August 16, 2021
Printing is an essential function in most businesses—but there are differences in how each business approaches printing. The approach you choose will affect your cost, level of responsibility and effectiveness. In turn, each of those variables influences future return on investment, productivity and workflow.
Choosing a print solution that complements your organization's needs and employee work requirements is important, not only from a productivity standpoint, but also for your bottom line.
Managed Print Services is a program offered by print providers that manages all aspects of your business printing devices, including printers, scanners, faxes and copiers. But, it's not the only option for businesses. Working with retailers or commercial printers is also an option.
Managed Print Versus Other Options
Compare your print options using this infographic (click on it to enlarge):
As you can see, a lot more is covered under Managed Print Services than the other options. In most cases, Managed Print Services is the ideal solution for businesses that regularly rely on printing and have a widespread print environment. Here’s a comprehensive definition from Gartner:
Managed Print Services (MPS) are services offered by an external provider to optimize or manage a company’s document output. The main components provided are needs assessment, selective or general replacement of hardware, and the service, parts and supplies needed to operate the new and/or existing hardware (including existing third-party equipment if this is required by the customer). The provider also tracks how the printer, fax, copier and MFP fleet is being used, the problems, and the user’s satisfaction.
Plus, a Managed Print Services program benefits businesses in impactful ways. Here's a look at how an MPS program could benefit your company.
9 Benefits of Managed Print Services
A Managed Print Services program offers solutions and benefits to your business because the program will:
1. Analyze Your Printing Needs
Although your IT department might be capable of analyzing your print fleet, is it the best use of their time? A Managed Print Services provider has experience analyzing print fleets of all sizes. A MPS provider also possesses specialized knowledge in printer fleet consolidation methods to ensure your business implements the proper equipment at an affordable price. This analysis will consider all aspects of your business's printing needs, including scanning, printing, copying and faxing
2. Reduce 'Local' Printers
One of the first things to be assessed is the need and use of local printers. Typically, they are inefficient and more costly than realized. These printers only service one user and are rarely networked, making them inefficient in most business environments. They also often require unique cartridges that are more costly, and are prone to purchasing and inventory-tracking challenges.
3. Streamline Printer Placement
Placing your printing equipment in easily accessible areas for an appropriate number of employees will help improve workflow and maximize your device usage. Easy accessibility to this equipment is critical to the effectiveness of your employees. Too often, time is wasted walking across the building or to another floor for printed material. This decreases your employees' ability to get their work done efficiently.
4. Replace Inefficient Devices
Managed Print Services providers can help you identify which machines are underperforming and replace them with more efficient devices. MPS providers are knowledgeable specialists who know the best printing devices available for your business needs and your budget. They'll consider factors such as your printing history and your business goals.
5. Automate Supply Delivery
Eliminate the need for ordering toner cartridges by entering into an MPS program. This program can monitor your devices and automate shipment of toner based on when your machines run low. Keep your employees productive by eliminating equipment downtime caused by lack of supplies with an effective Managed Print Services program.
6. Provide Predictability
A MPS program enables you to consolidate your costs (and vendors), which provides the ability for a consistent monthly investment. By entering into a partnership with an MPS provider, there will be no more surprise maintenance or unpredictable printing costs.
7. Train Employees on New Technology
IT departments are often focused on their regular tasks. Training employees and fixing their printing problems isn’t their top priority and usually is the first task to get put on the back burner. A Managed Print Services provider can assist in employee training and provide help desk support for print issues.
8. Manage Remote Printing
With mobile printing, your employees will be able to print remotely from off-site locations, from any device. This could provide many improvements for your business. For example, an employee doesn't have to come into the office to print important paperwork, and other employees don't have to spend precious time looking for the document to print for that employee. If your business supports a mobile print environment, MPS providers can help establish, maintain and provide troubleshooting support.
9. Improve Print Security
At your business, it may be important to control access to documents and print devices, so that confidential information is not put at risk. Device hardening refers to the process of reducing vulnerabilities in your devices and can be aided by implementing printing security software provided by MPS. This is one solution that reduces vulnerability by adding a level of protection to your records and other personal identification information. For example, the use of employee keycards to release print jobs can be installed to prevent confidential paperwork from sitting around in output trays for anyone to see or take.
Managed Print is a Partnership
Managed Print Services solutions come in many forms and can be tailored to your business's needs. It is a complete print solution that keeps your IT staff focused on other priorities, reduces print costs, improves productivity and generally enhances the effectiveness of your print environment. MPS programs even reduce the workload of your IT department and therefore, increase their efficiency. Finally, MPS programs are a partnership that enhances a business' ability to manage its printing environment more efficiently. Learn more about what MPS can do for your business by contacting a Marco rep.
