NDSU Alumni and Development was in need of a more cost effective printing solution that would give them the quality of their desktop printers and added capabilities to make their offices more efficient. Becky Holm, Assistant Controller for NDSU Development Foundation, was responsible for implementing a new copier/print solution for the Development Foundation, the Alumni Association, and the Alumni Center. Most of their printing was output on two non-networked copiers and multiple desktop printers. The goal was to reduce their supply costs and enhance their copy/print features.

Kevin Eide, Marco Account Representative, met with Becky to determine their needs and current printing costs. Kevin visited each of their three floors to determine what types of printers they were currently using and to analyze their costs. Kevin proposed a solution for two new networked copiers/printers—a Sharp AR-287 and AR-336.

Becky said, “Kevin showed us how we could keep our costs down by printing from the copiers versus the desktop printers. We thought sending our print jobs to the networked copiers instead of all the desktop printers made a lot of sense.”

Marco set NDSU up on their Managed Account (Cost Per Copy) Program which allows them to pay just for the copies used. The program includes the equipment, service, and supplies—everything except paper, staples, and network troubleshooting services. And it allows them to upgrade to a unit as their needs change.

According to Becky, “We really like Marco’s Managed Account Program. It allows us to accurately track our cost per copy and we can upgrade to a different unit if our needs change. It makes a lot of sense and makes it easy for us. All we have to do is make a few adjustments in upgrading features and we’re set to go.”

This was proven when NDSU found that their Sharp AR-336 copier/printer was not meeting the Development Foundation’s needs. Kevin worked with them to replace the unit with a new Sharp AR-M350 which better fit their printing requirements. Becky commented, “Our Sharp AR-M350 works very nice—we are extremely happy with it!”

NDSU has kept a few of their desktop printers, but they do the majority of their printing on their new copiers/printers to reduce printing costs. When asked about Marco’s service, Becky replied, “Our service response has been good. Sometimes they can even work through issues with us over the phone.”

Not only was Marco able to help NDSU Alumni and Development reduce their cost per copy, the University is also benefiting from the added features of their new networked printers. They are now able to scan and email reports to other departments and colleges which saves them time, mailing costs, and is much more convenient.

“We love the scanning feature of our new multifunction printers. It has helped us cut down on paperwork and legwork,” said Becky. “Every department or college now can have the same information at the same time—they’re not waiting for the actual piece of paper to show up in their mailbox. We also scan and route our bills via email for approval which eliminates the need to make multiple copies for distribution.”

Becky added, “We have just been extremely happy with Marco. Kevin bends over backwards for us. He comes out and checks on us regularly and visits all three floors to make sure we are all happy. I’ve worked with Kevin for a long time and I know he’s looking out for us—that’s wonderful these days!”

The Alumni Center at North Dakota State University located in Fargo is a business event facility that offers a unique combination of training and meeting rooms, an executive conference room, and a large atrium and spacious common areas. They offer complete food and banquet services for business events. In addition, the NDSU Alumni Center hosts the University’s social events. NDSU’s Development Office is also located in this building and their staff is responsible for planning and promoting NDSU fundraising events.