The OEM said that it is the “innovative thinking that has helped Epson push boundaries”.
Real Business reported that since 1964 when Epson was “appointed official timekeeper” for the Tokyo Olympic Games, the company has reaped many accomplishments mostly due to “innovative thinking”, starting with the creation of the first analogue quartz watch right up to being part of the space shuttle mission.
The article said that OEMs are under greater pressure than ever to apply innovative ideas to business to be more competitive and globally successful. Rob Clark, Managing Director for Epson UK and Senior Vice President for Epson Europe, said that “no company should […] rest on its laurels in the fast moving business world”.
Clark said that the company ensures it is ahead of the game, and quoted the 1964 Games: “We’re proud of our track record as technological pioneers. Having produced a printing timer for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, we saw the potential of miniature printers and went on to develop the world’s first compact digital printer.
“Today, Epson is still pushing boundaries, looking for ways to improve and explore new ideas. This is supported by a strong focus on research and development – we invest $1.3m (€1.2 million) every day into R&D, resulting in around 5,000 patents being registered each year. At the last count, Epson held over 50,000 live patents”.
He also said that “while printing is our core business, we keep a diverse portfolio and aspire to be market leaders across all areas” and that Epson listened to its customers and invested in technology. The company’s philosophy is that of “Monozukuri and Sho Sho Sei”, said Clark, “to product development. Monozukuri means “the art and science of making things”, while Sho Sho Sei translates as “compact, precise and energy saving”.
These philosophies “guide everything we create” he added, noting that “our ten-year vision is to act as an enabler in the creation of a more sustainable and affluent society, in which people enjoy safer, more productive and healthier lifestyles”. He also commented: “Epson’s president, Minoru Usui, has unveiled a vision for 2025, which focuses on making technology indispensable in a more connected age.
“Our R&D philosophy concentrates on building smart, productivity-enabling technologies that are eco-efficient. Recent examples include the PaperLab office recycling system, bringing the circular economy concept to life in the workplace, as well as the Moverio smart glasses and our dual armed autonomous robot, equipped with artificial intelligence.”
Asked about innovation, Clark replied: “Innovation is about never settling for what you already have – instead strive for better. It is about always exploring new ways and technologies to ensure products come with features that maximise convenience for the customer. Innovative thinking should also not be confined to the product range, but should influence how services are delivered. Simply put, innovation should aim to simplify processes.
“Interactive collaboration technology is also making a difference to the way meetings work and how presentations are delivered. We build our projectors with a range of interactive features, such as finger touch, to ensure teaching sessions and meetings are as productive as possible.”