Ricoh targets small and mid-size workgroups with new A4 devices
October 29, 2024
Article, Security, Sustainability, Trends
With its latest launch, Ricoh is addressing the growing need for A4 printers designed from the ground up for today’s distributed, space-constrained, cost-conscious work environment. With the Ricoh IM C320F, M C320FW, and P C375, the company builds on its record of design innovation to bring users devices that combine improved sustainability and robust security with a broad range of features and support – in the higher-end models – for the same automation and technologies available on its A3 devices. This will appeal to organisations looking to combine versatility with cost control, sustainable running, and device intelligence.
Emphasis on security, sustainability, and flexibility
Aimed at small to mid-sized offices, the new devices are all compact, just 16.1 in x 16.9 in x 19.0 in. With up to a 40% smaller footprint than Ricoh’s current model in the same speed range, the IM C320F and M C320FW MFPs are suitable for desktops in space-constrained locations such as retail and healthcare. Ricoh has re-engineered the print engine to perform similarly to its predecessors but take up far less space. The IM 460F, for instance, delivers the same 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution as the IM C320F but is 39% larger by volume.
Each printer also uses its own space-saving toner cartridge design to make the new compact form factors possible. The IM C320F and P C375 have built-in storage as standard, with the possibility of adding a 256 GB SSD to the IM C320F. The more basic M C320FW has neither a built-in memory card or hard drive nor the capacity for optional additional storage. Designed as a high-speed buffer, the additional storage improves performance, particularly when processing large jobs. The storage options integrated here also support advanced encryption to protect data at rest.
Emphasis on security is common to all three devices. A new flexible administrator role eliminates the need for password sharing between admins, which is always a source of risk. It also enables the integration of admin accounts with Windows Active Directory and other LDAP privilege-management schemas for more granular and privilege-based control. A new operating system supports stronger encryption and sandboxing to prevent malicious apps from executing lateral-movement attacks.
The new line-up adds support for WPA3 WiFi encryption and TLS 1.3 network encryption to protect data in transit. There’s also a new network filter function, allowing admins to restrict access by IP address, port name, and protocol. These additional security features will be useful for businesses upgrading their operations to comply with security regulations and best practices.
Ricoh has used 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in the printer bodies. It has also reduced the amount of single-use plastic in its packaging by up to 31% compared to other Ricoh models. The toner cartridges for these new models also come in entirely plastic-free packaging. All devices are ENERGY STAR certified and incorporate innovations such as a more thermally efficient transfer unit and low-melting-point toner. Ricoh reports that this gives it among the industry’s best Typical Energy Consumption values.
Ricoh IM C320F: An on-ramp to advanced, intelligent workflows
The Ricoh IM C320F is an addition to the company’s high-end Intelligent Multifunction (IM) Series. It’s the most advanced of the three products and sits just below the Ricoh IM C300F in the company’s portfolio.
The device is compatible with Ricoh’s advanced workflow solutions, including Ricoh , its cloud print platform; Ricoh Streamline NX; and the Ricoh Smart Integration (RSI) cloud-based document workflow platform. In addition to supporting these Ricoh solutions, the device is compatible with SAP and Citrix environments.
The Ricoh IM C320F has a seven-inch, colour-smart operation panel. This version of the next-generation control panel was introduced in 2023’s IM C6010 Series, but it is scaled down to an A4 printer here. Like its predecessor, it consumes 45% less power when in sleep mode, helping reduce the user’s energy footprint, particularly in environments with multiple devices deployed.
In common with its stablemates in this launch, the Ricoh IM C320F prints at 32ppm in both black and white and colour. The maximum print resolution is 1200 x 1200 dpi. In addition to PostScript 3 Emulation and PDF Direct Print Emulation, there’s the option to add Genuine Adobe PostScript support. The scan resolution is dpi, and the scan speed is 30 ipm simplex and 60 ipm duplex.
Notably, it leverages RICOH Always Current Technology. This enables users to upgrade their printers and MFPs with new features and applications as these become available. Rather than investing in new hardware to gain access to improved performance or the latest productivity tools, IT admins download and install these on demand. This process is designed to be intuitive and simple, so there’s no technical barrier to adopting these software upgrades. Ensuring devices always have the latest firmware means they remain compatible with the latest software and security standards. Not only does this enhance device longevity and performance, but it also helps users maximise the return on their investment in imaging and printing.
Ricoh M C320FW: A small office stalwart
Ricoh has designed the Ricoh M C320FW for businesses that The Ricoh M C320FW prints at a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and scans at a speed of 30 ipm (simplex) and a resolution of 600 dpi.
This model has a smaller control panel than the IM C320F, but it is enough to access its basic print and scan controls. Duplex scanning is slower than on the Ricoh IM C320F: 42 ipm compared to 60 ipm. This device also has a slower processor, which may impact performance, particularly when processing larger jobs.
Unsurprisingly for a device designed as a workhorse for small workgroups, the Ricoh M C320FW is incompatible with advanced business and network solutions. That means it does not support SAP or Citrix environments and is incompatible with RSI. The Ricoh M C320FW only supports PostScript emulation. It is not possible to add support for Genuine Adobe PostScript.
Ricoh P C375: Simple design with extra features
The Ricoh P C375 is a print-only model offering a four-line LCD panel. It supports a print speed of 32 pages per minute (ppm) and a maximum input sheet capacity of 1300 sheets. Like the Ricoh IM C320F, the P C375 runs on the QB6640-23UF 1.2 GHz processor. It prints at a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, at 32 ppm (simplex) and 16 ppm (duplex). It can optionally support Genuine Adobe PostScript.
This printer does not have an advanced colour control panel. It features a simple black-and-white LCD that shows toner levels and provides access to basic printer controls. However, it has 32 GB of flash memory storage (compared to 64 G on the IM C320F). The optional trays allow users to increase paper capacity from 300 to 1300 sheets.
The new A4 devices are all integrated with RICOH CloudStream, RICOH Smart Integration, and RICOH Streamline NX to support workflow integration. These platforms provide users with a single pane of glass to manage all their printers and MFPs, along with APIs to integrate with a range of third-party solutions and cloud services.
Quocirca opinion
Ricoh’s new A4 devices complement its existing portfolio and address the need for affordable, reliable workgroup printers designed for increasingly cost-conscious and space-constrained offices. While these devices are currently limited to A4 printing without optional extras, they are suited for environments that already use A3 printers and require additional A4 capacity.
Improved security through user authentication and data encryption (TLS 1.3) and enhanced network filter and log functions for monitoring and compliance ensure these devices have the latest device, document, and network security features. Meanwhile, support for Ricoh’s document workflow solutions, such as enables businesses to use these devices as part of broader information management and workflow integration. RICOH Always Current Technology also helps organisations maximise their hardware investments and future-proof their print infrastructure.
Ricoh’s new A4 range offers a combination of features, performance, security, and improved energy efficiency. This will appeal to businesses under pressure to meet environmental and regulatory requirements while also controlling costs and providing their workers with the intelligence and support for third-party integrations to maximise efficiency.
