For new technicians Stephen and Eric Hedtke, it was a thorough extension of basic copier service training. But at the same time, it was so much more than that.

The Dallas/Fort Worth-based father/son duo recently each completed their first Canon ATSP certification. It is a requirement for new employees in Texas to, within their first year of employment, become certified in the advanced copier service training program, but a large accomplishment nonetheless. (The two passed five core tests of the copy process and basics in printing and scanning, and then completed one model specific test).

“I’m extremely proud of both of those guys. For Eric, it’s his first time being in the industry and so this entire platform is new to him,” said Dallas/Fort Worth Service Manager Shawn Hay. “Stephen hasn’t been in the copier industry in well over a decade. Even though the experience was a refresher, it’s still new technology and terminology. It’s a very tough accomplishment.”

Bringing value to the organization.

Stephen has worked on copiers dating back to the 1980s, even with Canon, but his return to the industry reveals a much different landscape than the analog days. He appreciates what he calls “one of the last vestiages of high maintenance mechanical items in the world," but very much appreciated the opportunity to extend his week-long Canon training through the extensive ATSP Program.

“The more I know, the more valuable I am to the company,” he said. 

Empowering technicians in the field.

The copier world is new to Eric. Previous to Datamax, he was working night shifts and grew tired of “living like a vampire.” At his father’s urging, he applied for a service position at Datamax. This is his first time being in any kind of technical repair job.

“ATSP sort of blended into what I was working on and learning as a new technician. By the time I had become ATSP certified, it was like ‘Wow, that just happened!’” Eric said. “ATSP really helped me familiarize myself with the equipment but also the way the manufacturer thinks about the equipment. That only helps when I’m on-site with a customer navigating through technical documents and working toward a resolution."

Being part of a unique club.

Datamax Texas is unique in its expectations for technicians to achieve ATSP certification. Many other area dealers simply don’t participate. But as Shawn says, doing so empowers them to walk into a customer office with confidence, and to troubleshoot issues with a unique ability.

“They feel a part of the team because now they’re a part of the Datamax accomplishment of 17 consecutive years of obtaining ATSP,” Shawn said. “It’s basically like joining our club.”