Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has announced a new line of workgroup document systems designed to meet today's dynamic workstyles. Eighteen new high-performing color and monochrome models, ranging in speeds from 26 to 65 pages per minute (ppm), are being introduced as the next generation of Sharp's latest Advanced and Essentials Series.

The new Advanced and Essentials Series models are built on a powerful, robust controller platform designed to meet evolving business needs and create a more connected office. A powerful chipset delivers intelligent self-healing features that help ensure maximum performance and uptime. Sharp has also raised the bar on security, incorporating enhanced BIOS Integrity Check with backup recovery and a new end-of-lease data erase method that is compliant with NIST SP800-88 standards.

Productivity is further enhanced with a reengineered paper feed section that can handle a stack of COM10 envelopes directly through the standard paper tray. Users will also benefit from AI-assisted scanning at up to 300 images per minute (ipm) on Advanced Series models, Dark Streak Detection with Auto Cleaning Fuser Mode for consistent image quality and seamless Microsoft integration with native Entra ID authentication and support for the Microsoft modern print platform. Windows Protected Print mode is supported along with the Sharp Print Support App, allowing for mobile-ready use, while Synappx Manage cloud-based device management delivers enhanced serviceability to transform workplace productivity.

The new systems feature optional Bitdefender antivirus, helping organizations strengthen endpoint security and protect against hackers and malicious intruders. They also are anticipated to meet the latest Common Criteria requirements for HCD cPP v1.0e when equipped with the optional data security kit. To further support corporate sustainability goals, the Advanced and Essentials Series MFPs are ENERGY STAR 3.2 qualified and RoHS compliant, offering low TEC (typical energy consumption) values and standby power consumption ratings in their category. In addition, these models are designed with 50% recycled plastic, reinforcing Sharp's strong commitment to sustainability and to try to help provide more environmentally conscious solutions to customers.

"With the launch of these 18 new Advanced and Essentials Series models, Sharp is delivering powerful and secure document systems designed for today's evolving and connected workplaces," said Dino Pagliarello, vice president of product management and production print, SIICA. "From AI-assisted scanning and advanced security features to seamless Microsoft integration, these MFPs empower organizations to maximize productivity and confidently support their long-term business goals."

New color models are available for ordering beginning October 2025, while new monochrome models will follow the week of Oct. 27, 2025. Models can be purchased directly through Sharp or through an authorized dealership.

In other news, SIICA has unveiled an enhanced Synappx Manage application as part of its strategy to simplify print management and service. Announced at Sharp NEXT 2025, this breakthrough solution is designed to transform service operations with intelligent tools that improve efficiency, reduce costs and elevate customer support.

Designed for today's service teams, Synappx Manage integrates AI-powered insights with advanced remote service capabilities to streamline workflows and accelerate support. Its AI-guided troubleshooting delivers real-time diagnostics, while predictive analytics can anticipate parts replacement before failures occur. The platform empowers teams to manage more devices in less time, boosting responsiveness and operational efficiency. Remote system connectivity minimizes technician travel, reducing costly on-site visits and improving help-desk resolution rates. This launch represents a major milestone in Sharp's commitment to delivering intelligent, integrated solutions that elevate the service experience.

"The enhanced Synappx Manage is more than just an upgrade — it's a smarter way to work," Jannelli said. "By integrating assistive AI and remote support capabilities, we're helping service providers deliver a higher level of service with greater speed and precision. For end customers, this means quicker issue resolution, fewer service disruptions and a more seamless experience with Sharp technology."

Results from Sharp reseller and service delivery partners using the tool have been impressive. 

"Synappx Manage has been a game changer for Rite Technology," said Miles Fox, director of technology experiences, Rite Technology. "The ability to remotely monitor and access our Sharp devices from the cloud has significantly improved our service response times. The seamless integration with our ERP, DCA and ConnectWise PSA allows us to proactively address issues often before the client even notices by automatically generating service tickets."

Key enhancements to the Synappx Manage application include:

• AI Insights: Users can now ask real-world questions and receive contextualized answers for common service and setup issues, streamlining support and troubleshooting.
• Advanced Maintenance Tools: Predictive parts replacement with end-date forecasting, detailed error history and simplified firmware updates help reduce downtime and improve operational planning.
• Extensible platform integration: The solution now integrates seamlessly with leading industry platforms such as ConnectWise PSA, EKM Insight, MPS Monitor and others, enabling smarter service tracking and ERP connectivity.
• New Embedded Agent Deployment Option: The new BP Series A3 MFPs now include an embedded agent that can connect to 10 external devices — including legacy Sharp and third-party printers and Sharp displays. This embedded agent option complements the existing PC agent for larger deployments and direct connect methods, providing flexible deployment options.

Synappx Manage delivers service intelligence that puts control, efficiency and peace of mind directly into the hands of service professionals.

In other news, SIICA successfully concluded its partner event, NEXT 2025, held Oct. 7-9 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida.

The three-day event united Sharp leadership with a vibrant network of imaging dealers from across Sharp's entire channel to explore what's NEXT in the industry — focusing on innovation, collaboration and strategies for a future-ready business.

Despite significant announcements of new technology in Sharp's core print market, Sharp's NEXT 2025 showcased a diversified vision for dealer success, and the realization that such a direction is required to be truly successful in the future. Sharp emphasized the importance of expanding beyond traditional print offerings to include profitable, higher-growth technologies that meet modern customer demands and directions.

SIICA Senior Vice President of Channel Sales John Sheehan kicked off the event with a robust general session, welcoming dealers and explaining the program, while SIICA President and CEO Mike Marusic provided a high-level overview of how Sharp will work with dealers to innovate on products, people and processes to insure that their businesses continue to prosper in an ever-changing environment.

Sharp Corporation's focus on its critical B2B growth engine was made even clearer by participation from Japanese executives Tetsuji (Ted) Kawamura, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Business Development Officer and Shigeru (Shige) Kobayashi, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Head of Smart Workplace Business Group, who emphasized Sharp's continued growth and transformation strategies.

A key part of Sharp NEXT was enabling dealers to share best practices. Dealer-led panels highlighted the need for change, lean process improvements and HR strategies like matching personality types to roles — showing how collaboration and innovation are driving efficiency and modernizing outdated procedures across the Sharp Dealer Council's network.

Recognizing that extraordinary growth demands fresh thinking, Sharp invited keynote speaker Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation and creativity at Disney, to lead transformative exercises that challenged attendees to reimagine possibilities. Wardle's dynamic session encouraged partners to adopt a creative mindset, unlocking new approaches to business growth and problem-solving. The experience left participants energized and equipped to explore emerging opportunities with renewed perspective.

New Technology Innovation

Sharp announced multiple new technology innovations in both hardware and software during the show. A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of 18 new high-performance color and monochrome MFPs ranging from 26 to 65 ppm. These next-generation models — part of Sharp's Advanced and Essentials Series — are built on a powerful controller platform and offer enhanced security and AI-driven features to support evolving workplace needs and maximize uptime.

Sharp also released major updates to Synappx Manage, its platform for simplifying print fleet management. This release combines AI-powered insights with advanced remote service capabilities to simplify workflows and deliver faster, more responsive support for Sharp B2B products. Superior experiences emerge when software and hardware are designed as one from the ground up.

Innovative Dealer Support

Not only did dealers leave the show energized for the opportunities in front of them, but with a number of new Sharp-announced programs and support tools to aid them in their growth. In particular, investments in training stood out, with Sharp sponsored in-person training programs such as "Lean Leadership for Office Technology" and a rigorous "Sales Management Training."

New promotions to help dealers scale their marketing efforts with the Sharp Marketing Center, drive sales rep technology readiness with a National Demo Content and even a special trip promotion for top-performing dealers kept energy high and everyone excited and engaged for what comes NEXT.

"NEXT 2025 has been an excellent platform for connecting with our dealers, listening to their needs and gaining direct insight into what drives their success," Marusic said. "These conversations help us shape our strategies and solutions to better support their growth. The energy and engagement at NEXT 2025 reaffirmed the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and long-term business success."