Canon has launched a new version of its iW 360 software to provide entry-level document management and workflow with its imageRUNNER ADVANCE MFPs, as well as direct scanning into Microsoft Sharepoint .

Luke Maddison, Senior Product Manager Business Solutions, Canon Australia said "The latest version of iW 360 simplifies tasks and enables users to work closer and more effectively with one another.”

"Small business is our target market for this application, but it is also fantastic for workgroup use, for example an accounts payable department, as it allows you to use the imageRUNNER ADVANCE MFP almost like a fileserver itself, storing documents on the device and using the iW360 software to access them among users."

iw360 is developed as a small business application or for workgroups that want to share an MFP and obtain document management functionality. It is available as a desktop application that runs on PCs using the imageRUNNER device as a file server. There is also an optional product called IW Document Server that adds some basic document management functionality, such as check in check out and version control.

"For customers that want to use the MFP as an entry point into document management systems we would expect to move them up to alternatives such as ecopy, or we would use Canon's Therefore document management product," said Maddison.

"By creating an automated workflow, previously time-consuming tasks can be transformed into a small number of quick and simple clicks of a button direct from the MFP."

The ‘server’ option adds an extra layer of functionality and increased collaboration. Data and documents can be stored in shared libraries which enable users to control the collaboration and editing process. Only one person can enter a file at any time ensuring that the latest version is always selected. In addition, iW 360 Server will notify users when any changes are made to a relevant document. If incorrect information or edits are saved, users can roll back to previous versions.

Using its powerful publishing tool, iW 360 allows users to collate documents and images from any file type which is supported by a user’s PC, to build a single, editable document with consistent fonts, colours and formats. This document is then displayed on-screen so it can be previewed before printing.

Luke Maddison continues, “Organisations that work in document-intensive environments will significantly cut the time employees spend working on the administration of business documents. iW 360 will also enable any organisation that handles specific projects to produce professional-looking reports in just two or three minutes.”

The new version also provides connections to company back-end systems through the introduction of four connectors for FTP, SMB, SMB Indexing and Microsoft Sharepoint embedded in the MFP. These are embedded into the MFP and facilitate immediate scanning into the required system.

Standard pricing is $A1400 for five-user licence and one device, with the optional (Windows) server licence for $A400.