By Andy Slawetsky – Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just talk—it’s an evolving reality shaping our industry’s future. At the recent Executive Connection Summit (ECS) held in Scottsdale, AZ, I had the privilege of hosting a panel discussion that brought this topic into sharp focus.

The session, featuring Laura Blackmer, President, and Dino Pagliarello, SVP of Product Management and Planning at Konica Minolta, was a fitting conclusion to a conference that discussed AI from beginning to end. After several days of exploring AI from various angles, this panel provided a clear window into what an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) like Konica Minolta is actually doing in this space and what their plans are for the future.

For those who couldn’t attend ECS, which gathered over 300 business owners, senior executives from office equipment manufacturers, and partner companies, let me offer you a glimpse into this enlightening conversation.

Laura and Dino articulated how Konica Minolta is not just integrating AI into its product development but also shaping its usage in the office equipment industry. They highlighted practical applications of AI that are enhancing product functionality and user experience. It’s not just about the technology itself, but how it can be wielded to create more efficient, intuitive office solutions.

Perhaps most importantly, the panel delved into Konica Minolta’s role in making AI accessible for office equipment resellers. With a keen focus on empowering their authorized dealers, Laura and Dino discussed strategies to ensure these advancements are not just for the tech-savvy but for all players in the industry.

It’s clear that AI isn’t just an add-on or a luxury in our industry; it’s becoming a fundamental part of how we think about products, services, and solutions in the office equipment world.

SOURCE Industry Analysts Inc.