For Ricoh, leadership in production print isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about creating them. With a global presence supporting more than 1.4 million businesses, Ricoh stands at the forefront of digital transformation. Its vision blends advanced print technology with deep workflow integration, backed by the belief that the future lies in harnessing the power of information.
In a world where change is constant, Ricoh knows standing still isn’t an option. “Inkjet is a perfect reflection of Ricoh’s mission—bringing people, processes and technology together to create real outcomes,” says Brian Balow, VP of Graphic Communications – Production Solutions for Ricoh USA, Dealer Division. “That’s what separates us. We don’t just sell equipment, we help businesses rethink how print fits into their growth strategy.”
This philosophy is evident in every inkjet engagement. Whether a printer is looking to automate high-volume workflows or a marketer is seeking better ways to personalize outreach, Ricoh offers an end-to-end platform blending hardware innovation, data intelligence and technical expertise.
“People, process and technology are all required for a successful inkjet strategy,” Balow says. “You need experts in sales, workflow and service to guide customers, and a disciplined, repeatable process for evaluating opportunities and implementing solutions.”
This approach is why Ricoh remains trusted by industry leaders. Its focus isn’t on one-off fixes but on helping clients make meaningful shifts toward more efficient operations, lower costs and more flexible, data-driven output.
Today’s customers expect quicker turnaround, greater customization and measurable ROI. “Today’s print jobs are shorter, more personalized and time-sensitive,” Balow says. “Inkjet is built for that environment. It eliminates much of the complexity that slows down traditional print—no plates, no long setups and less labor.”
Labor is critical, especially as experienced press operators age out and younger talent chooses other industries. Inkjet offers a modern, streamlined alternative. “When an offset press operator retires, so does the press,” Balow says. “Inkjet presses are easier to operate and maintain, making them a smart long-term workforce solution.”
“Our customers are dealing with real-world complexity. We meet them where they are and help them get to where they want to be.”
— Brian Balow, VP of Graphic Communications – Production Solutions, Ricoh USA, Dealer Division
Smart software, real-time decisions
Ricoh’s strength also lies in its software ecosystem, enabling smarter, faster decision-making for today’s data-rich environments. With platforms like Avanti Slingshot, an MIS owned by Ricoh, printers get the visibility and control they need. These systems offer real-time analytics to help teams identify inefficiencies, reduce waste and improve performance.
“Analytics are no longer a luxury—they’re a must-have,” Balow says. “Customers need to act on data immediately. That agility is a competitive advantage.”
In today’s crowded marketplace, Ricoh stands apart by delivering true partnership—helping customers define business goals, assess cost structures and understand where inkjet fits into their broader strategy. “Our customers deal with real-world complexity,” Balow says. “We meet them where they are and help them move forward.”
That partnership includes transparency and long-term support. Whether through pre-sales consulting, implementation guidance or ongoing optimization, Ricoh’s teams act as extensions of their customers’ operations.
As industries move toward more personalized engagement models, inkjet provides the agility and scale to deliver tailored experiences. “Consumers want relevance,” Balow says. “They want content that feels personal. Inkjet enables that personalization efficiently and at scale.”
Looking ahead, Ricoh continues to invest heavily in advancing its inkjet portfolio, including innovations in printhead technology, ink chemistry, substrate flexibility and automation to help customers do more, faster and more efficiently. “We’re looking at how we can push boundaries,” Balow says.
At the heart of Ricoh’s evolution is a steady, customer-focused vision that aligns cutting-edge technology with meaningful business outcomes. “Ricoh’s strength has always been about more than technology,” Balow says. “It’s about aligning with our customers’ goals and helping them lead.”
