quickly change direction due to factors out of your control, and you have to be ready. Fortunately, there are key strategies that businesses today can incorporate into their growth plans to provide as much stability as possible… and perhaps, it’s easier than you think!

Every day, technology is pushing our world ahead, but with the right combination of initiatives, your organization can continue on its trajectory towards success. So keep doing MORE!

Machine Automation

Opportunities for Sustainability Partners

Revenue Bottom Line Investments

Employee Experience and Talent Acquisition

How to do MORE

Machine Automation

AI is here. We cannot hide from it any longer. We need to recognize the pivotal role AI plays in modern business operations. It has now transitioned from a trend to an essential tool across various functions, and it’s imperative for every business owner to actively strategize integrating AI to foster a thriving and future-ready organization.

For small businesses especially, embarking on the journey of pinpointing needs and finding solutions can be a daunting task. Begin by assessing your daily operations and functions to lay the groundwork for making well-informed investment decisions that deliver maximum ROI.

Doing MORE means:

• Paper reduction is a great place to start. By uncovering areas of our business that could potentially use less paper, you can easily implement intelligent information solutions that are driven by AI technology.
• Now, delve into your daily operations. How efficient are the processes and how productive are your employees? Consider where machine automation can be implemented to save you time and money.

Opportunities for Sustainability Partners

68% of consumers report that a company’s sustainability practices have “at least somewhat of an impact” on their purchasing decisions. This is an amazing opportunity to deliver on customer experience and satisfaction — it’s all part of your brand.

Small businesses may not fully grasp the significance of adopting a sustainability plan and ensuring operational efficiency, including the impact of their choice of partners and vendors on consumer perception. Both consumers and employees prioritize sustainability, making it a pivotal factor in decision-making. With more than 99% of business in the U.S. being small to midsize enterprises, it’s more important than ever to give your organization that voice. This not only enhances brand reputation but also fosters economic resilience critical for long-term company stability.

Doing MORE means:

• Discover methods to enhance the efficiency of your operations to reduce environmental impact. This not only boosts sustainability but also effectively mitigates risk.
• Keep an open line of communication with your employees and what they value. They are key players in building your brand. Help them understand how sustainability builds brands and impacts purchasing decisions. Consumers want to feel good about what they are buying.
• Check out Konica Minolta’s own sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and get inspired!

Revenue Bottom Line Investments

Continuous growth is vital for the survival of every business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. In the midst of ongoing forecasting and tight budgets, showcasing revenue growth and profitability requires careful consideration.

Each dollar must be carefully monitored, leaving many SMBs hesitant to embrace new investments — a crucial strategy for growth. To leverage opportunities effectively, they must uncover efficiencies, streamline operations and establish a robust financial foundation before venturing into new initiatives.

Doing MORE means:

• Set your ideal business outcomes for growth, where you can streamline processes to better support your workforce.
• Stay ahead of inflation and industry market trends and consider economic impact — from your customers to employees.
• Monitor your digital transformation and what stage you are in. Are you investing in the right areas that save time and lower costs, ultimately increasing your revenue?

Employee Experience and Talent Acquisition

People make the world go ‘round. Did you know that happy employees are up to 12% more productive? Customer retention is also tied to employee happiness. It may seem obvious, but it’s not always black and white. There are many factors that play into what determines happiness for employees. So, what can employers do to ensure a thriving workforce?

When strategizing for growth, business leaders must prioritize their employees as a critical factor. A stellar customer experience originates from a satisfied internal team. For businesses, it can make or break their success. Building a robust and positive workforce enhances your company’s brand, rendering it more appealing to potential candidates. With the right strategies, SMBs can successfully navigate this area of their business growth.

Investing in cutting-edge digital tools to attract and retain top-tier talent is a valuable initiative that can significantly impact overall success.

Doing MORE means:

• Productive workers are happy workers. Improve employee experience with the right technology solutions.
• Be forward-thinking with your remote/hybrid workforce with the right network and devices.
• Give your employees a voice. Align your company benefits programs with your mission and CSR strategies. It all works together to strengthen your workforce.

Keep MORE top of mind

Stagnation in today’s dynamic environment can pose risks to a business. Small and medium-sized business leaders, in particular, are juggling multiple responsibilities to drive productivity and efficiency within their teams and operations, which can be quite challenging. This is where Konica Minolta can make a difference! By providing expert guidance and insights, we assist our customers in crafting strategic growth plans through tailored technology investments, propelling their organizations towards the future. The year 2025 is approaching swiftly, so keep striving for MORE!

In a digital age infused with cyber threats, it’s not enough to just have IT services; security services have become equally, if not more, essential. Both MSP and MSSP represent vital layers of defense for modern businesses.

In this blog, we will explain the difference between MSP and MSSP, what sets them apart and which one speaks to the specific needs of your organization.

What is an MSP?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party entity that offers IT services to other businesses, such as network management, cloud computing, backup and recovery, software installation and maintenance, and help desk support. An MSP can help you reduce your IT costs, improve your efficiency and free up your staff to focus on your core business.

Spring is in the air, and so is the buzz of spring cleaning!  It’s not just the weather that’s warming up. We’ve shaken off the winter chill and can’t wait to embrace the sunny days ahead. Also on the spring cleaning list for 2024 is re-evaluating our Q1 business achievements and investments. As business leaders, it’s time to brush up on our strategic growth plans and expect a prosperous season ahead.

So, how will your business continue to evolve, grow and innovate? We bet all of these key business objectives are on your 2024 list! But before you start investing and implementing those exciting new systems and programs, have you considered the safety and protection of your organization? No, not cybersecurity and data protection (however we hope that this is just as high on your list as well!) We’re talking about the physical protection of your business and what that means for your success.

The importance of cyber risks cannot be overstated in this digital age. This year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has highlighted the theme “Secure Our World,” emphasizing simple yet crucial steps to enhance online safety for individuals and organizations alike.

In a work setting, everyone within your organization needs to be proactive and scrutinize their personal security practices. This ensures they align with your organization’s protocols to help prevent a major data leak, or worse (think: ransomware attack). More and more business operations are moving to digital technology, and as you transform your own operations, it’s essential to make sure they’re secure from bad actors. Fact is, there’s a new scam every day. Educate everyone so that your users – and your organization – don’t become victims.

In a world where data is the new gold rush, every transaction, client detail and intellectual property exchange is a potential target for threat actors. Cybersecurity is not just an IT conversation, or a line item tucked away in compliance reports—it’s the backbone of your business defense strategy!

Today, let’s strip the jargony layers of cybersecurity and truly understand what it takes to give your business security the attention it deserves in the most realistic way. If your day job involves looking after your organization’s security, this blog is for you. I promise this will be the most informative 5 minutes of your reading time this week.

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day reminds us of the profound influence and contributions women have made to our society, our industry and our organization. The day shines a light on the challenges women face in the workplace, including bias, stereotyping and discrimination, all of which are counter to Konica Minolta’s core values (open, honest, inclusive, collaborative, innovative, passionate, customer-centric and accountable).

It was recently brought to our attention just how many female leaders exist among our print production and industrial print customers. Through Konica Minolta’s International Women’s Day Campaign, we asked some of these women to share their stories. Read on as these individuals reflect on their journeys and in doing so provide powerful insights as leaders.

Get ready to be inspired as we introduce you to some strong, show-stopping women leaders of our industry.and help us celebrate the experiences and wisdom of these women leaders.

Meet our Women in Print Leaders

• Joy Gendusa, CEO / Founder, PostCardMania
• Audrey Jamieson, President, marketing kitchen & 5am Lemon Inc.
• Britnea Martin, Vice President of Operations, Kodi Collective
• Christine Yardley, President, Print Panther Direct
• Diane Fischer, President, L & D Mail Masters, Inc.