Too long; didn’t read (TL;DR)? Not anymore.

Posted on by | Apps, ConnectKey, Technology | 0 comments

Too long; didn’t read? We’ve all been there.  You get that report or article and say to yourself: “No time. I’ll get to this later.”  In today’s world where content is coming at us from every direction, sometimes we just can’t get to reading everything we should or must.  Who has the time?  Just give me the “Reader’s Digest version”! 

What if you could take that document you received, scan it into your ConnectKey-enabled Xerox VersaLink or AltaLink device, and have it reduced to a more-easily digestible summary? 

Yep.  There’s an App for that! 

Xerox recently launched the Xerox Summarizer App that can help you free up some time, while still getting the salient points of a document.  Using AI from our partner, SummarizeBot, the app provides two types of summarization:  Extractive, to reduce the size of the document by extracting the key sentences, and Abstractive, which provides a concise interpretation of the original.  Abstractive Summarization generally reads better and may actually contain words that aren’t in the original, whereas Extractive Summarization only includes sentences found in the original.  And, whereas Extractive is available for practically every language out there, Abstractive is limited to English only.  You pick!

If you pick Extractive, then you have a few other options to consider.  What size do you want the summary to be?  We support anywhere from 5%-90% of the original.  Not sure what will work for you?  No worries!  The app gives you a quick preview and the option to rapidly view the results at other percentages.

Extractive summaries for documents in standard European Union languages (including English) can also be optimized to focus on the “domain” (or category) of document you are working on.

Got what you want?  The results can now be printed and/or emailed (with an option to include the original).

Thinking about how you or your customers might use this app?  Consider these industry scenarios:

Trial the Xerox Summarizer App free for 30 days or 50 credits!  A subscription can be purchased from the Xerox App Gallery via the subscribe button once the trial period ends.  You just might be able to end that too long; didn’t read dilemma!

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like sales support!

Print Quality – Dots, Lines, Voids, Density, and Bands

Posted on by | Printing, Support Tools | 0 comments

Print quality issues happen but determining the problem will take a little detective work on your part

The first step is to print an internal report, such as the settings or configuration report.  If the report shows no defect or error, then the problem may be with the original file or document. Try printing a different document from a different program. If the problem persists or the same print defect appears on the internal report then our investigation continues. 

Let’s look at the common print quality defects and the possible resolutions.

Print Quality Issue

  • Spots, dots
  • Lines horizontal
  • Lines vertical
  • Background or ghost image
  • Voids or blank spaces in the image
  • Smears

Possible Resolutions

  • Make sure paper is within specifications
  • Paper should be in good condition and not damp from excessive humidity.
  • Program paper properly in the tray, driver, and document.
  • Clean the components that influence print quality issues such as laser windows or printhead lens for example.
  • Print image quality page or repeating defects page if available.
  • Ensure all latches and levers are in the locked position.

The resolutions list is by no means complete.  Please look up information on the print quality issues on the online support for your machine.

There are several components to look for on image issues. Knowing these components can help narrow the potential issue. Before you search for solutions online or call for support see if the issues are happening on some or all prints, what direction the defect occurs, and if it is at a regular interval.

Most issues can be solved without having to call a technician. The support page for your printer or multifunction device is the place to start investigating your image quality issues. You may be able to clear up the issue yourself saving time, frustration and possibly money.

Avoid Image Quality Issues — Clean the Glass

Posted on by | General Information, Support Tools | 0 comments

How often do you clean the glass on your Xerox product(s)? Can’t remember the last time or assume someone else takes care of that? Keeping your machine clean is important. Several image quality problems can be solved by cleaning your machine.

Some of the most common issues – lines, spots, streaks, voids, deletions on copies or scans — can be caused by dirty platen glass or Constant Velocity Transport (CVT) glass. Clean the glass on the machine once a month, or whenever quality issues arise.

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the machine’s cleaning procedures. Go to the Online Support page for your machine and search on the term “clean.” There you will find several items that you can take care of yourself. Machine models vary on what you can clean so make sure you refer to your documentation or Online Support to see what you can do.

Many of the devices have support built right in that you can access from the user interface on the printer.  That way you can read the instructions or watch the how to clean information right at the machine.  

Here is an example of cleaning the CVT glass.

Search “glass” on YouTube Xerox Support channel for cleaning instructions for the platen and CVT glass.  Disclaimer: your machine may look different, your machine may not have access to the glass, please read all instructions before attempting, no printers were harmed in the making of this video, just making sure you are paying attention ☺.

Happy Cleaning. I know what you’re thinking, “Cheryl I don’t do windows.” Somebody has to! The copy you clean up may be your own!

YouTube Xerox Support Channel: Fast and Informative

Posted on by | Support Tools, Technology | 0 comments

I am not sure when YouTube went from a platform for amateur singers and crazy cat videos to a way to learn how to do just about anything, but the YouTube Xerox Support Channel began years ago and adds content frequently.  Sorry, no cat videos.

The YouTube Xerox Support Channel is continuing to grow.  Recently videos for PrimeLink, AltaLink, the Predict Media Manager, Xerox B-Series, and C-Series, and more have been added.

Currently, there are over 1,100 videos. The videos cover subjects such as setting up your machine, connecting to wi-fi, and cleaning your printer.  With so much variety you are sure to find a video that will help you with a question or issue with your product.  You might find a video that will introduce you to a new product or feature that could help with your work processes. 

You can easily find all the videos for a particular product model using our Playlists which group them for you. No need to perform a search.

The videos are “shorts” — approximately 2 minutes in length. Sample some of the videos. Subscribe to the channel so that you can find them easily next time you have a question about your machine(s).

YouTube, as you know, is a way to find quick answers to so many questions about how to do things. Quick answers is why we have created this channel. For instance, this video shows how to Scan to Email on the new Xerox C235/B235 MFPs.

These videos are great tools for training a new user or help an existing user fix an issue with the machine. Having the addition of the visual of the machine, parts, screens, etc. makes it easier to translate the process to your machine.

Check out the channel and watch some videos in the areas or on the machine model(s) that interest you. This channel is one more way to share the knowledge with you in a convenient and accessible format. There really is something for everyone on the Xerox Support Channel.

We welcome your input on these videos. Give us thumbs up for those you find useful and thumbs down on the videos that are not helpful.  Your ratings will help us to know what type of videos are most helpful to you.  You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you would like to see.

The Xerox Support YouTube channel is one more way to get support in a format that is convenient and helpful to you.

The Xerox C-Series: Robust Reliability Backed by Exceptional Ease

Posted on by and | General, Printing, Technology | 0 comments

The Xerox C-Series is a new family of economical and reliable laser printers and multifunction printers. The C-Series includes the Xerox C230 Printer and the C235 Multifunction Printer. With fast print speeds and built-in productivity, these new color printers are a good fit for home office or small businesses.

The C-Series Printer and MFP are ready to go right out of the box, so you can get up and running in no time without long complicated installations. The Xerox® Smart Start Installer eliminates the need for IT support for fast, frictionless setup. Now you can get connected to your home or company Wi-Fi in minutes, not hours.

To learn more about the features of each device, compare the printers by going to the product pages and placing a checkmark in the box next to “Compare” for the printers you are considering. Below is a sample of the comparison between the C-Series printers.  This is not the full display, but it gives you a sample of the side-by-side features of these two devices.

For even more information on the features and installation of these new C-Series printers please watch our Xerox Support YouTube Playlists for each product:

Xerox® C230 Color Printer

Xerox® C235 Color Multifunction Printer

The C230 Color Printer and C235 Color MFP are built for the way you work today, and ready for whatever business demands tomorrow. Make the move and stay ahead of change with future-proof flexibility. 

For additional resources:

Xerox C230 – Product Pages, Product Brochure, Support Pages

Xerox C235MFP – Product Pages, Product Brochure, Support Pages

Xerox Security

Green World Alliance

Virtual Demo

Xerox® Scan with Print App

Posted on by | Apps, Technology | 2 comments

It seems so basic.  I want to scan a document to email it or store it in a local file server, but I also want to print a copy at the same time!  For instance, what if your front-office staff that is onboarding a new customer needs to provide a copy of an agreement to the customer while also storing it to a digital folder?

Guess what?  Can’t be done currently on the Xerox® AltaLink® and VersaLink® family of printers using the native apps.  Rather, it takes two steps:  scan it and then copy it.  Not very convenient.  And, let’s face it, apps are all about convenience!

Don’t worry!  We got you!

Earlier this year, Xerox launched the Xerox Scan with Print App.

With this app installed on a Xerox MFD, you can:

  • Perform various processes once without having to scan multiple times.
  • Scan your original document to a location and simultaneously receive a print.
  • Choose single or multiple destinations: scan to email, SMB, and SFTP network locations.

The app also allows you to split large documents by any number of pages with the job splitting feature.  This may be useful if you are scanning multiple copies of the same document at once and want each copy to be stored/printed/emailed individually.

Save time with the Preset feature by storing the frequently used combination that works for you.  We’ve made it easy for you to share these presets across all the devices in your workgroup, too!  With simple configuration, it’s “once and done” with no confusing settings! 

We’ve even got an address book to make it easy for you send your documents to up to 10 email recipients at once!

The math is simple:  even if it only takes 10 seconds to scan a document, this app may save hours of paperwork – if not days – every year!

Trial the Xerox Scan with Print App free for 30 days!  A subscription can be purchased from the Xerox App Gallery via the subscribe button once the trial period ends.  

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like sales support!

2021-2022 School Year is Here!!

Posted on by | General Information, Technology | 0 comments

School is beginning all over North America in the next few weeks. Some are already back in school. Whether the 2021-2022 school year is virtual, in-person, or a hybrid combining both, one thing is certain – paper will be involved.   

From class schedules to maps of the campus to supplies lists and syllabi, paper is moving quickly in all school grades. The pace of passing out pieces of paper may slow as the school year moves along. There will always be paper involved in the educational process. At every level, from Pre-K coloring pages to the Doctoral Thesis – paper will be there. Copying, printing, faxing, and scanning involve paper most of the time. 

As the school year begins it is time to look at your Xerox equipment. How you can use it to your best advantage in the school environment that you will be facing in the 2021-2022 school year?

For you parents of students obviously, a good printer can always help in creating impactful papers and presentations. The multifunction features will come in handy if you are in a virtual or hybrid situation. Use your multifunction printer to scan in and email documents to a teacher or the school. For instance, you can sign that permission slip for the field trip and then just scan it in and email or fax it to the school. If you are using the Xerox Printer or Multifunction device at your workplace please make sure you have permission to use the printer for this purpose. I don’t want to encourage any rule-breaking!! 

Teachers can also email assignments to students from some multifunction printers or fax assignments and receive completed work via fax. 

For teachers, a great use for your Xerox machines of course is printing, duh!! Your printer combined with the available Small Business Resource Center at Xerox.com can give you the ability to print out signs, motivational posters, and student achievement certificates for your classrooms and students. There are also calendars, planners, flyers, and presentation templates, and much, much more. The possibilities are many for the use of the printer.

Copying is another feature that can help make your teaching job easier and faster. You can produce workbooks, pop quizzes, and any other kind of handout. Leverage the great features of your Xerox equipment to help you with all the functions of your job.

Another source of help and resources for educators is the App Gallery. The App Gallery has an education section and apps in other sections of the gallery may provide helpful tools as well. Many of the apps have a “Try It” feature. You can see if the app will work for you before purchasing an app package. Some apps that might help are free of charge. For example, one of the free apps is Touchless Access. The app lets you use your smartphone to access the core services of copy, print, and scan on the VersaLink and AltaLink series of multifunction printers. Check out the app gallery for some helpful apps.

Take a look at case studies from multiple schools, universities, and school districts. See how they are using Xerox products and services to streamline their processes and create new processes for the virtual, hybrid, or in-person learning. These processes will help them save time and money. Find the case studies by going to Xerox.com and searching for education.  

Educators are remarkable people and need all the help they can get in preparing items to teach our children. Xerox wants to help maximize your use of your Xerox equipment to achieve your teaching goals no matter the type of teaching your school is using.  

A Few of My Favorite Apps

Posted on by | Features, Technology | 0 comments

I just want to share with you a few of my favorite apps from the App Gallery. These apps have been around for a little while and I don’t want you to overlook them. They might make your work processes faster and easier.   

Xerox® Note Converter App

The Xerox Note Converter App converts handwritten notes or documents. The notes are then converted to a fully editable format – Microsoft Word. 

Once in the Word format, edit and share what were once handwritten notes. This is a great app for those of us that still find handwritten notes useful in some situations.

The app supports 19 languages. Obviously the neater the writing the easier it is for the converter. Doctors for instance may not find the app helpful. The app is available from the App Gallery.  

Find out more about this app in the blog article Xerox Note Converter App written by Craig Ephraim.

Xerox Auto-Redaction App

The Xerox Auto-Redaction App can be programmed to redact personally identifiable information (PII) using your Xerox ConnectKey enabled device. The app can help you protect your customers’ Social Security Numbers, home addresses, medical conditions, credit card numbers and so much more. This personal information is redacted right at your printer.  

The app will be helpful in managing PII in legal, healthcare, and government documents or any industry that needs to redact information. The app is available in the app gallery. There is even a free trial of 30 days or 100 pages whichever comes first.  

Read about this app and see screenshots of the app in the blog article Redaction Needs? There’s an App for That! written by Craig Ephraim.  

Xerox Translate and Print

Eliminate language barriers instantly. The Xerox Translate and Print App utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide instant machine translations on your Xerox ConnectKey Technology-enabled multifunction printer (MFP). You just walk up, scan your document in, and receive it back in the language of your choice. It couldn’t be any simpler. Quickly receive your translated document in printed form, and/or an editable Microsoft® Word (.docx) version emailed to one or more email addresses. Instant translations in over 44 languages are just a scan away. The Translate and Print app is available in the Xerox App Gallery.

So now your Xerox multifunction printer can potentially copy, scan, fax, print, and translate!

Xerox Audio Documents App

Have you ever wished someone would just read that long business document to you? Are you an auditory learner that comprehends better when you hear something? We may have a solution for you. Xerox Audio Documents App is an app available for use with your ConnectKey Technology enabled multifunction printer that will convert a hard copy document to an audio file.

How does it work? Open the app, enter your email, source language, settings and scan your document at the Xerox ConnectKey multifunction printer. An MP3 link is sent to the email address you specified. Open the file and listen to your document. Xerox Audio Documents app supports document submission in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese. 

Great time saver just have your documents read to you wherever and whenever.

These favorite apps of mine are all timesaving, convenient apps that can improve your productivity. Try them for yourself!!

Common Questions About Supplies

Posted on by and | General Information, Recycling, Support Tools | 2 comments

Supplies may seem like a small part of your printer but there are some important things you should know. We are going to take this time to break down some common supply topics for your understanding.

Consumable Yields and 5% Coverage

What exactly is a consumable yield? Simply put, the yield is the estimated number of pages that a cartridge can handle before needing a replacement. Manufacturers like Xerox will calculate this number based on the cartridge volume and the set coverage amount following standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards ensure that toner or ink yield reporting by different manufacturers will adhere to the same rigorous testing process, making yields comparable across different products. Xerox has adopted ISO yield testing standards for its toner and solid ink products. 

Toner yield is specified at 5% coverage as an average. To visualize, 5% coverage is about 2 small paragraphs of text on an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper. The life of the toner cartridge depends on the amount of toner that a print job requires. The actual number will vary depending on the density (saturation) of the printed pages. The number of pages may also be affected by operating environment, printing interval, and the print media type and size. If printing a lot of graphics or high coverage prints, it may be necessary to change the cartridge more often.

To find more information on your printer’s consumable yields, please search our Support Page.

Genuine Xerox Supplies

Supplies are an important part of your Xerox printer. We recommend that you use genuine Xerox supplies in your machines. Non-Xerox brand supplies can end up costing you more by causing issues with your device, and potential replacement or expensive repair bills. The quality of your prints may suffer, and you could lose valuable business because of poor quality output. When you use genuine Xerox supplies, you’ll get vibrant colors, sharp text, crisp fine lines, and consistent output – page after page. You expect excellence from your Xerox printer, and only our supplies can ensure that with every print.

Counterfeit Xerox toner cartridges are difficult to distinguish from genuine Xerox toner cartridges. These fakes are a combination of refilled/remanufactured and brand-new third-party cartridges boxed in replicas of Xerox original packaging. Unlike Xerox, counterfeiters have no regard for the quality, reliability, or safety concerns that bogus cartridges pose. Learn how to verify your Xerox Supplies are 100% Genuine.

Recycling

Xerox diverts millions of pounds of used supplies from the landfill every year through our industry-leading Green World Alliance® supplies take-back program.  Recycling is easy and it is good for the environment.

You can request:

  • Single Item Return: For the return of one cartridge
  • Eco Box: For the return of 5-30 supply items.
  • Pallet Returns: If you have more than 30 supply items to return.

Xerox pays for return shipping and all recycling costs.  Find out more at our Green World Alliance Recycling page.

If you would like more information about your printer’s supplies, please visit our Xerox Supplies page.

Resource Links:

Held for Resources Message on Xerox Printers

Posted on by | Printing, Support Tools | 12 comments

Have you ever been held up by your printer’s held for resources message? I’m not talking about “Stop! This is a hold-up. Give me all your toner and no one gets hurt!” I’m talking about the job held for resources message usually coupled with a fault code that can pop up when printing. It is annoying but it is not the printer’s fault.

Most held for resources messages mean that the paper loaded in the machine is either not right for the job you have submitted, or the paper trays have not been setup properly. Both issues have easy fixes and you can be back to printing in no time if you know what to do.

You can find step-by-step instructions on fixing this issue on the support page for your product. Simply search on “held for resources” without the quotation marks and you will find instructions on how to resolve the message. Below is a video that walks you through some of the steps to take to fix this issue. Remember the screens in the video may vary from your model but the concept is the same.

The main thing to remember is that the color, type and size of the paper selected in your application needs to match the paper chosen in your driver, which needs to match the paper loaded in the paper tray you have chosen.  If the color and type are not a concern you can use auto settings. But if you need a specific type and color then those must be defined correctly in the trays. Below is a sample screen for changing the settings, your screen may vary.  

If you have additional questions about the job held for resources message, you can contact your local support centre or you can post your questions over on the Customer Support Community.

Don’t be held up by your printer!!