Global imaging and IoT solutions leader, Lexmark has launched the Publishing Platform for Retail (PPR) in Australia and New Zealand, providing a central solution for updating printed signs and digital signage, as well as social media and loyalty schemes.

The software, designed to auto-create content for print and digital signage, is the first to be launched in the Australia and New Zealand market by an office equipment manufacturer.

“We are excited to bring PPR to Australia and New Zealand and offer retailers a platform that provides end-to-end signage solutions, including design, distribution, management and measurement,” Lexmark director of sales for retail signage solutions, David Jenkins said.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in rapid digital transformation throughout many industries, including retail, now is the perfect time for technology solutions such as PPR to enter the market. The proven success of PPR in the Americas and Europe demonstrates the enormous opportunity the platform could provide to Australian and New Zealand companies.”

The solution can be cloud based or locally hosted and provides on-demand delivery of sign and label printing which streamlines the content publishing process, while also allowing stores to cut costs and eliminate unnecessary waste.

Content can be locally tailored and rendered in real-time on a store-by-store basis. This localisation will see signage tasks automated from headquarters and allow individual stores to manage centrally distributed content and local exceptions, with In-Store Publisher from the back office or directly on the shop floor with the In-Aisle Publisher, which runs on any hand-held device.

Stores can make changes based on permissions and make local changes within a safe and templated landscape by simply scanning an item and choosing to print or publish a new sign.

Retailers can control all print and digital signs from one solution, including the ability to generate press-ready content for central print. Publishing digital signage, electronic shelf labels and digital displays through PPR means both print and digital signage is perfectly synchronised.

Businesses are provided with insight into sign volumes and usage can be compared to see how the signs are working and to check compliance for each store through backend reporting tools.