New Model IM

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  • mikadonovan
    Senior Tech

    Site Contributor
    2,500+ Posts
    • May 2008
    • 2936

    New Model IM

    Hi, All I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the IM series, and what are your thoughts on the machine?
    NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING
  • Zaxxon
    Senior Tech

    500+ Posts
    • Jan 2014
    • 608

    #2
    Re: New Model IM

    Great boxes. User replaceable PCDU, IMAGE TRANSFER, FUSER UNITS.

    Superfast display, app for input output test. Internal z folder option, Remote control via WIM, automatic fw update.

    Positive first impression.
    Please start you post with brand, model, problem.

    Comment

    • JDYAL
      Trusted Tech

      Site Contributor
      100+ Posts
      • Sep 2008
      • 186

      #3
      Re: New Model IM

      We have installed 4 of these so far. Set up isn't much different than the 04, the control panel is better IMO also the apps look a little different. As far as running I guess we'll see soon enough. For the average end user the difference are slight because you still have the classic apps. I'm sure we'll have bugs to work out like all Ricohs it's just a matter of time.

      Comment

      • skinnyb
        Trusted Tech

        250+ Posts
        • Jul 2008
        • 291

        #4
        Re: New Model IM

        So far so good. Lots of positive improvements. The new op panel is much more responsive. The consumables are very similar to the SPC printer models that have user replaceable components. Killing Java is going to be good in the long run. At least it is still an option for now for legacy apps.

        Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

        Comment

        • nathan92
          Junior Member
          • May 2015
          • 3

          #5
          Re: New Model IM

          The new models look good but Ricoh tells our company that with spare parts that are easy to install, technicians will serve less and less (the customer will change them directly). I don't think so but what's your idea?

          Comment

          • JayPaul
            Trusted Tech

            250+ Posts
            • Oct 2012
            • 305

            #6
            Re: New Model IM

            I work for a dealer, not Ricoh direct but it seems like they are trying to cut down on engineers. There has been some mileage disputes or something in some places, then the IMC range has user replaceable parts and the Smart Integration is meant to be only used by customers with video how to guides so engineers don't have to even learn about it.
            As for the IMC range itself I like how they are so far, put 1 out last week and putting 1 out today. Looking forward to seeing how they are although I'm not sure I trust most of my customers to change a PCU without hitting the drum against something and instantly ruining it!

            Comment

            • Kimi
              Trusted Tech

              100+ Posts
              • Feb 2018
              • 105

              #7
              Re: New Model IM

              Originally posted by skinnyb
              So far so good. Lots of positive improvements. The new op panel is much more responsive. The consumables are very similar to the SPC printer models that have user replaceable components. Killing Java is going to be good in the long run. At least it is still an option for now for legacy apps.

              Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
              Do you sell Safecom? I have been told that Nuance will not be providing a SOP version of Safecom. We have a few big contracts with Ricoh/Safecom.

              Comment

              • JDYAL
                Trusted Tech

                Site Contributor
                100+ Posts
                • Sep 2008
                • 186

                #8
                Re: New Model IM

                Here's my take on customer replacing parts 1. They can barely load the paper correctly 2. Most of them can't follow instructions even the pictogram on the toner box 3. Lazy 4. Most don't have time to deal with the machine.......I could go on but you guys already know most of this. Hell most of the time I can't even walk them through simple task over the phone. Pretty sure this new series isn't going to put any techs out of work.

                Comment

                • zed255
                  How'd ya manage that?

                  1,000+ Posts
                  • Dec 2009
                  • 1025

                  #9
                  Re: New Model IM

                  Originally posted by JDYAL
                  Here's my take on customer replacing parts 1. They can barely load the paper correctly 2. Most of them can't follow instructions even the pictogram on the toner box 3. Lazy 4. Most don't have time to deal with the machine.......I could go on but you guys already know most of this. Hell most of the time I can't even walk them through simple task over the phone. Pretty sure this new series isn't going to put any techs out of work.
                  I agree, but we are seeing a definite shift in what Ricoh wants. We are seeing the older tenured techs being packaged out and replaced with young techs that Ricoh has no intention on advancing through a career path (the management actually said so). They seem to want a small number of experienced techs good at troubleshooting and the rest will be less-skilled parts changers/ toner mopper-uppers.

                  The new series will allow a guy like me to be replaced with two young guns who don't know $h!t from beans...

                  Comment

                  • JDYAL
                    Trusted Tech

                    Site Contributor
                    100+ Posts
                    • Sep 2008
                    • 186

                    #10
                    Re: New Model IM

                    Originally posted by zed255
                    I agree, but we are seeing a definite shift in what Ricoh wants. We are seeing the older tenured techs being packaged out and replaced with young techs that Ricoh has no intention on advancing through a career path (the management actually said so). They seem to want a small number of experienced techs good at troubleshooting and the rest will be less-skilled parts changers/ toner mopper-uppers.

                    The new series will allow a guy like me to be replaced with two young guns who don't know $h!t from beans...

                    That may work for a short time until you get that first sc 670 code. That's when you need a real tech with experience. Our company has had a hard time finding good competent techs. I finally have one now. Don't sell yourself short.

                    Comment

                    • FrohnB
                      Service Manager

                      Site Contributor
                      1,000+ Posts
                      • Jul 2017
                      • 1919

                      #11
                      Re: New Model IM

                      Too early to tell. Only have two of them out there. 1st impression is pretty good though. Set up is easy, and I'm a fan of the fuser/pcu/transfer lock levers, the screws hidden under paper tray to lock down side fences, and the new displays. I am a little skeptical about the statement (from Ricoh) of only being able to do Package updates (no more individual f/w files), but we'll see.
                      Omertà

                      Comment

                      • Zeldaman
                        Senior Tech

                        500+ Posts
                        • Mar 2011
                        • 946

                        #12
                        Re: New Model IM

                        Hi there!
                        Only package-fw HaHHH! Here in germany exist 5 or 6 fwu-files for this machine.
                        Greetings...

                        Comment

                        • sturmtrooper
                          Copier Combobulator

                          500+ Posts
                          • May 2016
                          • 589

                          #13
                          Re: New Model IM

                          Originally posted by JDYAL
                          That may work for a short time until you get that first sc 670 code. That's when you need a real tech with experience. Our company has had a hard time finding good competent techs. I finally have one now. Don't sell yourself short.
                          I can see Ricoh saying that with how many few techs you'll need you can just replace the BCU or controller board and still come ahead. Or some other equally stupid statement.

                          Comment

                          • DRichard
                            Trusted Tech

                            250+ Posts
                            • May 2008
                            • 482

                            #14
                            Re: New Model IM

                            Originally posted by mikadonovan
                            Hi, All I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the IM series, and what are your thoughts on the machine?
                            I've put about twenty or so into the field... so far, so good. I agree that customers replacing pcdus, fusers and xfer belts ain't gonna happen. I really like the customer engineering tool but I have had to load latest firmware on all but two machines in order for the app to be able to load data to make it functional. Classic functions still available (thumbs up!). Not yet gotten service calls... fingers crossed... First impression is positive.
                            "Enjoy every sandwich."

                            -- Warren Zevon

                            Comment

                            • sturmtrooper
                              Copier Combobulator

                              500+ Posts
                              • May 2016
                              • 589

                              #15
                              Re: New Model IM

                              Originally posted by DRichard
                              I've put about twenty or so into the field... so far, so good. I agree that customers replacing pcdus, fusers and xfer belts ain't gonna happen. I really like the customer engineering tool but I have had to load latest firmware on all but two machines in order for the app to be able to load data to make it functional. Classic functions still available (thumbs up!). Not yet gotten service calls... fingers crossed... First impression is positive.
                              The maintenace rates you'd have to charge them to cover the cost difference between rebuilding parts and just throwing in whole assemblies would really make it a harder sell. Ricoh is already the most expensive brand as it is.

                              Edit: Just checked and at least for the IMC2000/2500 the fuser and fusing sleeve are same dealer price. Huh. Interesting.

                              Comment

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