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 Ren Bester, Specialist: Technical Support. Read on as we track his career journey and discover what makes him tick.
Ren began his career in the trenches of retail IT, where he spent eight years honing his technical skills. It was a demanding environment, but a chance to join Altron in 2011 offered an opportunity to work in a more structured environment, where he wasn’t just a ‘cog in the machine.’
Working with office equipment in a corporate setting provided a welcome change of pace, as well as a strong sense of camaraderie, being a part of something bigger and collaborating with a supportive team.
After a year in the office equipment fold, the intricate machinery and energy of the production print team piqued Ren’s curiosity. Their work seemed to involve a thrilling mix of technical expertise and hands-on problem-solving; a stark contrast to the more routine nature of office equipment maintenance.
Leveraging his existing technical background and craving a more stimulating role, he expressed an interest in joining their ranks – and it was this desire for new challenges that kickstarted a whole new chapter in his career.
For Ren, the world of production print is an interplay of challenges and rewards. Every project comes with a looming deadline and the pressure to meet the client’s exacting expectations. Colour accuracy, for example, is a constant crusade. A single shade off can ruin an entire project, demanding meticulous attention to detail and precise calibration of the printing equipment. However, he finds something incredibly satisfying about meticulously tweaking settings and seeing a perfect print emerge from a machine.
Unlike his days in retail IT, where interaction was often limited to frustrated customers, Ren finds immense satisfaction in building strong relationships with his clients. Every project involves a conversation, a chance to delve into the specifics and propose solutions tailored to their unique requirements. The urgency clients face when their printing operations are down is also a powerful motivator: ‘Seeing their frustration melt away as we identify the issue and get them back up and running quickly is incredibly rewarding.’
As for the myth of an ‘expiring’ future for the print industry, Ren maintains that while digital communication has undoubtedly grown in prominence, it hasn’t – and won’t – render print obsolete. The industry is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies like fluorescent colour printing and short-run solutions that cater to the increasingly on-demand needs of the market. Ren uses the comparison that print doesn’t need batteries, ‘Digital devices always need some kind of life support to keep them going, whereas print is simply print. You’ll never have to charge a piece of paper.’
The landscape of production print is certainly shifting, and Ren sees this as a positive sign, ‘It reflects the industry’s adaptability; constantly changing and innovating to remain relevant in a dynamic market.’
Working in production print offers a fulfilling career path, said Ren – one that is both challenging and rewarding. ‘It’s a chance to be part of a team, tackle problems head-on and contribute to the creation of high-quality print products that clients can rely on.’
What does Ren do to decompress? ‘I’m just a Regular Joe,’ he says, adding that he’s 24/7 boots on the ground when it comes to his work, even if it means attending after-hours calls. When he is at home, one of his interests is tabletop war games, having earned his stripes as a long-time member of the war-gaming community. ‘It keeps you young, while also giving you a strategic mindset.’
While the world of print may seem far removed from fantastical war games, for Ren, the parallels are clear. Both require astute thinking, a keen eye for detail and the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations. And when the final, high-quality product emerges from the printer – a crisp brochure, a vibrant poster – it’s a victory worth celebrating.
ALTRON DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS
+27 11 928 9111
hotline.marketing@bdsol.co.za
www.altron.com
https://www.bdsol.co.za
