Roland DG Launches cotodesign Software for On-Demand Customization of Retail Items

Hamamatsu, Japan, December 7, 2018 – Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D devices worldwide, today announced the release of "cotodesign", a comprehensive design and print management software package for customizing apparel and gift items in-store using customer data, including photos or artwork from their smartphone.^*1
*1 The software package is immediately available in Japan, with release to other areas of the world during 2019.

According to Etsuo Harada, Division President of COTO Business Division for Roland DG, cotodesign provides a comprehensive solution for retailers and other businesses using Roland DG inkjet printers and other digital output devices to print out customers' favorite designs on store merchandise. The browser-based design software allows consumers to quickly create design data using in-store tablets or computer terminals. cotodesign covers all the required processes, from creating design data to full color printing on merchandise and managing orders via a simple and intuitive software interface.

"Now anyone can create a treasured keepsake or apparel item from a favorite photo or child’s artwork in a matter of minutes using our touch-based software," Harada said.

cotodesign allows customers to select combinations of their favorite photos, artwork or text to create one-off designs easily using the browser-based design client on an in-store tablet or PC terminal. Store staff can then use cotodesign to quickly print out the consumer's design data on a variety of store merchandise, including t-shirts, bags, pens, smartphone cases, stationery and a wide array of giftware even without technical knowledge of digital printing.

The software connects with the store's network environment and can be combined with Roland DG products to offer in-store customization services, even at stores or kiosks with limited space. cotodesign is currently compatible with Roland DG's LEF series of benchtop UV-LED flatbed inkjet printers and desktop VersaSTUDIO BN-20^*2 eco-solvent printer/cutters, including the LD-80 Laser Decorator that can add text or graphic in metallic and holographic foils for a luxurious appearance.

The on-demand customizing of gifts, personal accessories and clothing to suit individual tastes has become enormously popular in recent years. Roland DG's UV and eco-solvent inkjet printers are acclaimed for their compact size, ease of use and affordability, and are widely used by businesses to provide customization services. Providing in-store customization services not only helps to add value to merchandise, but also provides customers with a rewarding new shopping experience, which can help attract more customers to the store as well as become a topic of conversation on social media. cotodesign offers the optimum solution for business owners looking to differentiate themselves from other stores, or create new business opportunities within the retail market, Harada said.
*2 Metallic silver ink models not supported.

Specifications

Product name	cotodesign
Print Management Software
Operating system (OS)	Windows®10 (64-bit)
Supported devices	VersaUV LEF-12i/200/300 VersaUV LEF-12/20 VersaSTUDIO BN-20* Laser Decorator LD-80 * Metallic silver ink models not supported.
Memory	8 GB or more recommended
Monitor	A resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 or higher
Other requirements	- In-store terminal can communicate with the server computer in which the print management software is installed within the store's network environment. - Roland VersaWorks Dual Ver. 1.6.10 or later must also be running on the system (please install cotodesign on the same computer as Roland VersaWorks Dual). - VersaWorks 6 or later must also be running on the system (please install cotodesign on the same computer as VersaWorks 6).
Design Software
Operating system (OS)	iOS, Android, Windows10, Mac OS
Monitor	Tablet Terminal A resolution of 1,280 x 720 or higher Computer A resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 or higher
Web browser	Google Chrome, Safari (Mac OS/iOS)

For more information, contact:

COTO Marketing Unit
E-Mail：rdg-cotoinfo@rolanddg.co.jp