Multifunction office printers, or MFPs, are devices that consolidate the functions of printers, copiers, scanners, and/or fax machines all into one tidy machine. For many budget-oriented companies, multifunction printers are the obvious choice when the goal is to consolidate assets, reduce printing costs, and improve work efficiency.
If you are interested in looking for a multifunction office printer for your small- to medium-sized business, be sure you are making an informed decision with these considerations from Infomax Office Systems:
Understand your office requirements
Before you embark on finding a multifunction office printer, understand what your office requires from the printer. Beyond printing and copying, how can a multifunction printer help manage documents, reduce paper usage, optimize workflows, or manage documents? How often do you need to scan, copy, print, or fax? How many of your employees will be utilizing the office printer? There are many requirements you need to consider before your start your search.
Bottom line cost
When evaluating a multifunction printer, you will need to think beyond the initial cost of just the hardware. There are a number of other expenditures to consider, including supplies and maintenance. Multifunction printers that are initially perceived as being low-cost do not factor in the cost of ink, other consumables, or service costs, and often have a much higher total cost of ownership.
Multifunction printers are useful assets for managing and controlling print and imaging costs. They can add new capabilities to your business if you do your research. The right MFP for your business can improve management of resources for your company, which improves business efficiency.
Connection to existing networks
Another factor to take into consideration when purchasing a multifunction office printer is the integration of the MFP with your existing network. Consider all the components required to deploy your business printer, such as start-up training, software installation, troubleshooting, or upgrading.
Easy usage
Choose a multifunction printer that’s user-friendly to prevent backup and costly employee downtime. Look for MFPs with user-friendly interfaces, minimal training requirements, and easy access to online support. If your MFP does need servicing, find a Managed Print Services company to keep your office printer up and running and stocked with printer supplies.
Document security
Does the multifunction office printer provide the appropriate amount of document security your company requires? If necessary, is the MFP scalable to provide more security if your company needs change?
Infomax Office Systems provides businesses with print management services. If your company operates with a multifunction printer and you’re interested in our Managed Print Services, contact us today for more information!