Vol 100 issue 05 2016

MAY 2016 R50. inc vat THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATIONERY, HOME AND OFFICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

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CUTTING TOOLS:THE BEST OF THE BLADES

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My Office magazine is the official magazine of the Southern African Association for Stationery, home and Office Products (shop-sa). It was first published in 1916. The stationery and office supply industry is a fast-changing environment. We aim to write and select articles that will both inform and benefit readers, keeping them abreast of current and future market trends. The magazine is read by over 25 000 buyers and sellers of stationery and office products each month.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1916

PUBLISHERRob Matthews - [email protected]

EDITORLeigh Richter - [email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MARKETINGWendy Dancer - [email protected]

EXECUTIVE SALES MANAGERKim Kotze - [email protected]

NATIONAL OFFICEDesign and Layout: Vanessa BentleyNew Membership: Wendy Dancer

Johannesburg OfficePO Box 3226, Parklands, 21216 Edward Street, Kensington B, Randburg, 2194Tel: + 27 11 781 0088 / 89Fax: + 27 11 781 2828 Email: [email protected]: www.myofficemagazine.co.za

CONTRIBUTIONSLetters and editorial contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to the editor at [email protected]. Publication cannot be guaranteed and is subject to space and the editor’s discretion.

THE LEGAL BITWhilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy the publisher and editor cannot accept responsibility for supplied material. The opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of shop-sa. Copyright is strictly reserved and no part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

Contents Vol 100 | May 2016www.myofficemagazine.co.za | www.facebook.com/shopsa.za

NEWS31 | ECO NEWSA green news update34 | INDUSTRY NEWS Industry-related news and announcements

SALES SAVVY14 | CUT LOOSE! A comprehensive guide to cutting instruments18 | LABELS AND LABELLING MACHINES Improve your bottom line with our guide to

selling labels and labelling machines

RETAIL SAVVY24 | ARTS AND CRAFTS A simple guide to painting with scissors26 | TAKING FLIGHT Boeing’s new 737 economy seats are inspired by office furniture28 | BREATHE EASY Air purifiers and office well-being

BUSINESS SAVVY03 | KEEPING YOUR CUSTOMERS HAPPY Aki Kalliatakis explores what it takes to keep customers happy 04 | LABOUR LAW Assault does not always constitute dismissal, says Ivan Israelstam05 | THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN AFRICA Not all countries are made equal, explains Gavin Moffat

SPECIAL FEATURES06 |DO YOUR HOMEWORK Part one of our mini back-to-school feature focuses on prepping your retail store08 |INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Does print have a future in the modern world?10| IT FOCUS A simple guide to leveraging the power of analytics12| CUSTOMER JOURNEY The customer journey is of paramount importance for your business33 | PASSWORD PROTECTION How often should you change your password?

IN EVERY ISSUE02 | EDITOR’S LETTER25 | WEB BUTTONS27 | WIN THIS! 30 | EVENTS32 | CRIME ALERT38 | PRODUCT SHOWCASE40 | BUYERS’ GUIDE47 | REAL STUFF48 | PUNCHLINE

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This month the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocked the merger of two of America’s office supply giants: Staples and Office Depot. The two companies have suspended their acquisition agreement after a US district court judge granted a preliminary injunction to the FTC.

This is the second time the companies have attempted a merger and the second time they have been thwarted; on this occasion, to the value of $6-billion. Office Depot share prices plummeted by 60% as the court battle continued.

Now it is back to square one for both companies, who will need to re-energise and re-focus their brands, and figure out ways to recover their losses.

The Staples/Office Depot saga brings one thing to light: it doesn’t matter how much money or power a company has, things can always go wrong. Having a well-rounded strategy for every facet of your business will serve you well in tough times.

In this month’s issue of My Office magazine we take a closer look at the power of analytics. Knowing how to

use your numbers to your advantage can give you a leg up on your competitors and help your business boom. See page 10 for more information.

Another good strategy for your business is ensuring that the customer takes precedence. The way that they are allowed (or indeed, forced) to interact with your company is of paramount importance in the modern world, as consumers now have multiple platforms to voice both their pleasure and displeasure. Make sure your customer journey is the best it can be by following our tips on page 12.

This month we also begin our mini back-to-school feature (page 6), which will focus on how best to prepare your store for the upcoming BTS season.

And on the topic of stationery items, this month we feature a range of cutting instruments, from scissors to guillotines (page 14), and look at how scissors in particular can be used to create art (page 24).

As we move deeper into winter, it is the opportune time to get your business in order, before the back-to school-season begins.

Until next time,

Leigh

e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r

Money doesn’t always matter

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTAKI KALLIATAKIS

Keep your customers happy

ustomers can become fatigued by companies who constantly seek information. Sometimes the information centres on what the business can do to better the total experience of

their customers, but more often than not, there are ulterior motives. First, companies want to glean as much information about their customers as they can in order to cross-sell.

They don’t actually care about customer experience, but they are focused on making their sales targets and improving their profitability.

Second, company executives want to find out how they are doing versus their competitors.

For customers that have got too much going on in their lives, you can see how these last two communication goals are doomed to failure. They tend to do is make customers even more angry and stressed, causing them to reject the company’s offer.

It’s even worse when companies decide to go the route of efficiency and cost-cutting, and demand you complete an online survey.

Bearing in mind how precious most customers’ time is to them, if you genuinely want to get feedback on your customers’ feelings, then there is no shortcut. Asking the customer if they are likely to recommend the business to family or friends is not a bad question, but it doesn’t give you any quality information.

So what’s the answer? While there are many ways to obtain good information

about what customers want and how they feel, it’s a good idea to ask what information you need.

There are at least five things that you need to know:• What they do like and don’t like

about your products;• What they do like and don’t like

about your service and delivery;• What they do like and don’t like

about your brand and image as a company;

• What do they like and don’t like about the skills and attitude of your people; and

• What makes it easier or more difficult for them to do business with your company?

It’s not only about asking them these things in a formal survey.

There are other ways in which you can garner good information and, more importantly, innovative ideas for improvement. • Observe your customers. How do

they respond to your business? What do they struggle with? What confuses them? What causes them to abandon a purchase? What happens after they buy from you? There are probably dozens of questions that can be answered without inconveniencing your customers.

• Look at things internally. What causes customer misery and delight? For example, when do you experience bottlenecks and delays that frustrate customers? What surprising and positive responses did you get when you tried something different? You can also look at some of your numbers, like new versus existing customers, debtor days, repeat business rates, and so on.

• Talk to your employees. People who

work for you (and their families and friends) also buy from companies. Your staff deals with customers every day, sometimes hundreds of times a day, and if you just asked them they would be able to share valuable information and insights.

• Use mystery shoppers. You don’t have to hire a business to do this. Train your associates and friends to conduct these properly – or even better, go and buy stuff from your business to see what it’s like.

• Analyse all comments and complaints closely. Read between the lines. Before you get back to customers, make sure you have done your homework and understood exactly what, why and how this all came about. Look for patterns. Record all events. And make sure that every single one of them is followed up internally with a view to improve.

• If you want your customers to talk to you, reward them. Thank them profusely for giving up their time, and consider some kind of reward or recognition that they will value. Tell them what will happen with their thoughts, perceptions and ideas, and don’t forget to give them feedback afterwards. Whatever method(s) you use – including live or telephonic surveys, questionnaires, informal discussions over a cup of coffee, or more formal and structured customer focus groups – make sure that you record their thoughts and ideas properly. n

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Assault does not always constitute dismissal

Employers often bungle disciplinary action against alleged assault culprits because of the anger attached to incidents of assault. This can be disastrous for the employer because the Labour

Relations Act (LRA) makes it clear that the employer cannot fire an employee without good cause.

Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) states that:• Advice and correction are the best

ways of dealing with minor offences;• Repeated misconduct will merit

warnings;• More serious infringements or

repeated misconduct may call for final warnings or other action short of dismissal;

• Dismissal should be reserved for cases of serious misconduct or repeated offences;

• Dismissal for a first offence is not appropriate unless it is so serious that it makes a continued employment relationship intolerable; and

• Included amongst offences that might merit dismissal for a first offence are wilful endangering of the safety of others and physical assault.

Assault at the workplace is normally seen as serious misconduct because of:• The harm or potential harm to the

victim of the assault;

• The potential disruption of workplace harmony;

• The potential for the employer to be sued for vicarious liability by the assault victim;

• The loss in working time due the need for an assaulted employee to take sick leave; and

• The loss of business if the victim of the assault is a client.

Should the employee dispute a dismissal, the employer will have the legal duty to prove that the dismissed employee was guilty of the assault and that, dismissal was the most appropriate corrective measure. If the employer fails to convince the arbitrator of this it could be the employer’s bank balance that is assaulted. The arbitrator could award re-instatement with back pay or could order the employer to pay up to 12 months’ remuneration in compensation.

Assault does not always merit dismissal. For example, in the case of Metrorail versus SATAWU (2000 10 BALR1208) an employee assaulted a manager. The arbitrator agreed that the employee had been guilty of assault but accepted that

the reason for the assault was not, as alleged, his reluctance to work under a fellow employee. The arbitrator found that the victim of the assault had made racist remarks which had provoked the assault. This mitigating circumstance rendered the penalty of dismissal too harsh and the employee was re-instated.

In the case of Herman versus Defy Appliances, Herman, a maintenance electrician, was dismissed for assaulting an assistant. He claimed that he had merely grabbed the assistant but the CCMA found that he had hit the assistant with his fists. The CCMA found that such action merited discipline even if workplace rules did not specifically prohibit it and even if other employees had not been dismissed for assault. The CCMA found that dismissal was not an appropriate punishment and re-instated the employee.

The above cases show that, even in serious cases of assault, the CCMA will not always approve of dismissal as a sanction.

Therefore employers should understand that:• The individual circumstances of each

case are crucial in deciding whether dismissal for assault is acceptable;

• The ability to anticipate the thinking of CCMA and other arbitrators is vital; and

• Substantial labour law experience and expertise should be obtained before discipline is implemented. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTDR IVAN ISRAELSTAM

THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE STAR


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Local is lekkerThe cost of doing business in Africa

I was fortunate to do marketing and PR work in sub-Saharan Africa with Ericsson for eight years during the 2000s. The term “sub-Saharan Africa” referred to 42 countries south of the Sahara.

At the beginning of our relationship with them, I had little understanding of why the continent of Africa had been divided that way.

Sure, I got that logistically it makes more sense to run operations for certain countries from certain hubs. Budget and other considerations mean that this makes sense.

Considering how long we worked with Ericsson, it is surprising to me that only on a visit to Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco during April and May this year did I get an actual handle on why reporting lines where set up this way.

Despite countries in the north of Africa being just that – in Africa – they are in so many ways not African in nature.

North Africa includes 11 countries which have one common trait: the Sahara Desert. It is rather large and has had a significant impact on the development of Africa and the near separation of the sub-Saharan countries from the northern African ones.

The desert’s impact is not to be underestimated as these countries and their peoples have developed in ways that are vastly different from the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa. It literally created a barrier that separated people

and lead to the development of cultures in interesting and defining manners. The Sahara was created by an abrupt desertification around 3 500 BC due to gradual changes in the Earth’s orbit.

The upside of this – and many other factors over millennia – is that many of the North African countries have cultures that are distinct from their southern neighbours. In Morocco the official language of education is Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic because there are many forms) and French is widely accepted as the second official language. For this reason alone, dealing with Moroccans can be tough for South Africa, and other African countries.

Language aside, there are many cultural differences that come into play such as the “I don’t trust you until I know you” approach that you find in business and government circles. Before you say quietly to yourself “that exists everywhere”, in my experience it doesn’t. This year my experience with the people of Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, UAE, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and some other African countries show a different, more open approach along the lines of “let’s hear what you have to say and I’ll then decide whether I trust you or not”.

In Morocco this is overcome, as it is in many places, by an introduction from an “insider”. Prior to our travels we had attempted to set up meetings with a large number of associations, institutions and businesses and had found that there was either no response at all (potentially a language barrier) or a simple decline. After we had held the first couple of

meetings the doors began to open and meeting requests flooded in.

So language is a barrier to entry. Being female? Yes, that’s a barrier too, as African society is still largely patriarchal. How do you hand out business cards? Well they’re not that important to people that are not important, and they are important to people who are.

Your expectations of service levels should be lower in Morocco. Not to say that service is bad, because it isn’t, but there appeared to be a grudging acknowledgement that you are here to contribute to the economy.

A slight is a serious thing and people can take offense relatively easily. Not acknowledging someone’s seniority in a particular context is a serious offence.

I feel that we as Africans have a better handle on the fact that we are not homogenous. We are 54 countries comprising of literally thousands of ethnic groups, and yet there is a commonality across sub-Saharan Africa that differentiates us from the more Arabic and French peoples of North Africa.

Despite all those years of “knowing” that Africa is a diverse hodgepodge of humans, travelling to Morocco is what made it sink in. Feet-on-the-ground is what it takes to get a handle on the subtleties that allow us to have conversations and engagement, and ultimately for us to be able to do business and make a difference. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTGAVIN MOFFAT

@GAVINMOFFAT


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Do your homeworkThe back-to-school season will be here sooner than you think

Although the back-to-school rush is about six months away, retailers of all sizes need to begin preparations for what is arguably

the most profitable period of the year.

According to leading customer journey firm Tensator, retailers come unstuck during this time because they often don’t order enough of the right kind of supplies; they fail to price them correctly; and they don’t keep the items stocked and displayed attractively and logically.

Although spend is increasing year-on-year – mostly due to increased cost of living and the decline of the rand in the world market – it is becoming apparent that the back-to-school shop is no longer a frenzied, day-long spending spree.

Instead, consumers are using all the modern tools at their disposal to search for the best deals – and the best service.

This means that retailers need to make sure their in-store experience is one that consumers will rave about to their friends and families, resulting in repeat business.

Below are a few ideas to make sure your store is top of the class:

The spaceIf you’re planning to go big this back-to-school season, it is best to designate a space in your store in advance. Decide where you want to display the merchandise and how you will make it an

eye-catching space. Stay on top of the way merchandise

is displayed by making sure that it is accessible. Shelving shouldn’t be too high or too low for customers, and the right kind of items should be placed in logical groupings. Your customers should never have to hunt for items in strange places.

At this stage, consider the types of display units or shelving you need, and have them made up or purchase them if you don’t have them already.

SignageDigital signage is an ideal solution if you plan to demo new technology or branded solutions, or if you are promoting items associated with a celebrity or sport team.

When it comes to signage, digital or otherwise, it is vital to ensure it is bold and exciting, and helps shoppers find what they need. Good signage also generates excitement as customers visualise using your products.

It is a good idea to check your existing back-to-school signage long before the season starts. Is it looking old or outdated, or are there differences in pricing and products that no longer exist?

Order new signage well in advance to ensure that it will arrive on time.

Point of sale The check-out line is also of vital importance in your back-to-school planning. Ensure the area is clearly defined by using adequate barriers and shelving. This will help guide your customers from the shop to the pay points quickly and efficiently.

Make use of well-stocked in-queue merchandising and impulse towers for sale must-haves.

Planning a visually appealing and well-stocked store for the ultimate in-store experience will help increase your profits and ensure your customers return over and over again. Ensuring you do so well in advance spreads the costs of the back-to-school season over a longer period of time.

Stock buyingHow do you determine what stock you will need for the upcoming season? A good idea is to keep meticulous records of the sales of previous years, in order to identify buying patterns. Keep an eye on the international trade and see if the trends translate to local consumers.

For a more in-depth look at stock buying, look out for our July issue. n

Next month: It’s not all about the store

Don’t neglect securityAn oft-forgotten aspect of back-to-school preparation is in-store security. It is no good waiting until the season is upon you to putting the correct measures in place.

In the run-up to the back-to-school period, it is a good idea to install in-store CCTV cameras, particularly over areas like the tills, the safe and the entrance of the store. It is also a good idea to place dome mirrors on the ceiling or at strategic vantage points around the shop. These mirrors enable staff to see around corners, and it prevents blind spots where shoplifting can occur.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWWW.TENSATORGROUP.COM


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Will printing businesses survive?Global printing trends show positive signs

The printing industry is always changing – new and exciting software offers both opportunities and challenges – which means printing businesses must constantly adapt to keep up.

Recently, at The GAPP (Graphic Advertising Print Packaging) Conference, in association with Nashua, a panel of experts shared insights into local and global printing trends for 2016 and beyond. Laurel Brunner, founder of UK-based print consultancy, Digital Dots, identified a number of key trends.

Uncertainty is here to stayIf there’s one trend that can be identified from the last few years of changes in print, it’s that nothing is permanent. The good news is the more uncertainty and chaos, the better the printing industry likes it. As advertising and publishing becomes a multi-channel exercise, print remains at the centre, providing the most visceral of all augmented realities.

The constant disruption experienced by the printing industry – and publishing as a whole – creates a whole world of opportunities. New technology allows us to communicate ideas, but it’s up to the print industry to embrace it.

Your business is your worldIt seems there’s no economy in the world safe from the rampant recession. Even the most skilled economists can’t predict what’s to happen to the global economy, let alone our own local economy – which creates further unrest for SMEs, particularly in a volatile industry like printing.

But the most important skill to learn in this climate is to focus on your own business and how it can function best. Ignore the hype and sensationalism and focus on your own standards, the potential of your own business and the (sometimes small) successes you can create. Be confident in your own business, or no one else will be.

People still pay premiumsWhen there’s a small print shop on every corner, you might feel as if your printing business can’t afford to charge customers a premium for your high-quality service, because they’ll simply trudge on down the road to your competitor. This isn’t necessarily true.

If you can build up enough of a solid client base and a reputation of reliability, customers are still willing to pay a premium for quality and consistency. Trust is their insurance policy and they can rest easy in the knowledge that the final product you deliver will be exactly to their standards.

Customers want consultantsYour most valued customers might

appear as if they’re experts in their respective fields, but the truth is most businesses – particularly in advertising – are changing so quickly and frequently that business owners themselves are just trying to navigate the unknown landscape. This gives you the opportunity to change the perception in the mind of the client of your role in helping their business.

Become a consultant – if they ask you to print one set of collateral, ask as much as you can about the whole campaign. Find out who’s producing the rest of the campaign content and whether you can step in and help. Even if they might not appear that way at first, clients want a consultant, not a cashier.

Don’t rubbish digitalDigital is here to stay. And those who are desperately clinging onto a one-dimensional business model are going to hear their competitors go whooshing past them as they stagnate. But what’s most important to remember is that digital is not the enemy – it’s simply another supporting channel to be incorporated into your business.

When you work in print, creativity is the only currency that matters, and digital is just another way to showcase creativity. If you can be bold and brave enough to seek out the opportunities digital has to offer your print business, you’ll survive in an otherwise unforgiving climate. n


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Big data for small businessThere is no business too small to mine data

Big data can be defined as extremely large data sets that are analysed by a computer to reveal patterns and trends relating to human behaviour and interactions.

And while it is unlikely that most small businesses will have access to such large volumes of data, analytics can be an important weapon in a company’s arsenal.

Looking for patterns in data can provide powerful insights into consumer behaviour, which is a useful tool for growing sales and improving customer service.

Many small businesses and start-ups tend to shrink away when big data is mentioned, simply because of what the term implies. In fact, 35% of start-ups don’t even consider using big data, or take into account how much data they generate in a year. The term itself brings about ideas of petabytes of data just waiting to be converted into valuable information.

That could be true if you’re looking at a large corporation. However, the volume of data isn’t the sole focus of big data.

So how can your small business leverage the power of big data?

Where to look for data Large companies have the ability to invest in large data warehouses and robust data mining tools. Small businesses aren’t as flexible with their budgets. But this doesn’t mean that small businesses miss out on data gems.

As businesses evolve from process-driven to data-driven, a growing variety of low-cost and no-cost third-party tools have become available to use.

Using social analytics is a cost-effective way of getting valuable insights for a 360° view of your customers.

Social media platforms have grown to show you everything from initial audience acknowledgement to how the community is interacting with your posts.

The following is a list of how a few common social media platforms give a deeper look into your audience:

Facebook Insights Facebook Insights tracks how your target community is interacting with the posts your business creates. Its insights range from post reach to engagement rate.

Post reach shows how many people have viewed your post. This is a great indicator to see how well your business’ name is getting out there and into people’s newsfeeds. However, community members seeing your post and actually taking action based on your post are two different things. Engagement rate goes beyond simple views. This tracks all clicks associated with the post, including comments, likes and shares. This is where you can see who your loyal customers are, what type of content generates the most shares and what topic your community cares most about. As your audience engages with your posts more, your content will reach more of the people you’re targeting.

Other metrics show information like what external links are sending traffic to your Facebook page, where your page likes come from and how many “hides” or “reports of spam” your content gets.

Twitter Stats By looking into your Twitter account, you can view a number of statistics for both individual tweets and your overall account.

Twitter Stats allows you to understand your followers on a deeper level than just demographics. You can tap into their interests and locations to find the topics that matter most to the community.

You are also able to measure the engagement on various levels to learn what will make your content the most successful. This is a step up from counting favourites by showing you how many mentions, follows and unfollows your account has, even down to the individual tweets.

LinkedIn Analytics LinkedIn Analytics shows metrics and trends of your company’s page. The metrics are separated into three sections: updates, followers and visitors.

Updates gives you an overview of updates made to the company page and the data associated with it. This section is broken down into three areas: • Updates – this shows an overview

of how an update affects the traffic on your company page. It has everything from a preview of what the update involved, such as if the post was sponsored, to how many followers the company gained from the update.

• Reach – this is a graph that shows all the times your updates were seen both through organic search and paid campaigns.

• Engagement – this shows how many times members clicked, liked, shared or commented on your content in both organic and paid campaigns.


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Followers offers an overview of the LinkedIn members following your company page. Here you can see how many followers you acquired organically or through sponsored campaigns, as well as demographic information based on industry, job, company size and more.

It also allows you to look into the trends that make you gain or lose followers, as well as compare your amount of followers to similar companies.

Visitors allows you to track page views, clicks on your company page and visitor demographics. You can also view unique visitors, which is a graph similar to page views, but removes all duplicated visits to a single page.

Other programs Social analytics isn’t the only cost-effective tool you can use to acquire and analyse data. You can gain insights about the traffic and engagement of your own Web site though programs like Google Analytics, Open Web Analytics or HotJar. With programs like these, you can pull real-time data from a variety of sources including social media, sales and marketing. This in-depth knowledge allows you to make more effective business decisions.

Although your business may be small, using big data can make it mighty and stand up against the large companies

in the market. It is advisable to team up with similar small businesses to create combined analytics and uncover market trends that were only available to large corporations before. This relationship can span over neighbouring cities, or even provinces, to provide a wider range on insights, allowing you to make better decisions regarding how to approach customers.

Benefits of using big dataRemember how big data is about bringing together information that wasn’t correlated before? This is where that idea is put into action. You don’t need huge amounts of information to gain some value, but bringing together insights from different sources can give you the upper hand against your competition.

Here are some of the common benefits to using big data:

360° view of customers Through big data, you’re able to get a deeper understanding of your customers without questionnaires and focus groups. By monitoring your company’s Web site traffic and community engagement, along with internal data sources, you’re able to see which products and services are popular, what topics your audience is passionate about and why customers may leave. This helps you better understand

which community to target and how to approach customers effectively.

Predict customer behaviourIn addition to the 360° view of your customer, big data opens your eyes to how your customers behave at certain times of the week, month or year, as well as how they respond to different types of offers. That way, you can better predict trends and plan your strategy.

Recognise opportunitiesBig data can reveal market trends that’ll help you stay a step ahead of your competition. This also allows you to recognise new opportunities to grow your business and boost profits.

Make better decisionsIt’s almost obvious, but having more data available allows management to make business decisions that align with the financial capabilities of the company.

Your company might already be analysing its data. Why not take it to the next level? Big data isn’t just for big businesses anymore. When used correctly, small businesses can have all the advantages as a large company, no matter the volume of data. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTELIZABETH MAZENKO FOR WWW.BETTERBUYS.COM


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The customer journey

Sales and marketing has always been about customers, but as technology takes a greater hold on all our lives, marketers now have access to the data and technical tools to engage with

customers in sophisticated one-on-one journeys. This places the customer at the centre of everything a company does.

Companies need to commit to harnessing the power of these tools. Below are four ways to improve your customers’ experience of your business.

ConnectModern businesses rely heavily on mobile and social interaction with their customers, in addition to more traditional marketing tactics such as e-mail campaigns or print advertisements.

Take steps to integrate mobile into every marketing campaign, and leverage

new capabilities like location-based content and mobile loyalty programmes.

Test out new social channels to see what works best for your target audience, and re-engage with prospects and customers in new ways using e-mail.

Consider, also, opportunities for one-on-one interaction with in-app messages. Connected devices and products are the latest frontier in customer engagement.

IntegrateToday’s technology allows the marketing

Place your customer at the centre of your company


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department to craft highly personalised customer journeys that create a cohesive experience across multiple touchpoints.

Every e-mail, Web site visit or mobile app tap is an opportunity to deliver value in context and to tailor interactions to individual customers. It’s about creating moments of delight and moving your customers forward in their journey.

Imagine a customer enters a retail store. An app on their mobile device alerts them to the fact that the cashmere sweater in their online wish list is currently 50% off — and the store has their size in stock.

Delivering the right message at the right time adds value to the consumer’s experience, deepens their relationship with the brand, and helps push them closer to a sale.

Unify Brands have an imperative to create a unified, effortless experience across all customer interactions, from marketing to sales and customer service.

A cohesive brand experience calls for organisational alignment and technologies that enable a single, 360-degree view of each customer.

Customers don’t care if they’re talking to a service agent or a sales rep. They expect your company to be as informed about them as they are about you.

Ideally, companies should aim to deliver marketing so good that it is customer service, and customer service so good that it’s marketing. The payoff is huge. Just think about the positive word-of-mouth marketing that comes from a stellar service experience – and it all stems from pivoting the entire company around your customers.

KnowWith everyone and everything becoming connected, businesses have unprecedented opportunities to collect data about consumer behaviour. The trick is turning that data into actionable insights that can provide a better

customer experience and drive business success. Improvements in data science technology are helping to find the most efficient and compelling pathways to successful customer journeys.* With social media listening tools, we can see in real time how customers are responding to an event or a product launch.

Marketing automation allows us to run A/B tests that provide insight into the content our prospects find most engaging.

The latest marketing analytics let us gauge the business impact of every campaign we undertake – right from our phones. And predictive intelligence can help us optimise engagement across the customer journey.

MapA customer journey map tells the story of the customer’s experience: from initial contact, through the process of engagement and into a long-term relationship.

It may focus on a particular part of the story or give an overview of the entire experience. What it always does is identify key interactions that the customer has with the organisation. It talks about the user’s feelings, motivations and questions for each of these touchpoints.

It often provides a sense of the customer’s greater motivation. What do they wish to achieve, and what are their expectations of the organisation?

A customer journey map takes many forms, but typically appears as some type of infographic. Whatever its form, the goal is the same: to teach organisations more about their customers.

A customer journey map is a powerful tool.

If you are a designer, it will help you to understand the context of users. You will gain a clear picture of where the user has come from and what they are trying to achieve.

If you write copy, it will help you to understand what questions users have and how they are feeling.

It gives managers an overview of the customer’s experience. They will see how customers move through the sales funnel. This will help them to identify opportunities to enhance customer experience. The map will show how enhanced customer service can differentiate the organisation’s digital experience.

For the user experience designer, a customer journey map helps to identify gaps or points in the customer experience that are disjointed or painful.

These might be:• Gaps between devices, when a

user moves from one device to another;

• Gaps between departments, where the user might get frustrated; and

• Gaps between channels (for example, where the experience of going from a social media platform to the Web site could be better).

Most of all, a customer journey map puts the user front and centre in the organisation’s thinking. It shows how mobile, social media and the Web have changed customer behaviour. It demonstrates the need for the entire organisation to adapt.

It encourages people across the organisation to consider the user’s feelings, questions and needs. This is especially important with digital products and services.

Customer service and marketing is increasingly about delighting every customer – and building true brand loyalty. For the first time, we have the tools and insights to create value for every customer, across every touchpoint, throughout the entire business. In doing so, we can deliver the cohesive, highly personalised experiences that today’s customers expect. n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWWW.CMODIGITALFORUM.COM; WWW.

SALESFORCE.COM

* See our article on analytics on page 10


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Cut looseFind out more about these essential stationery items

Scissors

General-use scissorsAt their core, scissors are instruments that consist of two blades placed one on top of the other and fastened in the middle, so as to allow them to be articulated by a thumb and finger inserted through rings on the end of their handles. They can be made of metal or plastic and are used for cutting cloth, paper, card, flowers and other substances.

Most scissors found in the office environment have coloured plastic handles (which are sometimes rubberised for extra grip) and steel blades.

Safety scissorsEspecially designed for children, these scissors have blades with rounded or blunted tips, which is considered safer as it prevents the injuries associated with sharper points. Accidental stabbing and cutting is minimised in this way. These scissors are generally smaller in size and have smaller handles. This is because longer, pointier scissors are difficult for small children to use – particularly when

they are just learning to cut. Children’s safety scissors are widely

available in retail stores, stationery shops and craft stores in a range of bright colours and patterns.

Fabric scissorsFabric scissors generally have sharper, longer blades and a more pointed nose for accurately and cleanly cutting fabric. High-quality fabric scissors have tempered steel or stainless steel blades that create an even cut along the entire length of the blade, all the way to the tips.

Such scissors have a flattened loop with one blunt-pointed blade and one sharp-pointed blade. The flattened loop facilitates cutting large pieces of fabric on a flat surface, while the differing blades are designed to make it easy to cut fabric without snagging, with the dull blade running under the fabric while the sharp blade snips down from above.

Sometimes the blades are very slightly bevelled to create sharper cutting edges. Some models have micro-serrated blades for the same reason. In good quality fabric scissors, the blades are joined by a

tiny screw, not a rivet, so that they can be adjusted or repaired.

One well-known type of fabric scissors is pinking shears.

These are specialised scissors which have blades with a distinctive saw-toothed edge. This creates a zigzag pattern when fabric is cut, minimising fraying. When fabric is pinked, the scalloped edge is less likely to unravel, and whatever does unravel will have fibres shorter in length. Pinking shears can be used to cut fabric which will be sewn together, ensuring that the fabric does not start to unravel at the seams.

While these scissors were specifically developed for the dressmaking trade, they are also sometimes utilised in art and craft projects where the scalloped edge look is desired.

In the case of garments with cut edges which will show, the shears can add an extra dimension of visual interest. Pinking shears are also useful for cutting fabrics used in applique and other fabric crafts, and for making decorative trim in a hurry.

Like other scissors designed for use with fabric, pinking shears should only be


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used on fabric, to prevent the dulling of the blades. Periodically oil and sharpen your pinking shears, as dull edges damage fabric fibres.

Craft scissorsAlthough a pair of pinking shears may be used to create scalloped, wavy edges on paper and fabric, manufacturers do make speciality craft scissors. These are often brightly coloured and made of plastic, and are suitable for use by children.

Many models come with interchangeable sets of blades which have different patterns on the edges, such as scalloped, zigzag and wavy.

Other types of scissorsThere are a number of other types of scissors which are manufactured for specialised use.

Bandage scissors are small, stainless steel scissors with serrated blades and an angled tip that is blunt at the edges. They cut easily through cloth and gauze. The angled blades they help keep the scissors away from the skin, so that injury doesn’t occur. The blunt tips also help as there is less likelihood of piercing the skin.

Nail scissors are short scissors, usually made of stainless steel. They are used to trim nails, hangnails or cuticles. Many nail scissors have slightly curved blades that help to minimise chance of cutting the skin, while others have flat blades.

Hair scissors, also known as barber shears, are specially designed to trim and style hair. They are usually composed of heavy-duty metal, such as tempered steel with added silver. The blades remain sharp even with regular, daily use.

Kitchen scissors are specifically designed for use in a kitchen. With hardened stainless steel blades and a sharp, pointed tip for precision and control, they are ideal for all food-related tasks. Kitchen scissors usually come with non-slip handles, for a comfortable, secure grip. This prevents accidents when the scissors are used with wet hands.

Another kind of kitchen scissors is herb scissors. These are multi-bladed scissors, with up to five blades on the top and the bottom. They quickly and easily cut herbs without bruising them. They haves stainless steel blades and easy-grip handles for better control.

Poultry shears are used for butterflying or spatchcocking chicken, turkey or duck. They have extremely sharp, heavy-duty blades which slice easily through flesh and bone.

Paper cutters

GuillotinesGuillotines, also known as arm or lever cutters, are great multi-purpose-cutting machines made of heavy, durable materials. They consist of a cutting blade and a long blade arm that can be pulled down to cut the substrate. These cutters are designed to shear large stacks of paper at the same time. They are generally very accurate and can be used to cut paper, card stock or cardboard, guaranteeing a straight edge. Guillotines come with a number of features to help prevent crooked cutting. This includes paper clamps, grids and ruler measurements, and safety features.

They are most often used in printer’s shops, schools and offices when cutting

paper in large quantities or custom-sized papers.

To choose a guillotine, you need to determine what kind of workload you will need it to handle. Desktop guillotines are compact and offer a variety of choice regarding sheet capacity, accurate measurements and advanced safety features.

Rotary paper cuttersRotary paper cutters use a round blade (or a simple razor blade) situated in a type of cutting head. The cutting head sits on a rail and slides back and forth, cutting the paper. They include a blade encasement, which ensures that hands are not exposed to the sharp edge.

Rotary paper cutters are known for their extreme precision and are very popular for cutting photos. These hand-held tools are also used by those who work with fabric to cut large pieces of material down to size.

Scissors for leftiesMost scissors are made for right-handed users. They have the larger loop on the bottom when in use, enabling force to be exerted downwards, against the bottom blade. When used by the left hand, the top blade separates slightly, leaving a tiny gap between the blades. This makes a clean cut nearly impossible. Left-handed scissors have the blades reversed, ensuring that cuts are neat and even.

DID YOU KNOW?

Self-sharpening bladesRotary guillotines have self-sharpening blades. Every time the blade moves through the paper it makes contact with a metal strip on the base of the cutter. This helps to sharpen the blade with every use.



Stack paper cuttersThese types of paper cutters are designed to cut hundreds of sheets of paper at a time. They are also popular for cutting larger sheets of paper into custom sizes. There are a variety of industrial and commercial applications for stack cutters, and they are commonly used at print shops for cutting prints and other material. They are available in manual, semi-auto and fully-automatic varieties.

Hydraulic paper cuttersThese are the toughest and most robust paper cutters available. They are used for high-volume cutting throughout the day. Hydraulic paper cutters are found in factories, print shops, paper plants and in other businesses that handle thousands upon thousands of sheets of paper per day.

Corner cuttersCorner cutters, or corner rounders, are used for cutting the sharp edges from paper and other materials, such as cardboard and thin plastic. These useful machines can often round the corners of a stack of paper in excess of 100 sheets at a time. A variety of radius sizes are available, enabling you to cut more or less off the corner, as desired.

Form cutters Form cutters, also known as paper slitters, are designed to automatically feed paper into the machine and then cut (slit) it down to size. Many form cutters can perforate and score paper, in addition to slitting it. These types of machines are great for producing marketing material and can often make several separate cuts simultaneously.

Blades

BoxcuttersOtherwise known as utility knives, Stanley knives or razor knives, boxcutters are devices with retractable blades. Because they are relatively small, they are used by people in a variety of industries while at work in the field. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters and crafters all use boxcutters. They are found in factories and warehouses, and on construction sites.

They are lightweight and durable, and easy to carry and use. Boxcutters feature blades with perforations, which can be snapped off when the leading edge becomes dull.

The blades are generally encased in

a plastic body which offers a secure grip. Most boxcutters have a locking mechanism, to lock the blade in place when in use or retracted. This minimises the risk of injury.

These types of knives cut plastic or wood materials, tape, cord, strapping, cardboard and other packaging material.

Precision knivesCommonly known as X-Acto knives or hobby knives, these items have blades mounted on a pen-shaped aluminium

body. A knurled collar (cut on a lathe and covered in a pattern of straight, angled or criss-crossed lines) is used to loosen and tighten an aluminium collet with one slot, which holds a replaceable blade.

They are most often used for crafting and other hobbies, such as model-making or decoupage. Prior to the advent of computer programs like Photoshop, camera-ready art for use in printing was literally cut and pasted. Precision knives were heavily depended upon for trimming and manipulating slips of paper. n



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Labels and labelling machinesA simple guide to selling labels and labelling machines

Labels

Different types of labels are created for specific purposes, and labels also differ in terms of materials, lifespan and adherence. Encourage your customers to choose labels that are best suited to their needs.

Types of labelsWhen selling labels to your customers, it is a good idea to ascertain what they will be using the labels for. This will help you to determine the best label for their needs.

Pressure-sensitive labels are applied by pressing down firmly on them so they stick to the surface. They typically have a release liner that protects the adhesive until it is pulled off. The release liner makes handling the label before application easier. There are three different types of adhesive labels.

Permanent adhesive labels cannot be removed without ripping once fixed to a surface, such as a box or disc, the label. The glue on some permanent labels takes

a while to set, allowing for the label to be adjusted if necessary. This type of label is ideal for mailing.

Peelable adhesive labels are removable labels which can be transferred from one surface to another. They usually leave a sticky residue behind.

Ultra-peelable labels can be removed without any sticky residue remaining. However, once removed it is hard to get these types of labels to stick to another surface.

Shipping labels typically come as blank labels in the form of sheets, for uses such as mailing, and rolls for thermal labels.

Return address labels can be bought pre-printed, as the return address is typically the office address being shipped from. Extras can always be printed onto blank label sheets.

Inkjet labels are used in inkjet printers. They are typically blank labels on a label sheet and are often used for mailing labels or name tags. They generally print in black.

Laser labels are used in a laser printer. They are superior to inkjet-printed labels due to the fact that they won’t run or smudge, and can be printed in colour.

CD/DVD labels are designed to be put onto a CD or DVD, and have a special cut-out for the central hole.

Label materialsOffice labels are made from many different materials. These include paper, plastic and thermal transfer, and the right type of label needs to be selected for the job at hand. Ask your customers what they will be using the labels for, before recommending one of the options below.

Litho labels are one of the most common types of labelling material. They will stick to almost any surface, and can be removed from hard surfaces using water.

Latex labels are generally more flexible than litho labels and can fit around curves easily. They are permanent labels, waterproof and smudge resistant.

Plastic labels are made of vinyl, acetate and other kinds of plastics.


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They offer good strength and flexibility. However, they require special printing equipment as conventional ink does not adhere to them well.

Foil labels are made of aluminium foil. They come in bright or matte finishes.

Thermal labels - are labels that require heat to apply lettering. These labels are sensitive to light and temperature fluctuations, and fade or darken over time.

Thermal transfer labels – are similar to thermal labels, but they can be used in proximity to heat sources. They are also more durable and do not fade over time.

Packaging and storageOffice labels come in a variety of different counts, including individual labels, rolls and sheets. When your customers purchase labels from you, be sure to ask them about the the printing device or the labelling machine they have. Ask your customers to check their user manuals if they are unsure of the size they require.

Individual labels come in packages to be used as needed for small jobs that do not require a high number of labels at a time.

Label rolls are fed into a machine that prints them out as needed. This is the most common type of thermal label available.

A label sheet can be ordered pre-printed or printed as needed. They are most commonly used for mailing and return labels. They resemble stickers when peeled off the sheet.

Advise your customers to store their labels in a cool, dry place. If labels are exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat or damp, they may curl at the edges, stick together in the printer or discolour. The colour on printed labels may fade or darken to the point that it becomes illegible.

Suggest that a suitable storage container is found, and recommend keeping labels in a dry, dark cupboard.

Labelling machines

When selling labelling machines to your customers, it is important to ascertain what they will be using the machine for. Determine how often they will use the machine, as well as how many people will be using the device.

Personal label printersOtherwise known as label makers, these are small, handheld devices intended for


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use in the home, small office and small business setting. These machines do not have a high price point, and so will be popular with customers who don’t want to print a high volume of labels.

However, these machines print on special, often thermal, tapes which are expensive.

In the past, mechanical labelling systems worked by embossing pieces of coloured plastic embossing tape. A hammer in the shape of the letter caused an extrusion on the opposite side of the tape, and the raised plastic would discolour to white to provide visual contrast.

These types of machines have been largely displaced by electronic thermal transfer devices.

Such machines contain a built-in keyboard and display, and an integrated cartridge containing the label material (and print ribbon, if used).

Desktop label printers Desktop printers are compact, relatively simple to operate, reliable and cost effective. These types of label printers are ideal for a wide variety of mid-volume industrial, commercial and healthcare applications. They are usually designed for light- to medium-duty use, and are quiet and affordable. They are available in direct thermal and thermal transfer printer models, and are customisable. These types of machines are perfect for the customer who requires a moderate amount of labels printed.

Commercial label printers Commercial label printers are used in medium-volume label printing applications, in business environments such as printers or graphic design. These are more durable and handle larger volumes without a hassle. Suggest this type of machine for customers who print labels on a larger scale.

Industrial label printers These types of label printers are designed for heavy-duty, continuous use in places such as warehouses, distribution centres and factories. They are used to print vast quantities of labels, sometimes for oddly shaped components (such as the safety stickers on a child’s car seat).

Industrial portable label printers are used on location in rugged environments, such as construction sites and production floors. n


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Helping your customers to choose the best labelling machine for their environments will depend largely on the intended application. If customers want to print out address labels or improve filing and workflow, they will need smaller machines. Machines with advanced capabilities, such as barcoding, networking and custom printing, are more expensive than simple, handheld devices, and cost will be a consideration for your customers.

BudgetAsk your customers the following questions to determine which machine will be best suited to them: • What applications will you use the machine for? • Will you use blank or pre-printed labels?• Will you need customisation features?• How long will the label need to last?• What type of surface will the labels be put onto?• What is your budget?• Does the brand you’ve chosen have a good reputation for quality?• What do you expect in terms of customer service and technical

support?

CostThe more features a labelling machine has, the more it will cost.

When advising your customers about buying a machine, tell them to consider not only their business’ current needs, but their future needs too. It may be more cost effective to buy an advanced machine from the outset than to purchase a basic one now and an advanced one later.

The type of printing the machine does will also affect overall cost. Direct thermal printers are low-cost to operate because ribbon is not required.

Print typeLabel makers commonly use thermal printing, either by direct or thermal transfer. Some devices can switch between these methods.

Thermal transfer works best if your customers want to print in colour, or if they want labels that won’t fade over time. Thermal transfer printers require the use of a carbon ribbon. This is transferred onto the substrate via heat. Ribbons can be different colours, and the printing is very crisp and durable. Thermal transfer printers can print on paper, film and even foil.

Direct thermal printers require the use of heat-activated thermal papers and films, rather than a transfer ribbon. The print colour is limited to black, unless you buy treated labels that contain chromatic inks, and the printing is not as crisp or durable. Labels tend to darken with age and exposure to light. Direct thermal printing is popular in the food industry, where items are stored for short periods of time out of direct sunlight. This type of printer is ideal for customers who need bulk labels with a limited life-span, where quality is not paramount.

ConnectivityLabelling machines can be attached to a computer or network, either on a wired or wireless basis. If your customers will be using desktop software to design custom labels, then a machine that plugs into a computer will be ideal. It also removes any limitations on fonts, symbols and designs. If there is only one labelling machine in an office with multiple users, then advise your customers that they will need a networking feature to improve workflow.

Power sourceLabel makers run on disposable batteries, rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs or a power cord. If your customer’s usage will be relatively low, disposable batteries are ideal. However, if they plan to use their labelling machine frequently or want to run batch prints, then a rechargeable battery pack is more suitable. Some machines have a USB port, and can be charged via a computer.

Display screen and keyboardSome label makers come with a display screen and keyboard, while others need to plug directly into a computer to take data directly from the machine. If your customers are considering a model with a screen or keyboard, make sure that they look at the overall size. The keyboard must be easy to use, and if they want to see the entire label before they print, make them aware of the fact that they will need a screen that does not have a limited character display.

PortabilityLabel makers can be hand-held or large, static machines. In warehouse settings, portable models are useful for workers on the move. In an office environment, a labelling machine that sits on a desk will be ideal.

Labelling machines without a display screen or keyboard are not portable, and will therefore need to be plugged in to a computer to work.

FeaturesBasic label makers have limited features in terms of label type, size or font. The more advanced the labelling machine is, the more customisation it will offer. If your customers plan to print different types and sizes of labels using various fonts and graphics, or if they want bespoke designs, then they will need a machine with advanced capabilities.

Other features to look out for include a print history that will store recent or frequently-used designs, and the number of pages that can be printed per minute. Some label makers can print barcodes, shipping tracking numbers and laminated labels.

Choosing the best machine for the job


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To book advertising or advertorial space around any of the above features, please contact Wendy Dancer on [email protected] or call 011 781 0088.

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Painting with scissorsThe lost art of gouaches découpés

A brief history When French artist Henri Matisse was diagnosed with cancer and confined to a wheelchair in 1941, he was worried that he would lose his ability to be creative.

After a risky operation, he began to experiment with gouaches découpés (cut-out collages).

Vast in scale (although not always in size), and lush and rigorous in colour, Matisse’s cut-outs are much admired around the world.

With the aid of a number of assistants, he set about creating cut-paper collages. By manoeuvring scissors through prepared sheets of paper, Matisse created a novel way to express himself.

TechniqueFirst, Matisse’s studio assistants brushed gouache on sheets of white paper. Opaque watercolour or gouache is a paint consisting of pigment, water, a binding agent (usually dextrin or gum Arabic) and sometimes additional inert material.

Once dry, Matisse generally cut the shapes out of the stockpile of coloured paper freehand, using a small pair of scissors and saving both the item cut out and remaining scraps of paper.

After having cut out the shapes, the second part of the creative process entailed pinning the cut pieces of paper to the walls of his studio. Matisse would change the position of the images, adding new ones, or modifying existing ones, until the desired configuration was reached.

When a balance of form and colour was achieved, the finished composition was glued to some type of support such as paper, canvas or board.

It took Matisse two years to complete 20 collages.

He used his cut-outs for decorative arts projects, including wall hangings, scarf patterns, tapestries and rugs. n

Images: w

ww

.henri-matisse.net

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWWW.HENRI-MATISSE.NET


a r t s a n d c r a f t s

Do it yourselfTo try your hand at gouaches découpés, you will need:• White cardstock • Gouache paints• Scissors or a sharp blade• Craft glue• A large piece of stiff cardboard (or chipboard)

Draw shapes on your white paper. Paint the shapes with gouache paint. When the paint is dry, cut out the shapes and lay out a pattern on the cardboard. Remember to use the negative shapes (the scraps from cutting out shapes) as well. Use the glue to paste the shapes onto the board.

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Taking flightOffice furniture inspired Boeing’s new 737 economy seats

In a move that could foresee big changes in aircraft seat manufacturing, Boeing is purchasing seats for the 737 direct from a new supplier.

LIFT by EnCore, the new seat manufacturer Boeing has picked to deliver better economy seats to the 737 Boeing Sky Interior, is on a mission to give a big comfort boost to passengers in the cheap seats.

“It’s the forgotten class, I think,” says Tom McFarland, EnCore’s owner and CEO. “The higher end – when you get to the front of the plane – gets a lot more attention. That was our driver: to focus on the economy seat.”

Which is what we all like to hear, but don’t be deceived: making sure that plane manufacturers, airlines and passengers are happy with a new seat proposal is a tall order. There will always be compromises.

LIFT seats attempt to make the compromises work. The slim-line seats are modelled in passengers’ favour with design crossovers from modern home furnishings, through collaboration with London-based Pearson Lloyd.

All the details are considered for functionality in tight quarters. For example, you don’t have to bend over to plug in your electronics, because the outlet is above the tray table.

The soft padded cushions on the LIFT seat were pressure tested – bum tested, to use industry jargon – to ensure your body will hurt less after sitting in place for a few hours. The seat backs are contoured to the spine and there is padding to rest your head.

It’s the plane equivalent of a modern

office chair – it’s not your cosy love seat, but it gets the job done.

“Number one: it’s got to be a comfortable product,” says Elijah Dobrusin, VP of development and strategy. “We’re making a seat. We worked with Pearson Lloyd and Boeing to make it look like a seat, not some weird spaceship thing. It’s a seat.”

The question some in the airline industry are asking is who are these people? How did LIFT get on Boeing overnight, shifting the seat of power in the plane seat industry?

Because aviation doesn’t change overnight – except when it does. Many big changes and blue sky ideas have taken off because outside forces drove competition in an unexpected direction.

Business and first class passengers take lie-flat seats for granted today, but British Airways came up with what was a crazy idea 20 years ago, and people watched and wondered – until everyone else jumped on it.

Just as with the very innovative team at British Airways, there are experienced contrarians at the top seats of EnCore.

Before launching EnCore, the founders had over 30 years’ aircraft interiors and seat manufacturing experience under their belts.

LIFT by EnCore is not so much an upstart disrupter as returning troublemaker. The execs hired bright young minds inside the industry, who themselves had plenty of expertise, and who hungered to break away from “the way we’ve always done it” mentality that can plague aviation.

Finding the right calibre of experienced people with a disruptive mind-set is not easy in an industry as conformist as aviation.

“We’ve all come from well established companies in the aerospace industries

so we have a number of experts that work together and that allows us to work very fast, very lightly,” says Tom Eaton, director of design at LIFT by EnCore.

All that experience the leadership of EnCore and team at LIFT built over decades of working with Boeing earned them credibility and trust, which made collaboration possible.

“Boeing is providing a lot of the technical knowledge: for instance, composites. Boeing has this incredible composite technology; with the 787 they’ve done some amazing things,” says Dobrusin. “We’ve had workshops and meetings with them, where we’re bringing Boeing technology into our product. It’s been a great combination.”

People-watching makes all the difference. The LIFT folks echoed what Airbus said about them during the reveal of their Airspace cabin in London.

“Many reporters writing about the airline cabin didn’t exist. People weren’t blogging about the industry. Social media is pushing the industry to become more aware,” says Dobrusin.

“People who flew hated it – but that’s just how it was. Now social media is pushing the industry to become more aware, and that’s where we started.”

While the first LIFT seat was designed for the 737 Boeing Sky interior, the companies are discussing future projects.

“This is just the start for us,” Dobrusin adds. “Our intent is to bring really great products and leave a really great footprint, improve the process and the cycle of our industry. I think there’s no reason why things can’t move a lot faster than they do.” n

Acknowledgement: Marisa Garcia for www.mash-able.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTMARISA GARCIA FOR WWW.MASHABLE.COM


f u r n i t u r e

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My Office Label Ad.pdf 1 2015/08/26 4:27 PM

Breathe easy

An air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air in a room. These machines are considered beneficial to

those suffering from allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems.

Commercially-graded air purifiers are manufactured as stand-alone units, as well as larger units that can be part of a building’s HVAC (heating, cooling and air conditioning) unit. They can be found in homes and offices, as well as in medical, commercial and manufacturing industries.

Air purifiers work in one of two ways: by collecting air and passing it through a filter; or by discharging substances to neutralise dirt in the air (such as ions).

How to choose an air purifierChoosing the right air purifier for your business can be daunting.

The size of the room is an important consideration. In order to properly clean the air in a room, the purifier will need to exchange the air several times per hour. Two air exchanges per hour is considered a minimum, while five is optimal. If the room is large but the air purifier is small, it will have to operate on the highest setting, which means that it will be very noisy. Buying an air purifier rated for a larger room will allow you to run it effectively on lower speeds, resulting in

quieter operation.The filtration efficiency of the air

purifier is also important. There is a great deal of variation in the market. Numerical efficiency is calculated as the percentage of particulates trapped in a filter during a single air exchange. The higher this number is, the better. The best purifiers trap particulates in one pass at well over 90%.

The air flow relates to how much air is passing through the filter. Look for a combination of high filtration efficiency and high airflow, also called the “clean air delivery rate” (CADR). This is indicated in cubic feet per minute of 100% particle-free air created by the air purifier.

Filter change indicator lights are helpful when it comes to the optimal time to change a filter. Forgetting to change the filter will mean that the machine is not working properly, which is sub-optimal for health.

The ease with which filters can be changed is also important. Ideally, your air purifier should not require any tools to replace filters: a door should pop out, allowing the filter to be removed and replaced.

The filters of some air purifiers are tedious and difficult to change, which causes people to delay replacing them.

The weight and mobility of the device is also important. Many come on castors, so that the purifier can be pushed from room to room. Small, lightweight purifiers are ideal for moving between different offices and buildings.

When purchasing an air purifier, consider ozone emissions. Ozone is a toxic substance and is undesirable, especially for those in poor health. Ensure your air purifier is ozone-free.

The cost of maintenance is another

factor to consider. The expression “penny wise, pound foolish” is apt here as more expensive air purifiers are often the least expensive to maintain, saving you money in the long run. The warranty and reliability of the machine is key – most have a five-year warranty for the main fan and motor parts. A reliable air purifier should have no problems with the motor, fan, and electrical components and controls during that time. The rest of the air purifier consists of the filters, which will need periodical cleaning or replacement.

Common air purifier mythsYou don’t need to dustAir purifiers do not lift the dust off the surfaces of windows, walls or furniture; they merely filter particles already in the air. The area will still need to be cleaned as usual.

Air purifiers fix allergiesThis is not true: an air purifier is only part of allergy control. Allergens like pollen fall to the floor or settle on surfaces, and the air purifier can’t filter them once they are no longer airborne. The same holds true of dust mites.

Regular cleaning of the environment should still take place, and anti-allergy cleaning agents should be used in conjunction with other appliances like dehumidifiers and steam cleaners.

Air purifiers remove odoursMany people think that having an air purifier is a substitute for cleaning as it removes odours. Air purifiers only eliminate odours if they filter the air through high-grade carbon. Good hygiene is a better solution to everyday odours from cigarettes, rubbish or dirt.


a i r p u r i f i e r s

The only way is HEPAMany people think that air purifiers with an HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter are automatically better than other varieties. Because HEPA filters vary in size and construction quality, this is not necessarily true. Do your research first.

You can keep your windows closedAir purifiers are not a substitute for fresh air. Open your windows for at least an hour every day for new air to enter and circulate. Let the air purifier take over after that.

Speed doesn’t matterConsumers often run their air purifier at low speeds in order not to hear fan noise. Unfortunately, this reduces the square footage an air purifier will effectively cover. If your air purifier can’t run at high speed without making a noise, it is best to choose a time to run it at full speed and then turn it to low when necessary.

Air purifiers remove cigarette smokeMany people think that air purifiers actually remove the particles left behind when people have been smoking. Most air purifiers – except for a few which have been specifically designed to remove both the odour and toxic gases associated with smoke – are not capable of doing this.

Air purifiers remove viruses and germs Some air purifiers boast the addition of ultra violet to kill viruses. In most air purifiers, the amount of time that allergens have in front of ultra violet light is not sufficient to kill them. Only a few air purifiers have an enhanced HEPA filter sufficient to capture viruses, or a technology such as a steriliser which uses heat to kill pathogens. n

29m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n ew w w . m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e . c o . z a

a i r p u r i f i e r s

Diarise thisA list of industry-specific events and exhibitions to mark on your calendar

This two-day event showcases all aspects of facilities management, like office-based equipment, security-based services, health-and-safety based services, and maintenance services.

01 – 02 JuneFACILITIES MANAGEMENT EXPOGALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

This event showcases products such as office furniture, lighting, up-and-coming designers, fit outs and hospitality products.

01 – 03 JuneINSPIRE WORKSPACE + DESIGN + TECH TRADE EXPO GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

This conference will cover topics such as getting direct access to your target market; creating positive PR; raising awareness for your organisation; generating new sales and creating new business partnerships; and creating internal commitment to the brand.

20 – 21 May3D PRINT AFRICAGALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

This is the perfect show for anyone who has an interest in interiors, building, kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, shopping or delicious food. The show will provide you with plenty of amazing ideas to turn your dream home into a reality. Whether you are self-building, renovating or simply re-decorating, you’ll find everything you need for your very own grand design.

20 – 22 MayGRAND DESIGNS LIVE – JOHANNESBURGTICKETPRO DOME, JOHANNESBURG

This event is a showcase for marketing services, CRM providers, advertising/media sales, promotional gifts and printers companies who want access to the business service industry.

25 -26 MayMARKETING INDABALORD CHARLES HOTEL, CAPE TOWN


e v e n t s

It is estimated that only 8% of businesses recycle their used paper and board. And even the most well-intentioned recyclers make mistakes. The Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA) outlines some of the more common recycling blunders, and provides some helpful tips to make sure that paper and board get to where they need to be.

Putting non-recyclable paper products into the recycling binEven though they are made of paper, a number of items are not suitable for recycling: dirty paper plates, cigarette butts, tissue and toilet paper, paper towel, sticky notes, carbon paper, foil-lined, wax-coated and laminated papers, cement and dog food bags. These items cannot be recycled owing to the contamination or non-recyclability of certain elements or “stickies”, like waxes, foils, laminates and glues.

To correct this, educate your employees about what is recyclable and what is not.

Use printable material and posters available on www.recyclepaper.co.za for communal office areas.

Food contaminationWet waste ends up in the paper recycling bin, including used food waste, cigarette butts and soiled take-away containers. This contaminates the paper and reduces its value. Paper also starts to degrade once wet.

Set-up a two-bin system – receptacles for paper recycling and bins for food, liquid and non-recyclable waste with clear and simple messaging and graphics.

Making it difficult and time-consuming for employees to recycle We are all human. Nobody likes to walk too far to throw something away.

Ensure that each desk is equipped with a tray or office recycler solely for paper and board.

Install paper recycling receptacles in key locations: at each desk; at each printing/copying station; in meeting and break rooms, and kitchen areas; and in reception.

For every paper recycling bin, there should be a general waste bin alongside it.

A study showed that paper recycling rose from 28% with one bin per office to 94% when paper trays were located on desks.

Not knowing what to do with your recyclablesYour office has collected all this paper that it doesn’t know what to do with, and after a while, it all ends up in the general rubbish.

Involve cleaning teams in your recycling initiatives. If waste streams are mixed, the recyclable paper will be contaminated and become worthless, which renders the recycling programme fruitless.

Assign a sheltered area in which to keep recycled paper clean and dry.

Where possible, keep office paper (mainly white bond paper) separate from newspapers and magazines and cardboard boxes.

Partner with a recycling collection agent that meets your needs – this could be a service offered by a big company, a smaller business or an informal collector who can benefit from your paper collection.

Support a local school or charity’s recycling fundraising initiatives (e.g. the Ronnie Recycler programme) as your recyclable paper could boost the tonnages they collect and increase the funds raised. n

Four common office recycling mistakes

Other ways to boost your company’s recycling efforts

• Appoint a recycling champion who is able to drive and monitor the programme.

• Regular communication is key. Place posters at all “points of disposal”, on e-mails/printed memos, in newsletters, and as agenda items in meetings.

• Showcase the successes and volumes of paper recycled to demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness.

• Ensure that cleaning teams are trained and incentivised to maintain the programme. Include and thank them in the communications.

• Paper collectors will only service offices where there is sufficient volume to warrant their transportation costs. It makes sense in a larger office park to centralise the collection area so that larger quantities are accumulated faster. Engage the facility manager in this case.

• Make sure your visitors, customers, suppliers and clients are aware of your recycling efforts through regular communication and clear signage.

• Staff can also be encouraged to bring waste paper from home if the storage area is big enough.

With a paper recovery rate of 64%, South Africa has been trending upwards towards a goal of 70% by 2020 for the past few years.

e c o n e w s


GOLD SPONSORS: SILVER SPONSORS:

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REPORT CRIME TO [email protected]

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SAPS issues fake fine warning

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned against a cell phone scam in which users receive a text message saying a case has been opened against them by the police. They are then asked to deposit money

into an account for their case to be closed.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, unsuspecting victims who received this text message fell victim to fraudsters once they replied to the message and, in some cases, had money extorted from them.

Mulaudzi says the first case was reported in January. Since then, however, there had been an increasing number of instances nationwide.

“The scam came to the SAPS’ attention after a case had been reported in Rosebank, Gauteng, in January. It was followed by other cases with the same modus operandi that was reported in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, North West and Limpopo,” he says.

The victims received an SMS stating a SAPS case had been opened against them and that they had to contact a Constable Baloyi on 060 800 8148.

Other random names and different contact numbers were also given in other instances.

After they responded to the message, they would be informed that a warrant of arrest had been issued for a traffic fine and that they needed to pay a certain amount. An account number would be given claiming they had to deposit the money into an FNB account with the

number 62017066201 or an Absa account with the number, 4054021171.

“We just want to warn the public that this is not how we operate as police. Such scams should be reported as soon as possible. And if you received that you should contact your nearest police station,” Mulaudzi says. n

Police issue warning to the public over fake traffic fine SMS scam

First-hand accountAccording to an article published by The Centurion Rekord in January, Pretoria resident Theuns Heydenrych’s wife was a target of this scam.

“On Friday (15 January) my wife received an SMS around 14:00. It read: ‘A case has been opened against you @SAPS, for more info contact constable Baloyi on 0608008148’,” says Heydenrych.

“My wife then immediately phoned the number, thinking it was a real SMS. When the man (the so-called Constable Baloyi) answered, he even read out my wife’s ID number to confirm that it is her.”

“Baloyi” then told Heydenrych’s wife that she only had 15 minutes to pay and asked if she would prefer to pay into an Absa or FNB account.

When she asked “Baloyi” how she could be sure that it was not a scam, he put the phone down.

She then immediately received an SMS with the banking details:Absa acc holder name: TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT ACC NR:4054021171 Branch code:632005 Reference:27747239666 amount:R1 698.00 Fax 0864027202“I then immediately phoned as well and when I asked whether it was a scam the

line went quiet, before he eventually put the phone down,” says Heydenrych. “Just after 14:00, my wife received a third and final SMS that read: ‘A warrant of

arrest has been issued against you, you failed to pay your outstanding fines’.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTNEWS24, WWW.REKORDCENTURION.CO.ZA


c r i m e a l e r t

Password protection

Should you change your passwords frequently, or not?

In a piece of advice that seemingly contradicts everything else we’ve ever heard, GCHQ has recommended you should change your password less often.

According to the spy agency’s cybersecurity arm, forcing people to change their passwords regularly is ineffectual, because they are likely to choose a new password that is very similar to the old one.

They are also more likely to write the new password down, for fear of forgetting it. This increases the risk of the password falling into the wrong hands.

“Attackers can exploit this weakness,” says the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG). “The new password may have been used elsewhere, and attackers can exploit this too.”

Instead of forcing a changed password at regular intervals, the group recommends organisations provide users with information on when their account was last activated.

GCHQ says sticking to the same password for a long time – unless it’s something like ABC123 – is a good idea.

This news comes on the back of a new study into online privacy, which reveals that one in three people in Britain secretly know their partner’s passwords.

The survey, conducted by money-saving Web site VoucherCodesPro, has revealed attitudes to trusting loved ones

with passwords.It discovered that almost three quarters

of people have looked through social media messages on someone else’s account without their permission.

The team responsible for the study polled 2 211 UK adults between 18 and 45 who have been in their current relationship for at least two years.

Initially respondents were asked if their partner let them access their social media channels when they wanted to; 51% of respondents stated they did. Respondents were then asked if their partner had let them know their password for social media channels, and 21% stated they had.

Following from this, all respondents were then asked if they knew their partner’s password without them being aware of this – with 34% stated they did.

Researchers asked these participants how it was they found their partners password out. Fifty-nine percent stated they “guessed” it; 37% said they “keyboard watched”; and the remaining 4% asked their partner’s friends.

The researchers provided a list of actions taken by people who discover their partner’s passwords:• 74% looked through social media

messages;• 59% looked through the photo

gallery;• 54% looked through e-mails;• 46% looked through browser history;

and• 39% looked through bank

statements.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JEFF PARSONS FOR WWW.MIRROR.CO.UK

Pick the best passwordWhen it comes to selecting a password, there are a number of factors to keep in mind.

Use a combination of several of these tips to create a strong password:• Use a mix of alphabetical and

numeric characters. A good way to do this is to use numbers to replace the letters in a word. For example, replace an “e” with a “3” or an “s” with a “5”.

• Use a mixture of upper- and lowercase letters, as passwords are case sensitive.

• Use special characters, such as @, # or %.

• Pick something obscure, such as a made-up word, an uncommon nickname or a purposefully misspelled word.

• Choose something that means something to you and will be easy for you to remember.

• Keep in mind the standard sequences that hackers expect: words such as “admin” or “password”; sequential numbers strings such as “12345” or “54321”; or replacing the letter “o” with the number “0”.

• Never use the same password for different accounts. n


s e c u r i t y

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pyrotec, a privately-owned and managed business that was established in 1966 and continues to offer products and services founded on a dedication to

quality, operational reliability and service excellence.

“We have come a long way since trading in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” says Rowan Beattie, Pyrotec’s MD.

“Our business has seen the rise and fall of the economy, the turn-around of our country’s political position, the introduction and explosion of technology, and massive shifts in consumer expectations. Through it all, we believe that we have remained steady in our approach to change, and have delivered

on our promise of quality, trust and innovation,” he adds.

While Pyrotec is fully focused on the future and moving forward to remain at the forefront of service and product excellence, it’s worth a brief glimpse back in time to see where it all began.

How it all beganIn 1964 Beattie’s father, Joseph Beattie, purchased Label Processes, a supplier of self-adhesive roll-label material, hot-stamping foil and label printing machinery. Joseph, a land-surveyor by profession, continued in his occupation to ensure a steady income for his family while Evan, Beattie’s elder brother, was entrusted with the day-to-day management of Label Processes.

Straight from school, Evan joined the company and began selling self-adhesive roll material imported from 3M, and small hot-foil printing and die-cutting machines from Milford-Astor for making self-adhesive labels in roll form. In these early days, self-adhesive materials were

not made locally and this label technology was hardly known. Until then, labels were used for price marking and were written on by hand.

In 1966, with almost no demand for roll materials and label printing/die-cutting machines, Evan (just 19 years old at the time) recognised that for the company to survive he needed to broaden its customer base and began looking around for possibilities to manufacture labels on the machines he was trying to sell.

Noting stationery labels made by a local company, Pirie Appleton, he decided to produce a competitive brand. In the evenings at the family’s dining room table, he designed the box to hold and dispense the labels. This was the birth of the Tower brand.

Beattie’s story begins in 1967 when, straight from school like Evan, he joined Label Processes. He recalls that during those humble beginnings he was involved in virtually all of the business’ production processes. Today he fondly

Pyrotec turns 50


i n d u s t r y n e w s

remembers this initiation into the world of business in general and self-adhesive printing in particular. He is committed to lifelong learning and throughout his career he has always tried to learn from his contact with customers and suppliers.

During the 1970s, Label Processes and Tower Label were incorporated under the umbrella name of Synchron. However, in 1989 after Joseph’s death, the company was divided into two businesses – with Beattie retaining Pyrotec (formerly Label Processes) and the Tower brand, and Evan taking over Synchron.

Leading to successConcerning corporate values, Beattie believes that any organisation adopts the characteristics of its leader. He values above-board business dealings, innovative production focus and constantly questioning the status quo by pushing boundaries.

Successful customer relationships are critical for sustained business success. Being close to customers enables Beattie and his team to explore their specific needs and often creates the opportunity to innovate to fill that void. Non-financial partnerships with suppliers – some spanning a number of decades – underline the value that he attaches to nurturing long-term relationships. It’s these relationships that have enabled Pyrotec to create various lucrative niche markets.

Of his five sons, two are involved in the business. Timothy is Pyrotec PackMedia’s GM, while Stephen heads up Tower as the division’s GM.

A focus on innovationWith Pyrotec’s growth and its focus

on innovation, its brands have evolved to include Pyrotec PackMark, the company’s machinery division; Pyrotec PackMedia, which offers innovative on-pack, informational and promotional solutions; and Tower, Africa’s leading supplier of self-adhesive products and accessories for the office, hardware and kids’ markets.

Additionally, and in keeping with Pyrotec’s focus on innovation, the latest news is the launch of two new divisions in March 2016 – Pyrotec Finance and Pyrotec PackVerifi.

Pyrotec Finance offers a number of options to assist customers to purchase or replace their coding equipment. This includes a rental service, a rent-to-own agreement, as well as straightforward trade-in agreements.

Pyrotec PackVerifi is an exciting partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) as southern Africa’s sole reseller to offer HPE’s Global Product Authentication Service (GPAS). GPAS is a cloud-based brand protection track-and-trace service that helps organisations fight the scourge of product counterfeiting while supporting traceability throughout the supply chain.

Reputation and trustBeattie is adamant that Pyrotec remains innovative. The company continues to sell much more than just self-adhesive labels by focusing on selling solutions.

“We continue to build on our reputation. We want to be respected as the best – both locally and internationally – based on our competence,” he insists.

A big part of Pyrotec’s success is its ability to identify niche markets and concentrate its efforts there. Another element of the company’s success is quality, reflected in Pyrotec’s mission – Vision Beyond Excellence – and all operational aspects of the business.

“Quality, operational efficiency, innovation and communication are our watch words,” Beattie points out, adding that the company is in the process of achieving its ISO 14001:2015 accreditation.

“Also of great importance are the relationships we’ve developed over the last 50 years between staff, suppliers and customers,” he adds.

“With sound relationships, based on shared values, you can build a successful business and survive. We’re proud of our achievements, our experience and our history, as well as our ability to remain focused on innovation and provide service and product excellence well into the future.” n

Rowan Beattie, MD of Pyrotec



Since Freedom Stationery’s inception in 1987, the company has reached milestone after milestone with various expansions and achievements, making their mark with high-quality school, home and office supplies.

The company has become the leading manufacturer of stationery supplies in the southern hemisphere. Five branches nationwide now boast a total of 100 000m² under roof, including the factories.

In 2015, Freedom Stationery was fortunate enough to move to bigger premises due to successful business expansion. The new warehouse is a great achievement as it means a larger capacity as a supplier, enabling improved service all round.

Today the company is very proud to announce yet another significant milestone in Freedom Stationery’s timeline. They have opened a brand new warehouse in Durban, standing at impressive 18 500m2 under roof, giving them ample space to store more stock and ensure competitive turnaround times. The warehouse also boasts a large fleet of vehicles that will ensure the timeous deliveries of products to various customers. The new Durban warehouse will assist in better serving Freedom Stationery’s loyal customers in the larger KZN region.

The opening of the warehouse will also ensure higher inventory and product availability to customers. Freedom Stationery is set on the continual investment in important

infrastructure and logistics support, especially in a business like stationery supplies where goods need to reach customers at the stated times and dates.

Freedom Stationery, which houses Marlin and Marlin Kids under its umbrella, will have 1 000 stock keeping units (SKUs) – a testament to their large and varied product range.

The company is a Level 2 Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment contributor and is ISO 9001 certified too.

Freedom Stationery is also quite actively involved in corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives. The company

Freedom Stationery opens new warehouse in Durban

strongly believes that they are strategically placed in the market to enhance children’s educational processes by providing comprehensive tools where necessary. The company is proud to have Mikey, Mandy and Spike, the Marlin Kids mascots who tirelessly travel up and down South Africa visiting schools, interacting with learners and giving away the top quality stationery for which the Marlin and Marlin Kids brand is known. Their latest travels included the much anticipated January back-to-school campaign, ensuring a conducive learning environment and making sure that enough children are equipped with the quality stationery supplies they need for success.

Freedom Stationery is also going beyond these roadshows with hampers and donations that reach underprivileged schools and learners around the country – those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access quality learning materials.

The company is focused on continuous staff training that ensures good performance management, as they believe that top-notch customer service is the cornerstone of their business. Their overall objectives include customer satisfaction and continual improvement, ensuring continued success.

Freedom Stationery will always stay true to their founding guiding slogan “Education for the Nation” by constantly seeking new ways to solve old problems, and delivering diligently on their promises. They look forward to working even more closely with KwaZulu-Natal customers by delivering the best in product and unmatched service. n



Freedom Stationery is one of the country’s largest and most trusted stationery brands offering a comprehensive top quality range of office,

household and school supplies that are durable and affordable.

HEAD OFFICETEL: 032 459 2820FAX: 032 459 [email protected]

DURBANTEL: 087 350 7861FAX: 031 502 [email protected]

MIDRANDTEL: 011 314 0953FAX: 011 314 [email protected]

EAST LONDONTEL: 087 350 7862FAX: 043 731 [email protected]

BLOEMFONTEINTEL: 087 353 7861FAX: 051 430 [email protected]

CAPE TOWNTEL: 087 350 7863FAX: 021 557 [email protected]

Freedom Stationery is one of the country’s largest and most trusted stationery brands offering a comprehensive top quality range of office,

household and school supplies that are durable and affordable.

Our office stationery makes the day-to-day functioning of any office

smooth and efficient with handy supplies and reliable products.

We’re also first in excellent customer service and always ensure prompt deliveries, giving you peace of mind and complete satisfaction.

For any queries and assistance, call our Durban head office on

(032) 459 2820 or email us on [email protected]. Our other branches are located in Midrand, Cape Town, East London

and Bloemfontein.

Visit our website for any other information. www.freedomstationery.co.za


p r o d u c t s h o w c a s e

REXEL JOY LAMINATOR

Brighten up your laminating with this simple colourful modern laminator. Ideal for occasional use in the office or home environment. Featured with hot and cold settings, it has been designed for use with A4 size pouches up to 2x125 microns. With a compact, slimline design it’s easy to store. Available in Pretty Pink and Blissful Blue. For the bright at heart!

REXEL ID GUARD ROLLER

Simple, convenient and effective protection of confidential information at your fingertips! The Rexel roller stamp pattern is specifically designed to obscure printed text. Simply Click, Cover and Conceal. The ID Guard comes in a selection of colours including Black, Pretty Pink, Blissful Blue, Perfect Purple and Lively Lime. Refills available.

Tel: 011 226 3300

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.rexelsa.co.za

Tel: 011 226 3300


Web: www.rexelsa.co.za

Tel: 011 467 0227


Web: www.techexpress.co.za

Tel: 011 467 0227


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LX DESK MOUNT LCD MONITOR ARM

Durable polished aluminum construction! Tested to perform 10 times the expected life-cycle of other competitive brands at roughly half the price.Sleek and streamlined, the LX frees up space and allows positioning of your display for greater productivity. Reposition your LCD with just a touch. Up. Down. Forward. Back. The LX provides unparalleled range of motionSleek and streamlined, the LX frees up space and allows positioning of your display for greater productivity. Reposition your LCD with just a touch. Up. Down. Forward. Back.

THE FIRST AND ONLY GEN 5 INTEL PRO WIDI CERTIFIED WIRELESS DISPLAY RECEIVER AVAILABLE TODAY.

Specially designated for business environment, ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition enables users with compatible mobile devices to wirelessly display any content on the TV or projector within a few seconds. In seconds, you can share whatever is on your mobile device (presentations, documents, spreadsheets, videos, websites, apps, photos, etc.) with everyone else in the room. And ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition supports all the key manageability and security features that IT departments need.

V o l 1 0 0 - M a y 2 0 1 6


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DIRTY CONTACT DATABASE? NEED FRESH SALES LEADS?Business contact data is the lifeblood of the modern organisation. D4B can unleash the full potential of this valuable business asset by cleaning and enhancing existing contact databases, and acquiring fresh contacts for your sales and marketing campaigns.

Contact Peter Hidden

Tel: 083 680 9617

Tel: 086 000 7468 ext 2


Web: www.dosptyltd.biz

LEITZ ICON LABEL PRINTER

Award winning label printer for all your labelling requirements. Easy to use and mobile. Optional battery pack that will give you 12 hours standby mode or print up to 1200 labels before you need to charge. Finally a label machine that fits your professional image and your modern lifestyle. Multiple kinds of label cartridges available to fit every requirement.• Print from your PC, Mac, iPad or iPhone and Android• Connect via USB cable or Wi-Fi• Free App and supports Apple AirPrint

• Cuts automatically to size• Prints up to 200 labels per minute• Includes 88mm cartridge and power cable• 2 Year Guarantee & 1 Year Warranty

MY OFFICE PRODUCT SHOWCASE

To showcase your products here, call Wendy Dancer on 011 781 0088 for pricing and availability.

Tel: 021 555 7400 • Fax: 021 552 1870


Web: www.bostik.co.za

RAINBOW TWISTERS ARE 4 TIMES THE FUN!

NEW Bostik Rainbow Twisters are wax crayons but even better! Each Twister has a combination of four colours, making colouring in 4 times more fun. No need for sharpening, they are protected by a durable plastic barrel with a twist-up mechanism to prevent breakage and waste. 6 Rainbow Twisters in each pack!

www.facebook.com/BostikSouthAfrica

w w w . m y o f f i c e m a g a z i n e . c o . z a

AADDING MACHINE, POINT OF SALE AND MACHINE ROLLSPaperGeni

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

ADHESIVES, GLUES AND SPRAYSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd. - Correction Fluid,

Glue sticks & Super Glue

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave

Freedom Stationery - Marlin

ART, CRAFT, GRAPHIC AND DRAWING MATERIALSCTP Stationery - A4 coloured poster boards


Max Frank - Uni, Artline

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Oil pastels and

watercolour paint

BBAGS AND CASESD.O.S - iStay

Flip File - Business cases.

Freedom Stationery - Space Case and Marlin

Global Bag And Sportswear Manufactures -

Custom schoolbags ,tracksuits

Kolok - Kenton, Port

Topmark - School Bags, Laptop Bags, Pencil

Cases, Sports Bags, Luggage

BATTERIESKolok - Duracell

Nikki Distributors - Duracell Batteries

Nikki Distributors - Energizer Batteries

BIN RANGEKrost Office Products

BINDING ACCESSORIESAZ Trading - Plastic Comb, Wire, Thermal &

Covers

CTP Donau - Donau files and slide binders,

A4 poster board

Kolok - Geha binding combs and covers

Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding

Machines

Press Products - wire, combs, coil, covers

Rexel Office Products - Rexel and GBC

BINDING MACHINESAZ Trading - DSB, Neorel

D.O.S - Prima, DSB, Leitz

Kolok - Geha binding machines

Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding

Machines

Press Products - Bindquip

Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel

ranges

BOARDSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Velleda

School Whiteboards

CTP Stationery - Flip Chart Pads


Hortors Stationery - Legal Notices i.e. Basic

Conditions & OSH Act and Leave and Absence

Chart

Kolok - Geha interactive boards

Max Frank - Artline Flipchart Markers, Artline,

Maxi whiteboard markers


Parrot Products - Full range of boards and

accessories. Custom boards printed to your

specification

Rexel Office Products - NOBO whiteboards,

pinboards, easels and accessories. Quartet

magnetic white/cork boards

BOOK COVERSCTP Stationery - Poly Prop Donau heavy duty

covers

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper

Freedom Stationery

Gordon’s Productions - contact paper

woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic

cover back to school clear and coloured self

adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever arch).

Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and pre-cut

polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - brown paper

rolls, poly rolls, gift-wrap

RBE - Papersmart

BOOKS AND PADSBSC Stationery - Treeline

CTP Stationery - Impala and premier books

and pads

Freedom Stationery - Manufacturers

Hortors Stationery - Legal registers

Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers

Palm Stationery Manufacturers

Power Stationery - Powerstar

RBE - NCR Business Books

Rexel Office Products - Colourhide notebooks

BOXES AND CARTONSCTP Stationery - Archiving Systems

Rexel Office Products

Specialised Filing Systems - Archive and

Off-Site

Tidy Files - Acid free archiving products

CCALCULATORSKolok - HP

Nikki Distributors - Truly calculators



Rexel Office Products - IBICO

CALENDARSCTP Stationery - Diaries assorted sizes

CALLIGRAPHYMax Frank - Artline

CANTEENKolok - Tea, Coffee, milk etc, Sunbeam

(appliances)

CARBON PAPER AND FILMSRBE - NCR Business Books

CD’S, DVD’S AND DISKETTESKolok - Verbatim, Kenton

CLIP BOARDSCTP Stationery - DONAU brand

Parrot Products - Masonite and whiteboard

40

SOURCE PRODUCTS HERE

CombBind 100 WireBind W20 ThermaBind T400CombBind 110 CombBind C200MultiBind 230Comb & WireCombBind C210 CombBind C250 Pro www.rexelsa.co.za

Binding doesn’t getany simpler!

Working for you

CLIPS, FASTENERS AND PINSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Grip Binders - Essentials, Stephens, Penguin

Tidy Files - Filing solution

COLOURING BOOKSEmpire Toy & Stationery - Empire books



COMPUTER ACCESSORIESKolok - Verbatim, Kenton, Port

Krost Office Products

Pyrotec - Tower Inkjet-laser labels, business

cards and photo paper

COMPUTER CLEANINGKolok - ComputerCare, Multipro

Pyrotec - Tower computer cleaning range

COMPUTER CONSUMABLESCTP Stationery - Full range of DONAU files

KMP - for computer consumables

Kolok - Penguin (Ribbons, Toners, Inkjets), Till

and fax rolls

Redfern Print Services - Redfern inkjet/laser/

copier labels and a full range of stationery labels

COMPUTER HARDWAREKolok - Blazer UPS systems, Geha (Interactive

white boards)

CORPORATE STATIONERY & GIFTINGStar Stationers and Printers

CRAYONS AND CHALKSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Chalks and

Crayons


DDESK SETS AND ACCESSORIESBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Desk Set Solo

Delux



Rexel Office Products - Rexel Eco Range

DIARIES, PLANNERS AND ORGANISERSCTP Stationery - CTP Brand

Hortors Stationery - Legal diaries

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners,

refills and T-card kits, Quartet Monthly/

Weekly planner

South African Diaries - For all your diary

needs

DICTATION - TRANSCRIPTIONOlympus Audio S.A - Digital Voice Recorders,

Transcription Kits and Accessories.

Powerhouse Dictation for Philips - Dictation,

transcription, meeting recording, mini-tapes,

foot pedals, accessories

DRAUGHTING AND DRAWING OFFICE SUPPLIESCTP Stationery - A4 Poster Boards

EEMBOSSERS AND ENGRAVINGRubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Ideal

& Trodat Embossers (pocket, desk and

electronic), Trotec

ENVELOPES AND MAILINGBSC Stationery - Leo Envelopes

CTP Stationery - Commercial envelopes

Global Envelopes - CelloWrapped, peel+seal,

Self-Seal, FullGum and Printed

Grafton/Star

KZN Envelopes - Manufactures of Printed and

Plain Envelopes

Merpak Envelopes - Complete range of quality

envelopes

Narayan Wholesaler - Wholesaler of Quality

Envelopes, Peel and Seal

PaperGeni

RBE - Papersmart

ERASERS & ERASING / CORRECTION FLUIDSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Tippex tape,

bottle and Pen


Max Frank - Uni

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Tape/Erasers

Pentel S.A (PTY) LTD - Hi-Polymer and Ain

eraser, correction tape and pens


FFAX ROLL MANUFACTURERSRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

FILES AND FILINGAfrican Filing Systems - Top retrieval filing

and arching products

BSC Stationery - Treeline, Mobifile

CTP Stationery - Full range of quality DONAU

brand

Flip File - Executive display files, expanding

files, Document folders, dividers

Freedom Stationery - Edo / Unifile

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Lever arch,

Ringbinder files, Manilla flat folders

Grafton/Star

Kolok - Geha (Binding machines)

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - leaver arch,

ring binder files, manilla flat folders.

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Display book Vivid,

document file, clip file and presentation file

Rexel Office Products - Prima and Rexel

ranges

Specialised Filing Systems - Top Retrieval,

Archive and Off-Site

Tidy Files - Filing solutions

FILES MECHANISMSPress Products - Lever arch, Ring binders

FOLDERSCTP Stationery - DONAU Brand


Palm Stationery Manufacturers - View files,

polypropylene & board folders

Tidy Files - Specialised

FORMS - LEGAL AND MISCELLANEOUSHortors Stationery - complete range of custom,

company, miscellaneous, magisterial, etc.

FURNITURE - OFFICE & SCHOLASTICKrost Office Products - accessories

New Era Office cc - Specialising in all office

furniture desks, chairs, credenzas, boardroom

tables, etc

Reboni Furniture Group - Manufacturing and

distribution of educational and office furniture

Specialised Filing Systems - Cabinets,

Shelving and Hi-Density

41

b u y e r s ’ g u i d e S e e p a g e 4 6 f o r c o n t a c t d e t a i l s

CombBind 100 WireBind W20 ThermaBind T400CombBind 110 CombBind C200MultiBind 230Comb & WireCombBind C210 CombBind C250 Pro www.rexelsa.co.za

Binding doesn’t getany simpler!

Working for you

GGUILLOTINES AND TRIMMERSAZ Trading - DSB, Kobra

Beswick Office Products - Fellowes, Vivid

Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL

Shredders & Guillotines – SA Distributors

Press Products - BindQuip

Rexel Office Products - SmartCut and

ClassicCut

IINDEX TABBING AND DIVIDERSCTP Stationery - DONAU Brand board and P.P

Flip File - Index Tabs, Flip tabs


Grip Binders


Rexel Office Products - Rexel, Mylar and

Prima board

INKSKMP - for computer consumables.

Max Frank - Shachihata, Artline

Rexel Office Products - Numbering machine

ink

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat,

Noris fastdry, security, numbering, franking.

Laundry.

JJANITORIALKolok - Goldenmarc (Cleaning products),

Brooms, Mops and equipment.

LLABELSFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Nor Paper

Pyrotec - Tower stationery, inkjet-laser labels

Redfern Print Services - Redfern Inkjet/laser/

copier labels and a full range of stationery labels

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

Specialised Filing Systems - Filing


LABELLING MACHINESKemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of

Brother P-Touch Labelling System

LAMINATING MACHINESAZ Trading - DSB, Speedlam, Lamiace

D.O.S - Tofo, DSB, Leitz

Kolok - GEHA and Galaxy

Parrot Products - Parrot A4 and A3

Laminators

Press Products - GMP

Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges

LAMINATING POUCHES AND MATERIALSAZ Trading - A0 to ID card size

Kolok - GEHA, Penguin laminating pouches

and rolls

Parrot Products

Press Products - GMP

Rexel Office Products - GBC

LEGAL STATIONERYHortors Stationery - All legal registers, forms,

diaries etc

LETTER TRAYSKrost Office Products

MMAILING TUBES

CTP Stationery

MARKERSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Permanent

Markers, Highlighters, whiteboard


Interstat Agencies - Edding

Max Frank - Artline , Maxi, Uni

Parrot Products - White board, permanent

and OHP markers. Wide range of

highlighters

Penflex - White board, flipchart, permanent

markers, highlighters

Pentel (Pty) Ltd. - Maxiflo, white board

marker and paint marker


MATHEMATICAL GEOMETRY SETS & ACCESSORIESFreedom Stationery - Marlin



MINUTE AND GUARD BOOKSHortors Stationery - Company registers,

minute books and other legal registers

NNUMBERING MACHINESRexel Office Products

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Reiner

Dater/Numberer (manual/electronic), Trodat

OOFFICE ERGONOMICSRexel Office Products - Kensington

copyholders, risers, footrests, Rexel range of

electric staplers and punches which reduces

chances of RSI (repetitive strain injury)

OVERHEAD PROJECTION AND ACCESSORIESKolok - Penguin Transparencies

Max Frank - Artline

Parrot Products - Data Projectors, OHPs,

screens and rear projection film

42


Fusion 1000L Fusion 1100L Fusion 3000L Fusion 3100L Fusion 5000L Fusion 5100L

Excellence AcceleratedGet it right first time, in less time.

www.rexelsa.co.za

Working for you

Penflex - Penflex Overhead projector pens

Rexel Office Products - NOBO

PPACKAGINGMerpak Envelopes - Postsafe packaging range

PAPER AND BOARDCTP Stationery - DONAU A4 poster boards

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper

Freedom Stationery

Grafton/Star

Kolok - Geha (paper media), EPSON, HP,

CANON,

Nor Paper

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Cubes and

board

Paper World Handmade Paper, Embossed

Paper, Specialty Papers, Scented Paper Board,

Paper Products

Peters Papers - Rotatrim, Typek and Smart

Copy


RBE - Papersmart

Rexel Office Products - Prima Paper & Board

TRIBE - TRIBE Inkjet Paper and Film

PAPER FOLDING MACHINESMaynards Office Technology - IDEAL


PENCILSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Evolution

Graphite, BIC Matic Clutch ,Velocity Clutch,

Atlantis Clutch, BU4 Clutch

Freedom Stationery - Marlin / Edo

Max Frank - Uni


Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Hotshot, Mechanical

Pencil, Techniclick Pencil.


Rexel Office Products - Rexel HB & Derwent

Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Tradition, Wopex,

Technical, Clutch Pencils and lead

PENCIL LEADSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Criterium 0.5mm

leads


Max Frank - Uni

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Ain lead, standard lead

- various grades

PENCIL SHARPENERSFreedom Stationery



PENSBIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clic, Crystal,

Orange and Prismo

Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo

Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni


Penflex - Penflex ballpoints and rollerballs

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Superb Ballpoint,

Energel Pen


Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Ball point, Fineliner,

Gel and Pigment liner pens

PEN CARBON BOOKSFreedom Stationery - Marlin


RBE - NCR Business Books

PERSONAL STATIONERYCTP Stationery - Home office and personal

filing system, diaries

Grafton/Star

PLANNING BOARDS AND ACCESSORIESParrot Products - Range of year planners,

term planners, maps and in/out boards.

custom printed boards designed to

specification.

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners

POINT OF SALE PRINTER ROLLSPaperGeni

Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.

PRINTINGKolok - Epson, Lexmark (Hardware), HP

Printers, Oki (Hardware) Pantum, Samsung

Olivetti Imports - Distributors of

Multifunctional Printers / Copiers

Star Stationers and Printers

Unicopy & Stationers CC - for all your printing

& stationery requirements

PRINTER CONSUMABLESImpression Management - Prinart, Logic,

Q-Ink, Sanchi, Oliser and ATI

KMP - For computer consumables.

Ink Spot Suppliers - Suppliers of all brands of

inkjet and LaserJet cartridges

Kolok - Epson (inkjet, large format etc),

Lexmark, HP, Brother (Toners and Inks), Oki

(Toners, inks and Ribbons), Tally Genicom

(Ribbons), Seikosha (Ribbons), Panasonic

(Toners and Ribbons), Kyocera (Toners),

Printronix (Ribbons), IBM (Ribbons), Ricoh

(Toners), Fujitsu (Ribbons), Pantum (Toners)

Nor Paper

PaperGeni

Royce Imaging Industries - Remanufacturers

and suppliers of inkjet and laser cartridges

Technical Systems Engineering - Suppliers

of quality compatible cartridges and bulk

inks for Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP and

Samsung

PUNCHES AND PERFORATORSFreedom Stationery - Marlin


Parrot Products - Parrot range of punches


Rexel Office Products - Rexel

RRUBBER STAMPSMax Frank - Schachihata X Stampers

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co. - Trodat

RUBBER STAMP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENTRubber Stamp & Engraving Co - AZ Liquid

polymer, TROTEC laser engraver, flash

system

43


Fusion 1000L Fusion 1100L Fusion 3000L Fusion 3100L Fusion 5000L Fusion 5100L

Excellence AcceleratedGet it right first time, in less time.

www.rexelsa.co.za

Working for you

RULERSFreedom Stationery - Marlin



Penflex - PENFLEX rulers

SSCHOLASTIC SUPPLIESBSC Stationery Sales - Treeline

CTP Stationery

Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly

Flip File - Flip File display books A5, A4, A2, A3

Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo

Gordon’s Productions - contact paper

woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic

cover back to school clear and coloured

self adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever

arch). Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and

pre-cut polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products

Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers

Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni


Parrot Products - chalk boards/slates


Pyrotec - Tower Adhesive Book Cover 45cm

x 2m

SCISSORS AND CUTTERSFreedom Stationery - Marlin



Rexel Office Products

SCRAPBOOKINGRexel Office Products - Trimmers and

guillotines

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Making

memories, Clearsnap, Marvy, Ranger, Bazzill,

Carl

SHREDDERS AND ACCESSORIESAZ Trading - DSB, Kobra, Roto, Repairs to all

makes

D.O.S - Kobra

Kolok - GEHA entry level and high-end

shredders

Nikki Distributors - Nikki shredders

Parrot Products - Parrot range of value

shredders

Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

Maynards Office Technology - IDEAL


SLATESFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Parrot Products - Whiteboard and chalk

board

SPIKE FILESGrip Binders

STAMPS, STAMP PADS AND INKSKemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of

Brother Stampcreator PRO

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat,

pre-inked stamps, stamp and fingerprint

pads

STAPLING MACHINES AND STAPLESFreedom Stationery - Marlin

Interstat Agencies - Genmes


Parrot Products - Parrot range of staplers

Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

STATIONERY SUNDRIES - SCHOLASTICCTP Stationery - DONAU Scissors and cutting

knives

Freedom Stationery - Marlin, Edo and Unifile



STENCILSFreedom Stationery

STORAGE SYSTEMSCTP Stationery - Archiving Systems -

Suspension Files

Kolok - Verbatim (hard drives, USB sticks

etc), HP, Sandisk

Rexel Office Products - Storage boxes

Specialised Filing Systems - Filing


TTAPESFreedom Stationery


TELECOMMUNICATIONSNikki Distributors - Siemens office phones

TELEX ROLLS AND TELETEX PAPERRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

THERMAL ROLLSRotunda (Pty) Ltd.

TONERS AND CARTRIDGESKMP - Computer consumables

Kolok - Penguin (Inkjets and Laser toners),

Epson, Lexmark, HP, Canon, Pantum (toners),

OKI, Samsung

PaperGeni

TOP RETRIEVAL FILINGOptiplan a div of Waltons - Paper based top

retrieval filing systems

Specialised Filing Systems - Total Solution

and more

Tidy Files - Complete onsite and offsite filing

solutions

TOYS, HOBBIES AND GAMESFreedom Stationery

Pyrotec - Toby Tower Stickers and Activities

TRANSFER LETTERING AND SIGNSParrot Products - Vinyl lettering

TRANSPARENCIESKolok - Penguin transparencies for inkjet and

laser OEM, Penguin and HP Transparencies

Rexel Office Products - NOBO range

44


Auto+ 60X Auto+ 80X Auto+ 200X Auto+ 300X | 300M Auto+ 500X | 500M Auto+ 750X | 750MAuto+ 100X | 100M*Max saving when using an Auto+ 500X compared to

a traditional feed shredder in a similar price level.

Spend 98% less time shredding*

UPGRADE TO AUTOFEED

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

45


• The Buyers’ Guide is an affordable way to highlight your brands while simultaneously

introducing up-and-coming stockists to the trade.

• The Buyers’ Guide is a valuable sourcing tool to market your business and the brands

that you carry.

• To book space, contact Wendy on [email protected] or (011) 781 0088.

DID YOU KNOW?

Auto+ 60X Auto+ 80X Auto+ 200X Auto+ 300X | 300M Auto+ 500X | 500M Auto+ 750X | 750MAuto+ 100X | 100M*Max saving when using an Auto+ 500X compared to

a traditional feed shredder in a similar price level.

Spend 98% less time shredding*

UPGRADE TO AUTOFEED

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

African Filing Systems( 011 614 9445 www.africanfiling.co.za

7 086 540 6892 [email protected]

AZ Trading( 086 111 4407 www.aztradingcc.co.za


BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd( 011 474 0181 PO BOX 43144, Industria, 2042

7 011 474 6068 16 Maraisburg Road, Industria, 2042

BSC Stationery Sales( 011 086 2900 Box 278, Brakpan, 1540


CTP Stationery( 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042


D.O.S (Denton Office Solutions)( 086 000 7468 [email protected]

7 086 237 4614 www.dosptyltd.biz

Empire Toy & Stationery( 011 614 2243 Box 261524, Excom, 2023


Flip File( 021 638 3105 Box 2190, Clareinch, 7740


Freedom Stationery - Johannesburg( 011 314 0953/4 Box 6459, Halfway House, 1685


Freedom Stationery - Cape Town( 021 557 9152/3 36-38 Silverstone Rd Killarney Gardens


Freedom Stationery KZN (Head Office)( 032 459 2820 Box 478, Mandini, 4490


Freedom Stationery - East London( 043 731 2422 Box 14111 West Bank 5218


Global Bag And Sportswear Manufactures( 031 305 6507 P.O Box 18586, Dalbridge, 4014

7 031 301 6553 www.globalbags.co.za

Global Envelopes( 031 465 5544 [email protected]

7 031 465 5634 www.envelopes.co.za

Gordon’s Productions( 031 705 8713 Suite 69, PvtBag X4, Kloof, 3640


Grafton/Star Paper Products( 011 262 0777 Box 550, Bergvlei, 2012


Grip Binders( 011 421 1300 [email protected]

Hortors Stationery( 011 620 4800 Box 1020, Johannesburg, 2000


Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers( 036 634 1535 Box 389, Ladysmith, 3370


Ink Spot Suppliers( 011 854 3013


Interstat Agencies - Durban( 031 569 6550 Box 201707, Durban North, 4016


Interstat Agencies - Cape Town( 021 551 9555 Box 36696, Chempet, 7442


Interstat Agencies - Port Elizabeth( 041 453 2558 Box 27693, Greenacres, 6057


Kemtek Imaging Systems( 011 624 8000 Box 86173, City Deep, 2049


Kemtek Imaging Systems - Cape( 021 521 9600 Box 181, Cape Town, 8000


Kemtek Imaging Systems - KZN( 031 700 9363 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608


Kemtek Imaging Systems - PE( 041 582 5222 Box 15685, Westmead, 3608


Kemtek Imaging Systems - PTA( 012 804 1410 PO Box 816, Silverton, 0127


KMP( 021 709 0190 Box 183, Steenberg, 7947


Kolok - Head Office( 011 248 0300 Box 4151, Johannesburg, 2000


Kolok - Cape Town( 021 597 2700 Box 6385, Roggebaai, 8012


Kolok - Durban( 031 570 4900 Box 4206, Riverhorse Valley East, 4017


Kolok Polokwane( 015 298 8795 Box 862, Ladanna, 0704


Kolok - Port Elizabeth( 041 406 9900 Box 3163, North End, 6056


Kolok - Namibia( 00264 (61)370500 Box 40797, Ausspannplatz, Namibia

7 00264 (61)370525 [email protected]

Kolok - Nelspruit( 013 758 2233 Box 4338, White River, 1240


Kolok - Bloemfontein( 051 433 1876 PvtBag X01, Brandhof, Bloemfontein


Kolok - Botswana( 00267 393 2669 PvtBag B0226, Bontleng, Gaborone


Krost Office Products( 011 626 2067 Box 75401, Gardenview, 2047


KZN ENVELOPES( 031 465 3992 P O Box 41259, Rossburgh, 4072


Max Frank( 011 921 1811 Box 200, Isando, 1600


Maynards - Olympus Audio S.A / Olivetti Distributors( 0860 00 1922 [email protected]

www.maynards.co.za

Merpak Envelopes( 011 719 7700 [email protected]

7 011 885 3174 www.merpak.co.za

Narayan Wholesaler( 083 444 0959 [email protected]

7 011 869 7243

New Era Office cc( 011 334 2013 Box 10383, Lenasia, 1821


Nikki - Cape Town( 0860 006731 [email protected]

7 0800 204868 www.nikki.co.za

Nikki - Durban( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Nikki - Johannesburg( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Nikki - Pretoria( 0860 006731 [email protected]


Nor Paper( 011 011 3900


Optiplan a division of Waltons( 011 620 4000 Pencil Park, Croxley Close, Herriotdale


Palm Stationery( 031 507 7051 [email protected]

7 031 507 7053 www.palmstat.co.za

PaperGeni( 011 011 3900 [email protected]

7 011 011 4099 www.papergeni.co.za

Paper World( 012 250 1477/8 [email protected].

7 012 250 0322 www.paperworldsa.com

Parrot Products( 011 607 7600 [email protected]

7 011 615 2502 www.parrotproducts.biz

Penflex( 021 521 2400 Box 36964, Chempet, 7442

7 021 521 2402/3 [email protected]

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd( 011 474 1427/8 Box 202, Crown Mines, 2025

7 011 474 5563 www.pentel.co.za

Peters Papers( 011 677 9000 [email protected]

7 011 622 6646 www.peterspapers.co.za

Powerhouse Dictation( 011 887 1056 [email protected]

7 086 555 3833 www.speech.co.za

Power Stationery( 032 533 4003 Box 1305, Verulam, 4340


Press Products( 011 493 6332 [email protected]

7 011 499 1019 www.pressproducts.co.za

Pyrotec( 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948


RBE Stationery Manufacturers (Pty) Limited( 011 793 7321 [email protected]

7 011 793 7348 www.rbe.co.za

Reboni Furniture Group( 086 173 2664 www.reboni.co.za


Redfern Print Services - Cape Town( 021 552 9680 Box 403, Milnerton, 7435


Redfern Print Services - Durban( 031 205 9598 [email protected]

7 031 205 7092 www.redfern.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Johannesburg( 011 837 4119 Box 1445, Crown Mines, 2025


Rexel Office Products( 011 226 3300 www.rexelsa.co.za


Rotunda (Pty) Ltd.( 021 799 5770 15 Hillstar Avenue, Wetton, 7780


Royce Imaging Industries( 011 792 9530 www.royceimaging.co.za


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Head Office( 011 262 1400 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Cape Town( 021 448 7008 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Durban( 083 377 4109 Box 931, Wendywood, 2144


South African Diaries( 021 442 2340 Box 4862, Cape Town, 8000


Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd( 011 579 1600 www.staedtler.co.za


Specialised Filing Systems( 011 477 0640 www.specfiling.co.za

7 011 477 3528

Star Stationers and Printers( 031 569 1061 [email protected]

7 031 569 1094 www.starstat.co.za

Technical Systems Engineering( 011 708 2304 Box 1532, Northriding, 2162


Tidy Files( 011 943 4210 www.tidyfiles.co.za

Topmark( 011 837 8045 [email protected]

7 011 837 7442

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Cape Town( 021 787 9600 PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

7 021 787 9791

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Johannesburg( 011 611 1820 59 Lepus Rd, Crown Mines, 2025


Tower (Division of Pyrotec) Durban( 031 701 0192 Box 594, Pinetown, 3600


Tribe( 011 314 4746 (Jhb) Box 6280, Halfway House, 1685

7 021 386 4261 (Cpt) [email protected]

Unicopy & Stationers CC ( 031 201 8415 122 Che Guevara Road, Glenwood, 4001


Versafile( 011 226 5600 Box 43501, Industria, 2042


CONTACT DETAILS HERE

Win this!winnerThe winner of the TroCraft hamper in our April issue is Suzi Muller

Congratulations!


The real stuffNot marketing fluff

What’s the highlight of your working career?There are so many: taking over Penguin Ink & Colour in 1993; selling it to Waltons (then part of Pepkor); joining Kolok and Silveray; and then starting Colop SA in 2000

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?I wish we could put an end to all tender corruption, kickbacks and rebates. It is harming the businesses and people that have been loyal to the industry for so many years

What do you like best about the office products industry?The wonderful, mainly honest and sincere people that I have met in the industry over the last 30 years

What’s your greatest personal achievement?To help my four wonderful girls, grow up and study

Describe yourself in three wordsHonest, hardworking, soft

Where did you grow up?Bluewater Bay, Port Elizabeth

What was your first CD?I grew up with vinyl records and tapes – the first one was in 1973. It was a small 45rpm: The Peacemaker by Albert Hammond

What’s your favourite gadget?Night vision binoculars

What’s your favourite movie?One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

What’s your favourite meal?Sushi

Do you have a hobby?Yes - fishing

What music did you listen to in the car this morning?No Longer Slaves by Robbie Wessels and Corlea

Do you have any pets?Yes, a miniature pincher dog

What was your first car?My first car was a beach buggy

Cobus Jerling, owner at Colop Marking Solutions and Gencotech Laser Marking

t h e r e a l s t u f f


Send us your funniest caption for the photograph below and you stand a chance to win a Rexel Laminator GBC Fusion 1100 A4 valued at R2 000. Send your Punchline and contact details to [email protected] with Punchline in the subject line

WinThe Rexel Laminator is 33% faster than competitor machines, taking just 45 seconds to laminate a standard A4 pouch or 80 pouches per hour, with an additional cold setting for heat sensitive documents. Other features include:• Automatic switch off after 30 minutes of inactivity.• Exit tray keeps pouches straight as they come

through the heated rollers for a perfect, warp-free finish

• Incorporates SureFlow™ Technology that reduces jamming significantly for stress-free laminating and maximum productivity

• Laminates up to A4 size including ID cards, notices and certificates

• Modern, compact design is easy to move around and suits most office and home environments

• Single touch button interface: simple to use, no previous experience required

• Three heat settings • Accepts 2 x 75 micron (150 in total) pouches, 2 x

100 micron (200 in total) and 2 x 125 micron (250 in total).

Caption this!

WINME

WINNING CAPTION APRIL ISSUEWinning Caption: “Welcome to the Rat Pack!” – James Coetzee, Johannesburg

p u n c h l i n e

Working for you

www.rexelsa.co.za

For the BRIGHT at heart!

For theT

at heart!

Rexel PUNCHLine

Matching staplers available

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Vol 100 issue 05 2016

Documents

Transcript of Vol 100 issue 05 2016