Fujifilm shifts from printing to solutions for digital-first future
Hideaki Kato shares how Fujifilm is leading the imaging industry’s evolution with AI integration.
As the global business landscape leans toward digitalisation, market players in the imaging industry are facing the challenge of adjusting their strategies. One such company making strategic transitions is Fujifilm, a brand with over 50 years of history in the Philippines.
Hideaki Kato, the country president of Fujifilm Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (Fujifilm BI PH) told Manufacturing Asia how the company has been moving away from traditional physical printing towards solutions and services to cater to the changing needs of consumers. “We have historically developed solutions related to technology and are currently providing them to our customers,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in speeding up the transition process, as mobility restrictions have led many customers to work from home, drastically reducing the use of physical paper. “Alternative methodologies must be required,” Kato said. “So we are currently providing [a] solution to our customers, not simply transferring to the digital, but also ensuring a secure environment."
When asked about the challenges faced during this transition, Kato shared that the drop in printing volume due to customers working remotely was significant.
However, he expressed confidence in Fujifilm BI PH’s ability to transform these challenges into opportunities, with the introduction of their digitalization solutions, secure cloud repositories, and seamless transition from digital to physical paper.
“Our strong point is the seamless conversion from digital to physical paper and vice versa,” he said.
The shift in focus, Kato stated, has boosted Fujifilm BI PH’s competitive advantage in the imaging industry. The company’s multifunction printing devices have evolved into information portals in many offices, promoting a digital-first culture and speeding up decision-making processes for customers.
On the subject of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, Kato asserted that the Fujifilm BI PH is utilising these technologies to analyse document data and provide professional diagnostic support for medical doctors.
“We have enough technology and experience to capture market needs and provide products and services accordingly,” stressed Kato. He sees great potential in merging AI technology with the company’s imaging expertise.
Towards the end of the interview, Kato said he envisions Fujifilm BI PH playing a pivotal role in promoting a digital-first culture and driving innovation in the imaging industry. “Our opportunity together with digital technology is quite big. We have to accomplish those customer needs. We will try our best for future development,” he said.
Fujifilm BI PH’s strategic transition reflects the broader trend of businesses adapting their operations and services to meet the changing demands of the digital age.
