SHARP has unveiled a new generation of A3 colour multifunctional printers across Asia, aiming to meet the demands of hybrid workplaces with smarter, faster and more secure technology – and perhaps make office life just a little less painful when someone jams the paper tray.
Announced in Bangkok on June 9, the BP-71C, BP-61C and BP-51 series represent the latest push by SHARP ABS, the company's Asia Business Solutions Centre, to redefine how offices handle documents, communication and workflows in an increasingly digital age. In a region where flexible working is now the norm rather than a novelty, the company is betting that printers – yes, printers – still have a starring role.
SHARP, a Japanese electronics giant with more than a century of experience, said the launch builds on decades of expertise in office solutions. Its business today spans everything from smart home appliances to electronic devices and display technologies, but the humble office printer remains a cornerstone. The new lineup, the company insists, is anything but humble, combining artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity and enhanced security into a device most employees will still blame when deadlines loom.
Designed with hybrid work models in mind, the new machines promise seamless integration between office and remote environments. They connect people, ideas and documents through cloud platforms, allowing users to scan, print and share files from virtually anywhere. At least in theory, that means fewer frantic email chains and fewer cries of "who has the latest version?" echoing across the office.
The range is split into two main groups: the Advanced Series, which includes the BP-71C65, C55, C45 and BP-61C36, C31 models, and the Essential Series, comprising the BP-51C family. Print speeds range from 26 to 65 pages per minute, handling both colour and monochrome tasks with ease. The machines also support paper sizes up to SRA3, making them suitable for industries from education and healthcare to engineering, hospitality and finance. In short, whether you are printing school reports or glossy brochures, the devices aim to keep pace.
User experience has also been given a noticeable upgrade. The printers feature an intuitive interface, smart scanning functions and high-speed processing designed to reduce waiting times. The BP-71C series, in particular, boasts scanning speeds of up to 300 images per minute, placing it among the fastest in its class. For those accustomed to lingering by the printer while contemplating life choices, that may come as welcome news.
Security, a growing concern for businesses across Asia, has not been overlooked. The devices incorporate multiple layers of protection, including BIOS and firmware checks, optional antivirus integration, Microsoft Entra ID authentication and data encryption. Automatic firmware updates are also included, which should reassure IT teams and possibly deprive office staff of the classic excuse that "the system just isn't working today".
Environmental considerations also feature prominently. SHARP said the new printers are built using up to 50% recycled plastic and come with eco-friendly packaging. Standby power consumption has been reduced to just 0.3 watts, underscoring efforts to minimise energy use. It is, in the company's words, a step towards sustainability – though whether it will stop people printing emails unnecessarily remains to be seen.
"At SHARP, innovation is about empowering people and transforming the way work happens," said Jun Kasawaki, head of the Asia Business Solutions Centre. He added that the company's "Switch to Colour" theme reflects a broader ambition to create more connected and efficient workplaces, blending technology with human interaction.
The printers are now available through SHARP subsidiaries and authorised distributors in Thailand and across Asia. The launch also highlights Thailand's growing role in the company's regional strategy, with SHARP ABS established in Bangkok in February 2025 as a hub for product distribution, service support and logistics.
