"Ask Us Anything" Product Presentation and Q&A meeting, facilitator Greg introduced special guest Gavin Williams, highlighting key industry updates, including Lexmark's AI advancements and Atlantic Tomorrow's Office's acquisition of Brain Cell. Gavin presented the DX1 ERP system, a robust verticalized solution built on Acumatica designed to replace E-Automate and DDMS, featuring capabilities such as meter collection and supply automation. Key technical benefits discussed included open APIs for integration, AI-driven data tools, and comprehensive customization for dealers. The pricing model, tailored to dealer revenue tiers with unlimited users for most plans, contrasted with traditional user license fees. Advanced features such as document management, bi-directional banking integration, and CRM connectivity were highlighted, alongside tools enhancing sales and service operations, including GPS tracking and warranty management.
Ask Us Anything
Post and Walters "Innovate, Elevate, Celebrate"
Thought I would use Grok AI for the first time and asked it describe our weekly show for "Ask Us Anything".
Post & Walters "Ask Us Anything"
The "Post and Walter Show" of "Ask Us Anything" can be likened to a modern-day gospel crusade within the context of the office equipment industry, where the spread of knowledge and innovation takes center stage. Here's how:
Gospel: In this context, the "gospel" refers to the core message or knowledge that Post and Walter aim to share. Just as the gospel in religious terms is about good news and teachings, the show delivers the good news of office equipment advancements, best practices, and insights into industry trends. They preach the "gospel" of efficiency, technology integration, and sustainability in office environments, which are essential for modern workplaces.
Crusade: Much like a traditional crusade aimed at spreading a religious message, the show's format can be seen as a crusade to disseminate practical and innovative solutions across the office equipment sector. Each episode is a campaign where Post and Walter tackle various topics, from the latest in office machinery to strategies for reducing downtime, much like evangelists would go from town to town to share their message. They're on a mission to enlighten and empower those in the industry with knowledge that can drive business growth and operational excellence.
Observation: The observational aspect comes from how Post and Walter engage with their audience. They don't just talk; they observe trends, listen to their viewers' challenges, and provide feedback based on real-world observations. This mirrors the way one might observe the impact of a gospel message in a community, adjusting their approach based on what resonates or where there's resistance. In office equipment, this means observing how new technologies are adopted, what equipment issues are most prevalent, and how these observations can lead to better product design or service offerings.
In summary, to peers in the office equipment industry, the "Post and Walter Show" serves as a platform where they share the "gospel" of industry knowledge, embark on a "crusade" to educate and innovate, and use "observation" to tailor their content to the evolving needs of the workplace. This show isn't just about answering questions; it's about leading a movement towards better practices, informed decisions, and a more connected community within the office equipment sector.
"We're up to 52 shows and counting, and now have more than 1,000 subscribers. It's a slow process but gaining steam. You can view all of our shows here, and please consider this your personal invite to join our shows where you can 'Ask Us Anything'!"
Ask Us Anything LI
"Ask Us Anything" meeting held on January 31, 2025, provided valuable insights into industry trends and technological advancements. Key discussions included the increasing social media engagement from companies like Lexmark and Kyocera, the challenges Lexmark faces with its printers in managed print services, and a positive sales outlook despite fewer job postings in the sector. The group also explored the introduction of Epson's advanced security solutions for printers and addressed the implications of emerging AI technologies, including concerns over data security and intellectual property risks associated with the Chinese AI "Deep Seek." Additionally, future discussions on AI's role in content creation and planned initiatives like a sales training program were highlighted, along with preparations for an engineering show in Atlantic City that will feature bourbon and cigars as promotional items. Action items were assigned to team members for follow-up tasks related to these discussions.
Ask Us Anything 1 24 2025
The team discussed technical difficulties, weather observations, and the potential of AI in improving efficiency and data collection. They also explored the evolution of the business world, the role of technology in the office industry, and the emerging market for data collection. Lastly, they touched upon recent industry news, the potential of AI language models, and the use of smart glasses in aiding memory during meetings.
Ask Us Anything XLVIII
In the informal industry discussion and personal catch-up meeting titled "Ask Us Anything," participants Greg, Art, John, and Jesse addressed initial technical issues before diving into a recap of the recent ECS event in Scottsdale, where Art highlighted key developments such as Xerox's significant scanning numbers and innovations like embedded AI in copiers announced by Konica Minolta. They discussed industry trends, including the rise in job postings amid a shift back to office culture, while expressing skepticism regarding the practical application of AI in copiers. Beyond industry insights, personal interests such as Jesse's enthusiasm for cigars and Greg’s bourbon export business were shared, alongside plans to manage invasive kudzu on Jesse's property.
Ask Us Anything XLVIII
In the informal industry discussion and personal catch-up meeting titled "Ask Us Anything," participants Greg, Art, John, and Jesse addressed initial technical issues before diving into a recap of the recent ECS event in Scottsdale, where Art highlighted key developments such as Xerox's significant scanning numbers and innovations like embedded AI in copiers announced by Konica Minolta. They discussed industry trends, including the rise in job postings amid a shift back to office culture, while expressing skepticism regarding the practical application of AI in copiers. Beyond industry insights, personal interests such as Jesse's enthusiasm for cigars and Greg’s bourbon export business were shared, alongside plans to manage invasive kudzu on Jesse's property.
Ask Us Anything XLVIII
"Ask Us Anything" meeting held on January 10, 2025, featured special guest Valerie Alde-Hayman and covered a variety of topics including highlights from the CES show, which showcased innovations in photo printing and robotics, reflecting a growing demand for physical photo prints. Art Post shared optimistic year-end results for his copier business while discussing industry trends such as workforce reductions and concerns over Lexmark's dealer program. The meeting also reviewed the current work-from-home dynamics, with approximately 60% of accounts returning to the office full-time, while emphasizing ongoing transitions to Intelligent Document Processing. Additional discussions focused on the implications of AI and robotics, particularly household companion robots, as highlighted at CES, as well as the social benefits of gaming technology. The session concluded with predictions for advancements in robotics and AI by 2026 and a reminder of the upcoming Executive Connection Summit event.
Ask Us Anything XLVI
"Ask Us Anything XLV" meeting focused on key industry updates and strategic discussions, beginning with light introductions and holiday-related small talk. A significant highlight was the discussion of Xerox's acquisition of Lexmark, with insights shared by participants on its potential impact and industry trends, particularly the predicted rise of robotics. The meeting addressed ongoing service challenges, including premature part failures, and examined the application of AI in both maintenance prediction and sales training. Additional topics included Managed Print Services (MPS) and fleet management concerns, alongside future trends in sales methodologies. The meeting concluded with plans for future engagement, highlighting an upcoming ECS event in Phoenix.
Ask Us Anything XLV
"Ask Us Anything XXLIV" meeting covered key industry developments and technology updates, starting with Xerox's announcement to acquire Lexmark for $1.5 billion, highlighting potential ramifications for Toshiba's partnership with Lexmark and drawing parallels to past industry acquisitions. The discussion then shifted to significant advancements in AI, including OpenAI's holiday releases, the introduction of SORA for video creation, and enhanced voice command features, alongside their implications for news media and creative sectors. Attendees shared practical applications of AI in their businesses for document categorization and processing, while also acknowledging challenges associated with sensitive data. Personal AI use was briefly touched upon, with mentions of movie recommendation systems and popular sci-fi shows. Looking ahead, the conversation concluded with insights on the evolving copier sales processes and the broader impact of AI on professional expertise and learning, culminating in agreed follow-up actions for further discussions among participants.
Ask Us Anything XLIII
"Ask Us Anything" meeting, hosted by Art Post, participants Peter and John engaged in discussions that spanned various aspects of digital mail solutions. Peter introduced his company's technology, which scans unopened mail and facilitates electronic delivery, particularly benefiting companies with remote employees. The conversation delved into industry insights, emphasizing the critical need for businesses to finalize operations before the holiday season. Peter highlighted the integration of digital mail into existing workflows, the role of AI in improving mail processing, and explored potential market opportunities, including partnerships with dealers.
Ask Us Anything XLII
Industry Discussion and Strategy Meeting, titled "Ask Us Anything XLII," encompassed several key topics centered on the integration of AI in sales and document management, industry updates, and future opportunities. Art highlighted recent successes, closing a significant deal, and discussed the industry's transition towards technology-focused events. John presented insights into AI's role in enhancing document management systems, while a debate ensued regarding the optimal starting point for AI implementation within dealerships. The group explored AI's broader implications on sales strategies, personnel roles, and potential business avenues for AI training. Additionally, the meeting touched on the evolving landscape of the industry, emphasizing the future relevance of robotics beyond traditional copier service.
Ask Us Anything XL
meeting discussed the potential impact of recent election outcomes on the office technology sector, alongside the Cannata awards recognizing industry achievements. Conversations included the integration of AI within the copier industry, highlighting a client's request for digital seals, and the implications of AI on business decision-making and sales processes. The group also critiqued the high costs of AI training, advocating for critical thinking as a vital skill in leveraging AI. Upcoming plans included a temporary hiatus for the show during Art's attendance at the Twain Developers Symposium
Ask Us Anything XXXIX
The Weekly Technology and Industry Update Discussion meeting titled "Ask Us Anything XXXIX" covered several key topics, beginning with audio and video setup challenges and the introduction of Jesse Harwell, who will enhance future discussions with insights on ChatGPT and its associated data security concerns. As the meeting continued, participants noted the approaching Election Day and slower industry updates, with several companies reporting disappointing quarterly profits and ongoing legal issues. Sales strategies were also discussed, introducing AI tool Fireflies for meeting management. Significant advancements in AI technology were highlighted, including TSMC’s new chip plants and Nvidia's manufacturing edge, alongside concerns regarding AI's energy consumption. The meeting wrapped up with plans for upcoming events, including Art's attendance at a developer show in Tampa and preparations for the milestone 40th episode.