Sharp Offers Solutions to Cope with Chip Shortage

Sharp Offers Solutions to Cope with Chip Shortage

Sharp claimed that the chipsets used in the wireless interface for Sharp workgroup models were particularly hard-hit by the global chip shortage.

“We quickly realized that while wireless connectivity to printing is critical, most MFPs are hardwired into the network, and are still accessible to users via the corporate WIFI network. Direct wireless connectivity to the device is actually not often leveraged, though it can be a default inclusion for many buyers,” said the spokesman of Sharp.

To this end, Sharp engineering team implemented circuit redesigns for some products and roadmap changes for others to minimize the impact to Sharp dealers and customers.

New Advanced Series A3 models will be phased in with the wireless interface as optional. The new models, which have been redesigned to accommodate this change will include the letter S in the suffix and will begin shipping this month and throughout the first quarter. The S suffix will appear on the serial number plate, webpage, and packaging, but not on the front cover.  Our dealers that require direct-wireless connectivity for a customer can order a Wireless LAN Adapter at reduced dealer price of only $40.

New Advanced Series A4 models will be launched in March with a new standard wireless interface that supports WPA3 encryption, which is the latest generation of wireless security. Basically, Sharp moved up (earlier) implementation of this wireless capability in advance of future A4 machines it was planned for to make sure customer could still get access to A4 wireless direct connect, as these chips have a better global supply situation.

“While no company is fully immune to the changes in the global supply chain, Sharp has done what we can to aggressively pivot our engineering and manufacturing teams to stay ahead of the global chip shortage as best we can. We are proud that by our acting fast, these efforts will help both our dealers and end-users stay productive during these challenging times,” the spokesman added.

Previously, Canon decided it will stop using chips in certain of its printers.“To ensure our customers don’t miss a print, Canon … has started to manufacture chip-less toner cartridges. While there will be some inevitable, yet minor, changes to our customers’ experience, you will still be able to print as normal.”

Related:

• Canon Stops Using Chips in Printer Cartridges
• Sharp to Provide Contactless Secure Printing Solutions
• Sharp Launched New High-Speed MFPs

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