National Vision is the fourth largest optical retailer in the United States, operating over 700 retail locations in 43 states. The company is committed to providing honest everyday value and fashionable eyewear, performing eye exams and fitting customers for contacts and lenses. The St. Cloud optical lab and two other U.S. locations produce more than two million pairs of glasses each year. The St. Cloud lab employs about 140 people.
Like many businesses, National Vision was unaware of the cost savings available by implementing an effective print management program. Reading through this article may offer some comparisons for you and your organization’s approach to print management.
Managed Print Services Lowers Costs and Downtime
It may be hard to believe that one simple change to the way a company buys toner could deliver steep savings. It may be even harder to comprehend that those savings come with better service. In the beginning it was hard for Jim Rueter, Director of Manufacturing for National Vision's St. Cloud laboratory operations, to believe.
When he first heard about Managed Print Services, he was unconvinced that switching from his current approach to Managed Print Services would make a difference for National Vision. Rueter did not believe Managed Print Services could provide a solution that would save his company enough money to justify the investment. But, when an MPS provider calculated the numbers and demonstrated the monthly savings, he was sold. "We were shown how it would save money over what we were previously spending, and that has held true," Rueter said.
The Savings
A Managed Print Services (MPS) Program was implemented at National Vision’s St. Cloud lab facility, which houses a mix of printers that produce about 8,000 pages a day. The Managed Print Services provider helped National Vision conduct a complete device discovery and meter readings on their devices.
The MPS partnership initially saved the company $400 a month on toner alone, just in its St. Cloud laboratory operations. "The proof was pretty significant," Rueter said.
The savings have grown as they have expanded their operations, which demanded more equipment. "Today, we're saving even more," Rueter said.
Added Benefits
In addition to saving money, Managed Print Services has made it easier for National Vision to upgrade equipment. In the past, Rueter would need to submit a capital request to the corporate office and wait for approval before ordering a printer. This process could take weeks, resulting in unnecessary and extended downtime.
With Managed Print Services, the capital investment is not needed. Now the St. Cloud lab can have a new printer installed and operating in a fraction of the time. "In the past, it would take about two weeks and that was only if everything worked well," Rueter said. "Now, we have it the same day or next day."
Finally, the type, use and placement of each new printer were planned based on data provided by reporting processes. This ensures National Vision has the right equipment for their needs and gets placed in the most efficient location within their facility.
Print Management is a Service & a Partnership
Up-time (time in which their equipment and workflows are running properly) is essential for National Vision to fulfill its high volume of daily orders. Minutes matter for this national optical provider. With a complete team of technicians, a Managed Print Services provider can quickly respond to any technical issues. Rueter said, "Now we just call our provider and they promptly take care of it; but we're hardly down at all."
A Recurring Business Review (RBR) with National Vision is conducted every six months to provide the company with a detailed summary of its device utilization report, supplies ordered and service call history. Continual analysis and adjustment is done to ensure National Vision’s time, resources and dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible.
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