Streamlining the enterprise journey: Canon leads the way with front- and back-end innovations

At the heart of Canon’s ethos lies the Japanese philosophy kyosei. The organisation’s interpretation of this concept envisions a world where individuals live and work harmoniously for the collective good. This perspective underpins Canon’s global strategy, fuelling its dedication to innovation and continual improvement.

Mr Norihiro Katagiri, Canon Singapore’s senior vice president, highlights that embracing innovation to solve problems and achieve better outcomes is fundamental to kyosei. He noted the challenges faced by companies in recent years in consolidating diverse data types without sufficient infrastructure for tasks such as data entry, data analysis and archiving. 

“Canon’s Smart Tech solutions aim to bridge these gaps and deliver a more comprehensive level of support, enabling businesses to scale and thrive,” said Mr Katagiri. 

These solutions are categorised into three pillars: Smart Workplace, Smart Surveillance and Smart Vertical. 

TRANSFORMING BUSINESSES WITH FRONT-END INNOVATION

Smart Workplace offerings aim to boost productivity and digitalise workflows for businesses. For instance, by harnessing optical character recognition technology, manual tasks like data entry and invoice processing are automated, reducing human error and improving efficiency. 

Additionally, as the demand for strengthened document security grows amid the adoption of shared workspaces, Canon has introduced user authentication systems for its multi-function devices (MFDs) by using advanced face recognition technology. Leveraging deep learning capabilities, the solution identifies unique facial features to ensure that sensitive documents are accessed only by authorised staff. 

Smart Surveillance solutions employ advanced cloud video surveillance and data analytics to safeguard public safety. In elder care settings, they provide round-the-clock monitoring of residents and promptly alert medical personnel in the event of falls. 

“The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to distinguish fall incidents from similar, non-harmful actions such as kneeling or squatting,” said Mr Katagiri. “With the elderly population on the rise, we foresee growing demand for such solutions in Singapore and the region.”

Mr Katagiri noted that the Smart Vertical pillar holds the highest growth potential. These solutions are engineered to streamline complex, industry-specific processes and automate tasks to accelerate innovation. 

For example, at a tertiary-level campus in Singapore, Canon’s Course Scheduling Attendance System automates attendance tracking. The system incorporates attendance statistics with the school’s back-end system, facilitating easy retrieval of records. Integrated with door access control, it also enhances security by using face recognition technology to regulate entry to class venues. 

BUSINESS CAN BE SIMPLE WITH CANON

According to Mr Vincent Low, senior director and general manager of Canon Singapore, customers increasingly seek seamless implementations in a rapidly evolving environment. Canon’s goal is to help them simplify complex processes through a consultative approach. 

Process optimisation can range from large-scale enterprise projects, such as digitising voluminous paper records with Canon’s document management solutions, to smaller adjustments that translate to efficiency gains. For instance, Canon introduced QR codes for reporting issues with its MFDs, eliminating the need for customers to search for the model and serial number when seeking assistance. Now, users only need to scan the MFD’s QR code and select the issue from a drop-down menu. Once submitted, the technical service request will be attended to within two hours.

Beyond using face recognition technology to bolster MFD access and document management, Canon is harnessing AI-based technologies like natural language processing and machine learning software to address more complex challenges, such as document comprehension in data capture and processing. These innovations enable enterprises to redirect their employees towards higher-value work and foster creative problem-solving to drive business growth. 

Mr Low emphasised Canon’s commitment to nurturing collaborative relationships and advancing alongside its small- and medium-size enterprise (SME) clientele, many of whom have been loyal partners since the company’s inception 45 years ago in Singapore. He shared: “Starting from a traditional product-focused approach, Canon has since augmented its offerings to provide comprehensive solutions to meet evolving needs.” 

Furthermore, Mr Low underscored the growing interest among SMEs in acquiring bespoke solutions for their workforce and operations. “By leveraging Canon’s suite of solutions to enhance business value, these SMEs are building greater resilience and paving the way for consistent scaling amid shifting landscapes,” he said. 

ELEVATING PRODUCT QUALITY THROUGH BACK-END INNOVATION

Continuing Canon’s commitment to excellence and innovation, Canon Prachinburi Thailand has introduced a significant advancement in manufacturing with the anti-loosening welded frame. Departing from the conventional screw-based approach, the unique design not only reinforces the structural integrity of Canon’s MFDs, but also ensures their long-term reliability and precision in diverse environments.

By eliminating common issues associated with screw loosening, Canon optimises performance and durability, which translates to reductions in maintenance costs and increased customer satisfaction. This innovation underscores Canon’s dedication to quality and exemplifies kyosei, where the organisation aims to contribute to the betterment of society by improving the efficacy of its products.

In tandem, Canon’s technology-driven front-end solutions and back-end enhancements synergise to deliver value-added products and services to customers across Asia. 

Learn more about how Canon can add value to your organisation.