Futureproof through innovation
HP INC .
in data or being certified to run big projects ,” Schmitz says .
“ As a company we have a new learning concept which involves a greater focus on interactive ways of learning , not just training classes but online support and groups which connect people looking for the same outcomes .”
Futureproof through innovation
Finally , and perhaps the most significant in terms of strengthening HP ’ s position at the front of the printing and personal systems industry , is supply chain innovation . “ To operate a supply chain as described , it is also important to spend sufficient time and energy on innovation and improvements – this is what often is called ‘ Bi-modal ’, Schmitz continued . One example in a series of initiatives to drive innovation is Instant Ink , a new subscription service to cater for replacement ink supplies . Customers pay a monthly fee and in return receive ink as soon as the printer communicates to HP that it is running low – this ensures a continuous supply of ink while removing the need for clients to manually order .
Schmitz explains : “ If you have a printer and run out of ink the usual step is to visit a contract supplier or retailer to acquire more , but we are asking why this can ’ t be done for you . We started this in several countries and are seeing huge growth rates and , because it is so easy , customers continue using it . It is one of the fastest growing web services in the world – and for us it is like a digital supply chain .”
In the future , Instant Ink is likely to fill printers made with components that have themselves been printed . While 3D printing is not new for HP , the latest product launches are based on technology that the company has developed in-house with its own intellectual property .
There are many implications for the supply chain when launching new categories like 3D printing , where a new ecosystem will need to be generated with a new supplier network .
“ The really compelling thing is
154 March 2017