There
were 25 people in attendance on this, the last afternoon of the
convention and the impressive Photo Imaging World Trade Exhibition.
There were over 30 apologies as well and the group's membership
database now stands at well over 120 pharmacists, most of whom already
have Minilabs, either in their pharmacies or intend doing so shortly
or alternatively purchasing Digital Photo Kiosks.
The whole
theme of the PMA Convention was dominated by talk and presentations
on the future of Digital Imaging - and to a lesser extent, what's
happening to D&P as we know it?
The Chairman
of the group James Delahunty of Brisbane (who owns five pharmacies
in the Brisbane Area - three of them with minilabs and, was also
a pioneer of minilabs in Australia) welcomed the audience to the
meeting where the agenda was based on digital kiosks with presentations
from the major suppliers Agfa, Kodak, Konica, Fuji and Whitetech.
He also stressed that Cameraphones are becoming the largest single
new product ever seen and that they too would need to have prints
made in the future.
The meeting
Chairperson Terry Herfort owns two pharmacies in the Sydney area,
one of which has a kiosk. He has however had extensive experience
in the minilab area having only recently sold a large photographic
pharmacy.
Herfort stated
that the meeting would deal with the state of processing in pharmacy
and how it is, and will be affected by the "digital revolution.
In the past year there have been significant changes in the photo
industry giving as examples the Konica Minolta merger… Noritsu
and Kodak having separate stands at the exhibition… Hanimex
being bought out by Fujifilm and, a company such as Whitech selling
kiosks in competition with the regular manufacturers.
He felt strongly that the biggest revolution for pharmacy is the
appearance and proliferation of the DIGITAL PHOTO KIOSK
"He stated
that if ever there has been a an opportunity for pharmacy, this
is it!"
Points made
were that they are inexpensive ($25,000 as against $250,000 for
a digital minilab)…. There is no plumbing, no chemistry….
They have a very small footprint and as such can be moved around
the shop (usually on wheels) and finally that the paper itself
is not light sensitive.
During the
meeting the presenters made various points as follows - it is
hoped to bring synopses of their presentations to readers and
update the situation over the next few months.
Current statistics
show that printing from digital cameras occurs in three areas:
1. Home printing,
which after an initial surge has begun to level off and is likely
to remain a popular pastime and hence an opportunity for retailers
to supply home printers, paper and inks.
2. Printing in digital minilabs, which is the definite growing
segment. All printing is on photographic paper, still regarded
as the top material with the longest life.
3. Digital kiosks where consumers are beginning to go in huge
numbers and is obviously the growth area with the consumer able
to stand at the kiosk and make his or her own selection and in
many cases print them on the spot - these usually use inkjet or
thermal processes. Claims are now being made by the paper manufacturers
that the longevity of these prints are coming close to tat of
photographic paper.
Presentations
at the meeting were made by
Michael Mashman (National Products Manager - Konica-Minolta Photo
Imaging).
Peter Kolomyjec (National Accounts Manager - Pharmacy- Fujifilm)
David Santer (Sales Manager, National Accounts - Kodak))
Michael Theodos (Marketing Manager- Whitech)
Tracy Lints (Sales Manager Oceania, Consumer Imaging - AGFA)
Finally Alex
Mitchell (Marketing Manager Intellipharm) spoke about the development
of IT service and development software solutions for pharmacy.
There was
some interesting discussion and questions asked - it was also
suggested that future meetings would take place in the early mornings
at conferences and that groups in various areas may whish to hold
their own discussion groups
Membership
to the PMA Pharmacy Group is available to non-member readers of
i2P E-Magazine at a special convention trial offer of only $50
(Normally at least $165).
This will extend to September 2005 and will include receipt of
PMA's Australian Newsline, Photo Marketing Magazine and newsletters
such as "Minilab Focus."
The PMA website
is filled with information and it's "Daily Newsline"
is probably the most informative Newsletter in the worldwide photo
industry. Check the link below and take a visit:
http://www.pmai.org/international/australia/Australia.htm
For details
either contact PMA Australian Office at pmaaustralia@pmai.org
or Les Brener at lesbrener@ozemail.com.au
James Delahunty and Terry Herfort have indicated that they too
would be happy to assist.
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