In the ever-evolving world of print and document tech, Altron Document Solutions stands proud as a leading force, shaping the future of printing across Africa. This is a sponsored article.
At the heart of this success lies a team of dedicated individuals, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to the table.
Among these key members is Marco Engelbrecht, Specialist: Product Management. Here we track his career metamorphosis and discover what drives his unwavering passion for the industry.
Marco’s career in the printing industry began in 1997, as a Field Service Engineer in Potchefstroom. This (then) remote location, with limited support, fostered a resourceful approach in the young engineer. Calls often required travelling long distances, sometimes on foot where roads were scant, to fix machines. Despite the challenges, this period also instilled a strong sense of adaptability in Marco – a quality that would serve him well throughout his career.
What followed was an unmissable opportunity to work in Johannesburg – drawn by the allure of the burgeoning colour printing sector at the time, where analogue equipment was rapidly transitioning to digital and products were becoming increasingly more sophisticated.
Marco quickly progressed from being a junior service engineer to a senior one, eventually becoming National Technical Specialist. This role allowed him to travel across Africa, supporting partners and customers from diverse cultures and business backgrounds. The experience was enriching, exposing him to a wide range of printing practices and industry applications.
The next step in Marco’s career path was a challenging but rewarding transition to Technical Product Manager. In this role, he shouldered the responsibility for ensuring the profitability, successful launch and ongoing support of the very products he once serviced. His responsibilities included pricing, launch coordination with marketing, as well as conducting workshops for engineers and partners.
Today, Marco serves as the Marketing Product Manager for production equipment at Altron Document Solutions. This demanding role encompasses a vast portfolio, but it is also incredibly fulfilling, as Marco thrives on the launch process, the intricate details of the products and collaborating with the sales team to understand customer needs and effectively showcase product capabilities.
‘My day-to-day activities are a blend of sales support, pricing, product configuration and project management. I support sales efforts, determine equipment pricing, configure product builds to meet customer specifications and manage ordering and tendering processes,’ he said.
It helps that the team at Altron Document Solutions fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Many team members are industry veterans; their longevity a testament to the potential for fulfilling careers in print. While some outsiders may perceive the industry as lacking innovation, Marco believes it offers a ‘unique blend of both human connection and cutting-edge technology’.
He also maintains that the industry should not be underestimated, nor the future of print dismissed, arguing that paper remains a powerful tool for creative expression and everyday application, as people continue to appreciate its tactility.
Looking ahead, automation, robotics and AI are poised to play a major role in the future of printing. Marco believes that these advancements will streamline processes, with AI potentially handling tasks like file correction and reducing manual intervention. He also strongly believes that AI’s role will serve to augment human capabilities, empowering print professionals to be more productive and deliver exceptional results.
Technology aside, Marco maintains that the key to success in this industry lies in active listening and empathy, ‘Our customers are experienced and understanding their pain points is crucial. Building strong relationships through open communication is essential for navigating print’s constant evolution.’
When Marco isn’t at work – or applying himself to educational pursuits, such as the marketing programme he embarked on earlier this year – he finds solace in the outdoors. Cross-border camping offers a complete disconnect from technology, allowing him to appreciate the natural world; a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced world of technology which, admittedly, continues to fascinate him.
Marco’s career journey exemplifies dedication, a thirst for knowledge and a passion for print that extends beyond technology. ‘The printing industry offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation and human connection – I’m proud to be a part of its promising future.’ See Marco’s LinkedIn profile.
ALTRON DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS
+27 11 928 9111
hotline.marketing@bdsol.co.za
www.altron.com
https://www.bdsol.co.za
