For the second article in our bizhub 20th anniversary series, we’re diving into one of the most essential elements of these multifunctional devices, the control panel. Over the years, it has transformed dramatically, blending advanced functionality with the simplicity users love. Join us as we explore how intuitive design and smart innovation have shaped the bizhub experience.
The original control panel design was the result of collaboration between our U.S. and Japanese engineering and design teams. Over the years, it has evolved into a sleek, intuitive interface that feels as familiar as a smartphone or tablet, complete with a responsive touchscreen and simple, gesture-based navigation.
Konica Minolta has always aligned control panel innovation with market needs, incorporating feedback from Keypoint Intelligence (formerly Buyers Laboratory), our dealers and customers. Flexibility remains a top priority, allowing users to customize the interface for faster, more efficient workflows, whether in a home office, a secure legal or healthcare setting, or as the central hub of a busy corporate department.
Depending on the model, bizhub panels feature either a 7-inch display (A4) or a 10.1-inch screen (A3). Designed to mimic a smartphone, it offers intuitive gestures like drag, drop and swipe, making tasks such as copy, print, scan and fax effortless. Users can customize the layout so frequently used functions appear on the main screen for quick access and the interface mirrors what they see when accessing bizhub from a networked computer.
Many customers operate mixed fleets of bizhub devices, often spanning multiple generations. To make transitions seamless, even as technology advanced with the i-Series, we offered both Basic and Classic control panels – giving users the option to stick with what they know. Familiarity matters, and this flexibility helped avoid training issues and keep productivity high.
Today, firmware updates make navigation even easier. Instead of toggling between full screen layouts, users can access “Classic” functions – Copy, Scan, Fax – through dedicated tiles (or widgets) right on the Basic screen. This approach speeds up workflows while maintaining familiarity.
The Basic screen makes every task simple and intuitive with a clean, card-style layout that consolidates settings into one view, reducing clicks and keystrokes. Users can scroll through options, set defaults for frequent tasks, and follow step-by-step guides for specialized jobs like creating booklets or scanning IDs. With built-in accessibility features like a tilting panel, the bizhub interface is designed for effortless customization and an inclusive, user-friendly experience.
Ultra-responsive TouchscreenOur control panels feature durable, scratch-resistant glass with exceptional clarity and brightness. Unlike resistive touchscreens that rely on multiple layers and require pressure to register input, our touchscreens are highly responsive for a smooth, effortless user experience.
Early bizhub models used electrostatic technology, now known as capacitive touch, which detects input through the conductive properties of the human body. When a finger or stylus approaches the screen, sensors measure changes in capacitance to pinpoint the touch. As the technology advanced, capacitive panels introduced multi-touch gestures like swipe and pinch-to-zoom, just like today’s smartphones, creating the highly responsive experience bizhub users enjoy today.
In networked offices with multiple users, the ability to choose, configure and customize apps is a key advantage of bizhub devices, whether at the device or remotely from a computer.
Basic customization is available to all users, including creating Job Programs for frequently used tasks, adjusting text entry settings and enabling accessibility options. Both alpha and numeric entries can be made via the control panel or an external keyboard for added flexibility. Administrators have additional control over network and authentication settings, security configurations and adding frequently used apps to the main screen. For full details, refer to our User’s Guide.
Admins can also personalize screensavers with branded messaging, seasonal images or company-wide reminders, such as open enrollment notices, survey deadlines or webinar invitations, displayed locally or remotely.
All types of customizations are available through The Konica Minolta MarketPlace, which offers an easy way to browse, purchase and download apps specifically designed for each MFP. Each bizhub device license allows administrators to make changes to the control panel such as adding Connectors, options for Enterprise Content Management, Security, Workflow, Utilities and more.
Administrators can easily customize the control panel through the Konica Minolta MarketPlace, and all bizhub users with an account can access a wide range of apps – many of which are available for free. Users also have the ability to buy Konica Minolta-built applications such as Dispatcher Phoenix ScanTrip, Dispatcher Stratus and Dispatcher Paragon or seamlessly integrate third-party applications such as SafeQ Cloud, SharePoint, Google Drive and Dropbox. Additionally, administrators can opt to purchase the UI Builder app, which allows users to completely customize the look and feel of the bizhub MFP home screen and interface to suit the way they work.
MFPs are essentially network-connected computers with data storage, making them potential entry points for cyberattacks. Unauthorized access can expose sensitive information, leading to stolen intellectual property, compromised data and costly legal consequences. Over the past decade, breaches have resulted in millions of fines and significant reputational damage.
And because networked MFPs can print, copy and scan to network destinations, send email attachments and handle incoming and outgoing faxes – often through cloud technology – industries such as healthcare, legal, manufacturing, retail and finance must comply with specific protections by law. To protect these processes, only administrators can configure security settings and enable features that display security status on the control panel – ensuring compliance and safeguarding critical data.
Looking Ahead: More Solutions, Same Ease of UseIn the coming years, customers can expect expanded third-party integrations, cloud-based options, and enhanced functionality, all accessible through our Marketplace. While we continue to innovate, one thing remains constant: the intuitive bizhub interface. It’s designed to meet diverse workplace needs, from advanced features to industry-specific settings. Every update will prioritize simplicity and productivity, making workflows smoother and onboarding effortless, no extra training required.
Explore the latest bizhub models and see why our interface continues to lead in simplicity and innovation.
Konica Minolta One i-Series FAQ
What is the Konica Minolta bizhub One i-Series?
The bizhub One i-Series is Konica Minolta’s next-generation multifunction printer (MFP) platform designed for smart workplaces. It combines advanced printing, scanning and document management capabilities with cloud connectivity and AI-driven features for improved productivity.
Businesses of all sizes looking for secure, efficient and sustainable document workflows with integrated digital solutions will benefit from the One i-Series.
The One i-Series offers an intuitive touchscreen interface, cloud integration, enhanced security and AI-based predictive maintenance, setting it apart from earlier models.
Yes. It supports mobile printing through Konica Minolta Mobile Print app – downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, AirPrint and Mopria, ensuring flexibility for remote and hybrid work environments.
The One i-Series includes advanced encryption, secure print release, user authentication and compliance with industry standards such as GDPR, ensuring robust data protection.
Yes. It connects seamlessly with Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and SharePoint, enabling easy document sharing and storage across your organization.
Absolutely. It integrates with Konica Minolta’s workflow solutions to automate document routing, approvals, and archiving.
Yes. It uses energy-efficient technology, recycled materials and supports duplex printing to reduce paper waste, aligning with green business practices.
AI monitors device health and usage patterns to predict issues before they occur, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Visit Konica Minolta’s official support page or use the built-in update feature on the device for the latest drivers and firmware.
Explore the latest bizhub models and see why our interface continues to lead in simplicity and innovation.
