Oki clinches million-rand deal with Banco Austral

Banco Austral, one of Mozambique`s largest commercial banks and 80% owned by the Absa Group, has bedded down a R1.2 million investment in Oki printers.

Printing everything from statements to invoices and letters, the bank required robust printers that could function under a variety of conditions. It was essential that the printers were operational immediately, throughout Mozambique, requiring little or no support. To clinch the deal, all consumables and spare parts had to be easily available when required.

A spokesperson for Banco Austral says: "The decision to select the Oki brand of printers was based on the long-standing relationship Oki has with Absa in SA. Oki printers are recognised for their tough terminals and can easily withstand the harsh environment of Mozambique."

The printers and associated supplies were delivered through Mozambican channel partners, sourced from sole southern African Oki representative Printacom, part of the MB Technologies Group.

"Printacom dealt directly with Banco Austral in determining the finest printing solutions that would deliver the service as well as the reliability required," says Neil Rom, MD of Printacom. "As part of our service and support ethos, we ensured that there were trained Printacom partners in all the key areas of Mozambique to provide local support if needed. Consumables and spares are also readily available through our partners in Mozambique."

Adds the bank`s spokesperson: "The service level we received from the outset was great, including the aftercare service."

The set of printers ordered included: 50 Okipage 14EX laser printers, 17 Okipage 24 laser printers and 47 Microline 3410 dot matrix printers. All printers were supplied with network cards.

The spokesperson at the bank says the delivery and the implementation was carried out on time and within budget.

"Mozambique is a country where certain remote regions have no full-time support facilities. It was therefore imperative for Banco Austral to choose a printing solution that would provide reliability and stability. We believe that Oki is just such a solution," notes Rom.

"The proof is now in the pudding," concludes the spokesperson for the bank. "After nine months of operations our overall impression of Oki has strengthened due to the performance of the printers - we have experienced virtually no problems and have positive expectations for the duration of the working lives of the systems."