The Nationwide Association of Photocopier and Print Suppliers (NAPPS) is a new industry body for the document management sector. It’s been set up in response to what it describes as ‘industry concerns regarding the need for recognised standards covering the services provided throughout the reseller and dealer channels, which has been blighted by a lack of regulation and standardisation, leading to a degree of consumer misunderstanding and mistrust.’ It said it is committed to bringing positive ethical change to the sector.
Adobe, BAPC and Xerox (UK) are among the first to sign up as official partners.
NAPPS will evaluate and accredit its members’ operating standards through a code of practice. ‘Our aim is to create a community of suppliers who consumers can believe in and have total peace of mind when working with them, and the support we have had so far has been overwhelming,’ said Aaron Warham, NAPPS director.
‘NAPPS is all about promoting the positive aspects of the industry, he said, ‘and by becoming members of the association and signing up to the NAPPS Code of Practice converged resellers, VARs and multi functional device dealers will be assured the support of a like-minded industry body, as well as increased customer support by being NAPPS accredited.
Akhilesh Ghushe, senior product manager, Print and Scan Business at Adobe, said: ‘Adobe and NAPPS share similar values in that both organisations are committed to driving industry standards and promoting best practices. Our collaboration with NAPPS will enable us to fulfill these responsibilities throughout UK’s Managed Print Services (MPS) and Document Management Industries.’
Sidney Bobb, chairman of the BAPC, said: ‘From what I can see, everyone will benefit from NAPPS. The manufacturers can be confident that their products are being sold through certified channels, the resellers can demonstrate their commitment to delivering high quality service to its customers through gaining NAPPS certification, while the customer can be rest assured that they are getting honourable products and services from people with integrity.’
NAPPS said its community will provide a ‘pro-business’ environment, where members, partners and affiliates are encouraged to openly discuss best practice, but never at the expense of the consumer. ‘The NAPPS community is committed to placing the customer at the centre of all operations,’ it stated. ‘Every Member of NAPPS has undergone a rigorous UKAS certified application process. Applicants must successfully pass this process and agree to the Code of Practice before they can become a member.’
Contact: www.napps.org.uk
