By Ron Chen, Correspondent ASEAN Region

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) hosted its fourth annual Service Conference virtually on March 18th, 2021 bringing together Canon partners and distributors from more than 30 African countries and senior Canon experts on service, sales and marketing.

The annual Service Conference is an opportunity for Canon’s Service partners to get up-to-date on the Business and Service direction of CCNA. The theme ‘Building Resilient Service’ focused on how partners can strengthen their customer Service and offerings  and be ready to face any challenging situations like the current situation.

“We are committed to helping our partners provide resilient, innovative services so that they flourish, even in these ever-changing and challenging times,” said Managing Director, Canon CAN, Somesh Adukia. “People have higher and different expectations than before. We provide the skills, tools and superior imaging products so that our partners can surpass their customers’ needs and expectations,”

Canon has continued to expand its support in the rapidly evolving African market.

In line with our Closer to Customer approach, an enhanced Canon service team has been appointed in Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and Egypt to be more closer to our partners and Customers.  Besides managing the major countries the in country service team will also be responsible for the neighbouring countries too. Canon Contact Centre is established in Nigeria with further implementation plans in Egypt, Morocco and Kenya. “In keeping with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good – we are working even more closely with our partners. We encourage collaboration and open communication,” said Adukia. “We listen and share our insights to enable our partners across the continent to build even better businesses.”

Canon has continued to improve its Remote Service capabilities. Partners are encouraged and trained to operate and implement Services such as e-Service and e-Maintenance so as to offer Pro-Active service to the customers.

The Service Conference unpacked new learning opportunities for partners with better understanding of using the Canon Development Hub and launching the Professional Print certification programme.

The Canon Extended warranty programme and the Service theme of Peace of Mind for the Customers was emphasised.

Awards for outstanding work

Outstanding work was celebrated. Algerian imaging-solutions company Sabi Systems (https://sabisystems.com) received the President Award as Canon Best Service Partner 2020. “Sabi Systems have continuously improved their services and demonstrated great resilience with their remote service offering in response to the pandemic. They also significantly grew their genuine Canon spares division and has invested on state-of-the-art photo and video repair facility,” said Service Manager, Canon CAN, Anil Nambiar. “We applaud the Sabi team on this win and look forward to a long, rewarding relationship.”

Special recognition awards went to

Ensure Services – Kenya, an independent Service provider,

Gabon Meca – Gabon

Delta Trading Co – Egypt from Egypt, a service company that became a Canon partner just over a year ago.

In closing, Adukia pledged Canon’s commitment to their partners’ success in the year ahead. “Through technology, innovation and service excellence together we will drive excellence, growth and prosperity.”

Speakers  at the conference included:

• Managing Director, Canon CAN, Somesh Adukia
• Service & Support Director, Canon Europe, Micheal Clothier
• Director of Sales & Marketing, Canon EMEA, Amine Djouhara
• Sales & Marketing Director, Canon CAN, Benjamin Gossage

• Service Manager, Canon CAN, Anil Nambiar