Hot Minute Ep. 112 - AP Region Update ft. Ban-san

In this episode of Hot Minute, Bryan is joined by Muneki Ban of the Asia Pacific Sales Team to give an update about the AP Region:
・Drupa and HSF for the AP Region
・Notable Projects (ex: 3-Binder Smart Binding System with Hunkeler & Müller Martini)
・AP Region Trends

Make sure to check the "Chapters" tab above this description to easily navigate through podcast content and the "Transcript" tab for the transcript. In the case we don't have a transcript an AI-generated summary will be provided.

＊＊＊＊ What is Hot Minute? ＊＊＊＊
#1 Hot Minute Introduction
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1245734/10456703

Hot Minute is for any official Horizon distributor so please feel free to share it within your respective company circles (please refrain from sharing it on social media or to those who aren't a Horizon dealer).

＊＊＊＊ Past Episodes ＊＊＊＊
#111 -Dealer Data Reports
#110 - Creation Planning and Product Videos with Nakai-san
#109 - BQ-300 Webinar
#108 - Mark V Trends & Collaborations
#107 - AGV Logistics & Warehouse Control System
#106 - HSF 2024 Recap & Next on the Horizon
#105 - Technical Support Update with Oe-san
#104 - New Member: Haruto Kadomae
Public #7 - Horizon Smart Factory 2024
#103 -  All About Horizon Smart Factory 2024
#102 -  Member Spotlight: Asuka Natsuume & Takashi Mori
#101 -  Care Pack
#100 - Hot Minute Hits 100
#99 - Service Training Update ft. Yamada-san
#98 - Horizon Smart Factory 2024
Public #6 - Horizon Folder Automation ft. JD Mackie
#97 - Behind the Scenes: Drupa Booth Reception Team
#96 - Behind the Scenes: Drupa Presenters
#95 - Drupa Recap & Next on the Horizon!
Public #5 - Horizon at Drupa 2024
#94 - Overseas Technical Training w/ Asada-san

Transcript

Outline

Drupa and HSF Overview

• ・Brian introduces the podcast and welcomes Ban San from the Horizon Japan, Asia Pacific Sales Team.
• ・Ban San shares his excitement about being back on the podcast after a year.
• ・Ban San discusses his experience at Drupa, highlighting the presence of customers from various regions including India, Korea, and Europe, but noting a decrease in Chinese attendees.
• ・Ban San mentions the physical toll of Drupa, including muscle soreness and pain.

HSF Event Feedback

• ・Ban San talks about the HSF event, expressing surprise at the high number of attendees and positive customer feedback.
• ・He emphasizes the importance of the "lights out zone" at HSF, where customers could see real-life applications of smart factory technologies.
• ・Ban San notes the presence of many Chinese customers at HSF, some of whom missed Drupa due to visa or schedule issues.

Recent Projects in Southeast Asia - South Korea

• ・Ban San shares details about recent projects in Southeast Asia, including a smart binding system in Korea and a courier in Malaysia.
• ・He describes the configuration of the Korean system, which includes a screen IJ press and a BQ 500 with Tecnau.
• ・Ban San explains the main products of the Korean company, which are educational books for cram schools.
• ・Brian and Ban San discuss the integration of Horizon machines with existing equipment from other manufacturers.

Singapore Project and Smart Binding System

• ・Ban San talks about an interesting cooperation in Singapore involving a smart binding system with a Hunter fly folder and a Muller Martini Vareo Binder & InfiniTrim.
• ・He describes the configuration of the system, which includes a BQ 500 and a GF 500, and its use for case binding book blocks.
• ・Ban San mentions the use of a traffic control system and DC units to manage the direction of books.
• ・Brian and Ban San discuss the collaboration with competitors and the successful integration of different manufacturers' equipment.

Malaysia Project and Production Challenges

• ・Ban San shares details about a case bind press PREP System in Malaysia, which includes an ESF and a sheet feeder.
• ・He mentions the high production volume achieved by the Malaysian company, producing over 100,000 books in three weeks.
• ・Ban San describes the challenges the customer faces like hot and humid weather, and flooding inside the shop.
• ・He explains the measures taken to protect the equipment, such as additional walls and gates to block water.

Trends and Final Thoughts

• ・Ban San notes a trend in Malaysia and Singapore where jobs are being outsourced to other countries due to changing market conditions.
• ・Brian and Ban San discuss the impact of advanced logistics on the ability to outsource jobs to other countries.
• ・Ban San shares his final thoughts, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy, young, and cool.
• ・Brian thanks Ban San for joining the podcast and highlights the exciting projects in the AP region.