Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. has announced it has received a Buyers Lab (BLI) 2024-2025 Pacesetter Award in Education: Professional & IT Services from Keypoint Intelligence. Based on research conducted in North America, this accolade recognizes Konica Minolta as a leader in providing customers with IT solutions, services and support to drive success for its education-market customers.

"At Konica Minolta, our mission is to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that digitally transform educational institutions, enabling them to focus on what matters most: teaching students and delivering essential services," said Chris Bilello, vice president of business solutions development, Konica Minolta. "Our priority is to help schools maximize the return on their technology investments by providing the right resources when they need them and ensuring seamless system operations. This allows educators, administrators and students to experience top-tier service and efficiency. We are deeply honored that our efforts have been recognized by Keypoint Intelligence."

To determine the leading vendor for document imaging and smart solutions in the education vertical, analysts at Keypoint Intelligence conducted an in-depth study, drilling into more than 40 points of potential differentiation. Topics included market vision, demonstrated leadership for K-12 and higher education customers, relevant product portfolio (including hardware, solutions and services), proven ability to execute and more. At the conclusion of the analysis, Konica Minolta was deemed the winner of the BLI 2024-2025 Pacesetter Award in Education: Professional & IT Services. Key differentiators identified by Keypoint Intelligence included:

• The company's commitment to supporting educational institutions extends to various areas, with products and services delivered directly through its reseller partners and its IT services division. Its enablement of the "digital learning ecosystem" via tools for educators fosters critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. Through a partnership with Newline, the company enhances classroom interactivity with advanced software solutions and interactive displays, aiming to increase student engagement and transform traditional learning experiences.
• Konica Minolta's SchoolWatch Security Program, which leverages partnerships with School Gate Guardian for visitor management software and video surveillance security solutions and services for school security. With advanced features like background checks, emergency alerts and integrated access control, these solutions contribute to safer school environments.
• The company's intelligent information management (IIM) professional services and product portfolio offers document conversion, content management and content-access controls. These solutions help schools efficiently handle large backfile conversions and digital retention of student information while complying with document retention policies.

"Konica Minolta's deep focus on IT and professional services, paired with its understanding of the unique demands of educational institutions, truly sets it apart," said Jamie Bsales, principal analyst, Workplace Group, Keypoint Intelligence. "The company's real-world experience and commitment to enhancing the digital learning environment, along with its ability to implement tailored technology solutions, have empowered schools and universities to focus on what matters most: teaching and learning."