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2020 Printing Trends

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Inkjet printers have only been a workplace mainstay for about 30 years, but each new decade brought vast advancements in printer, copier and scanner technology. The start of the ‘20s is sure to do the same.

Learn about printing trends we expect in 2020 and how they’ll affect your workplace.

Personalization

The rise in consumers’ desires for printed décor, signage and other large format printing projects are ushering in a demand for advanced multi-function printers, such as the Oce Colorado.

The desire for more personalized printed products means production printing operations need efficient and long-lasting large format printers that can keep up with demand. Equipment must also be versatile enough to handle printing on a variety of media, everything from thin wallpaper, window film and cloth to thick paper or vinyl for signs. 

Security

Cyberattacks are one of the biggest threats businesses face, and the frequency and severity of cyberattacks won’t slow in the next year or decade. Consider how many documents containing sensitive information roll off the printer, copier or scanner at your organization each day.

Because most multifunctional printers are connected to a business’ servers, they’re at risk for cyberattacks. In 2020, we’ll see even more manufacturers release machines with software and hardware offer more security, such as programs that require employees to verify credentials before printing or collecting documents.

Cloud Storage

Storing reams of documents in countless filing cabinets is so 2000. As we head into the 2020s, workplaces will demand more efficient processes. Cloud storage services, such as Infomax’s uniFLOW document management system, will allow workplaces to print faster and store documents easily. These programs also allow remote printing. System administrators can also set document permissions for specific users, increasing security for sensitive information. We’ll see more workplaces use document management systems to connect to various devices throughout the next year.

Crisp Imaging

The minimalist aesthetic that ruled the late 2010s will continue to dominate design in 2020. For printers, simple design could mean fewer headaches with clashing ink colors and complex overlaid graphic elements.

However, understated designs could bring their own set of challenges, whether printing on inkjet or laser printers. The few elements on a printed document will need to have clean lines and crisp images. 

Environmental Sustainability

Many industries champion environmental sustainability causes, and the printing industry is no exception. Customers have long chosen to print on recycled paper, but we’ll see more printer manufacturers nod to green practices a nod in 2020. It’s possible that more printers will use soy and vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based substances. New machines will also be more energy efficient.

To outfit your office with equipment suited for the next decade, message us online or call 1-800-727-4629.

What to Look For in a New Office Printer

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Your business is as unique as the market and clients you serve. When it comes to office equipment, you need a printer individualized for your exact needs. There are many printers on the market, so determining which one is the right fit for your office can be difficult. We’re here to help you clear through the clutter.

It’s important to understand the role your printer needs to play and the frequency at which your business will use it. Businesses that print thousands of documents per month may value a machine with high printing speed and durability. A printer with high image quality and four ink wells may be more important for companies printing more colorful documents and images. 

Consider these factors before purchasing your next office printer.

Functionality

Most businesses opt for multifunction printers, or systems that can print, copy, scan and fax. Why? Small and medium-sized businesses need a printing solution that reflects themselves: efficient, versatile and reliable.

Budget

Size, imaging, speed and additional features affecting the price of a printer. When determining your budget for a new printer, it’s important to understand that the upfront costs could be compounded by the price of replacing ink. It’s common for inexpensive printers to have costly ink replacement fees. The reason: manufacturers make their money that way.

Leasing printers has become a popular option for businesses. Monthly leasing costs are easier to factor into a budget than the one-time cost of purchasing a multifunction printer. Leasing also allows companies to update their equipment as printer technology advances.

Quality

Your office printer will likely use an inkjet or laser printer. Inkjet printers use ink and are best for low-volume printing, while laser printers use toner and are suited for high-volume printing. Whichever you use, you want professional print quality. Both are measured in dots per inch — or DPI. Laser printers usually have between 600 to 1,200 DPI, while inkjet printer resolutions usually begin at 1,200 DPI.

It’s also worth checking if you can use third-party ink cartridges for your printer and if refilling cartridges is an option. Be aware that using unapproved ink cartridges might void your warranty.

Speed

If your office frequently prints reports or documents with multiple pages, you’ll want to pay attention to the printing speed on your new machine, measured in pages per minute — or PPM. Though printers will have slight variance in PPM for images and text, the measurement will allow you to determine what best fits your business’ needs.

Wireless Access

Most offices have on-the-go employees who want to print from laptops or cellphones. Printers with wireless or Bluetooth access provide more functionality. The feature also allows the machine to access a document management system. Users can use the printer to access electronically stored files without having to send the files through a computer.

 To learn more about print and technology solutions that best fit your organization’s needs, contact us here.

What to Look for in An Office Printer Before You Buy

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Office-Printer-Guide

It’s uncanny how an office printer can become a valuable part of your team. The right office printer can make a world of difference.

 

Technological advancements have made it easier and more efficient to run day to day operations digitally, however, the need for print production and office printers has not completely gone by the way side. Whether you have a small, medium or large company, it is imperative to choose the best office printer for your needs. What initially may seem like a minor investment, could turn into costing your company more in the long run. The right printer saves time but, with all the options that are available, can make it difficult to decide which is the right printer for you.

No two offices have the same requirements for printers. In order to ensure you select the best office printer, Infomax believes these are a few important questions to ask first.

How many of your employees require access to the office printer?

The first step is to determine how many employees in your office require access to the office printer on a daily basis. Some smaller businesses do not require high-volume, multifunction printers that are being utilized by numerous employees, on a daily basis. On the contrary, a desktop printer may not meet the demand of large operation companies.

What primary functions does the office printer require?

Multifunction office printers that combine printing, copying, faxing and scanning are a great addition to most offices and can cut down on maintenance and supply costs. However, if your company never faxes or hardly scans documents, you will not need to invest in a multifunction printer and can operate sufficiently with a single-function printer.

Would your company benefit from mobile printing capabilities?

Th advancements in mobile technology not only allows your employees to access documents, on mobile devices, from anywhere they are but also the ability to send projects to your office printers from those devices as well. If your operations require this form of functionality, you will need to select a printer that is equipped with a reliable, easy to use interface.

Do you need an office printer that tracks usage?

A selection of office printers come equipped with software programs that monitor and track usage, helping companies save money. If your company needs to track supplies, usage, order history, and service history, you will need to select an office printer that is capable of interacting with analytic software.

If your company is in need of office printers, contact Infomax today and our specialists will ensure you select the right office printer for your company.