Selecting a new multifunctional printer (MFP) is an experience you shouldn’t have to repeat all that often if you understand the most important aspects of your decision. And while there are many variables and considerations within such a move, it’s important to put more emphasis on the nature of your business and where it is heading and less concern over other factors that may not improve your life as much as you would hope.
Being well informed is, of course the best advice to start with and knowing just a few fundamentals about your own work environment is not something you can afford to misread. A legal office may need fast, reliable black-white printing with full-color scanning options. A small retailer, on the other hand, may require high-volume color printing to handle the business’ direct marketing print needs. Regardless of the industry, there are five predominant factors that often play a role in the decision-making process when it comes to replacing an old MFP, or installing a new one:
Accessibility
We have come a long way away from the days of “running a copy” off a standalone machine. Today’s work environments now put mobile accessibility high up on the list of standard “must haves.” Current networked MFPs that support mobile printing may also offer reviewing and editing capabilities for on-the-go professionals. We can help you ensure that your new MFP offers the accessibility demanded by your line of business users, whether it’s wireless, mobile or offsite connectivity.
Output Quality
There are a number of technical means for quantitatively measuring output quality, but the most important factor is business need. Does your business need high-quality color output? Is reliable black-and-white printing important? Will you be printing in high volumes? Every print environment has unique needs for quality, which contribute to the decision-making process. Quality testing should be proven and tested prior to purchase to make sure that your business’ need will be met.
Security
No matter how large or small your business is, or what industry you are in, information security is a priority. Some businesses and organizations may be required by law to secure printed/copied/scanned documents (i.e. legal, healthcare), while others simply need to protect proprietary information from falling into the wrong hands. The concern for MFP security has been prominent in recent years, so whatever level of protection you are looking for, ensure that the MFP has the security measures and options in place to protect your data.
Scanning Options
Network scanning is a prominent part of many workflows, but it can be a bottleneck for productivity if devices are not enabled with the proper capabilities to manage this function. There are many scanning options available among MFPs that improve the speed and precision of scans. It is also quite necessary to have a practical understanding of the software designed to manage the distribution of scanned documents as necessary. Even if you do not rely heavily on this function, having it available and reliable is a good idea, should the need arise.
MFPs that are available through Frontier Business Products are not your typical all-in-one copier, printing, faxing and scanning devices. Precision engineered to help increase workflow efficiency and provide exceptional image quality, they are easier to operate, control, monitor, manage and maintain, helping take your business to the next level of productivity and performance.
Total Cost of Ownership/Cost per Copy
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or Cost per copy (CPC) is a means for determining the cost of owning and operating an MFP, taking into account all the associated costs of the device. Many other factors will contribute to this figure for each individual business, from the type of output being printed on the device, to the brand of cartridge/toner being used, to the environment in which your printer operates. Here is where working with a resource like Frontier Business Products can really be advantageous since our knowledge extends well beyond the capabilities of the MFPs. We can draw from the real-world experiences and results we have seen firsthand from a great many businesses throughout the area and use that to help you formulate a meaningful projection on your TCO.
Are you ready to explore the new MFP frontier? Contact Frontier Business Products today and let us guide you along the most efficient route to a better business life.
