Smart Picture Creation Software

At work, at home and on the road

The Noritsu High Photo Transfer ("HPT") terminal software has been used successfully by photo retailers and customers since 2008. It has been subjected to careful, continuous further development in close collaboration with international partners and modified in response to user requirements. Noritsu is now launching a fundamentally new order processing software.

The new kiosk software also comprises two parts. One version serves for internal order handling by retailers. Consumers use another version on the retailer's terminal and/or for online print orders from home. What is referred to as the "Photo & Book" in the HPT terminal and online software is now called "Smart Picture Creation". And "Lab2", that self-processors use for order processing, has become "Smart Picture System" in the new programme. Mac users can also use the new software to send their online orders to retailers. Noritsu has also released an app with the new operating software that customers can use to send mobile online print orders to retailers from smart phones or tablets. The application for Windows, Mac OS and Android operating systems is configured so that mobile orders of the customer only reach the retailer selected by the customer. As with HPT, the user interface at the kiosk, on the home PC and – modified for display on smart phones and tablets – will be almost identical. Customers have already appreciated the advantage of familiar ordering processes for many years with HPT.

The appearance of the new software varies considerably from that of HPT that retailers and consumers are used to. The kiosk version is, however, basically very like HPT. The workflow is also similar. As the scope of functions of the new software is greater than that of HPT and is also continuously extended, the user interface has been modified accordingly. The new software has a new layout which is customary on smart phones and computer-based self-service processes today. One feature that stands out, for example, is the separate, extendible function menu. In addition to the familiar HPT functions, it also features an ordering option for lay-flat photo books. The programme default features also include sales-promoting interlinking of image products of which consumers are informed during the ordering process. Retailers are able to modify or switch this option off. New features not contained in HPT are the information and progress bars provided for customer orientation. It is easy to omit steps or return to the previous step. In keeping with international standards, the new software is more convenient and user-friendly than the previous software for both consumers and self-processors. It is naturally available with multiple language options.

The new software is also downward compatible and can communicate and function with all current and a number of older Noritsu systems – the processing devices as well as the HPT Terminal – through the EZ controller. Networking with all Noritsu digital printers is possible, and optional accessories are available to this purpose. The new software can also be used on existing systems. Although the new software is the successor of the previous version, HPT users have no reason to worry, as HPT will continue to run alongside the new version and will be maintained, but no longer developed further or extended by new functions. Self-processors can therefore test the new software on one of their HPT terminals and on the other HPT terminal carry on working with the previous HPT software. If they wish, the new software can be subsequently installed on the other terminals. Newly-installed terminals will be supplied with the new software.