For many businesses, printing costs can be one of the biggest expenses. With traditional printing methods, it can be hard to control costs and ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. That’s why many organizations are turning to managed print solutions as a cost-effective and more efficient alternative. Let’s explore how managed print solutions differ from traditional printing methods and how they can help reduce costs and improve efficiency.
What is a Managed Print Solution?
The purpose of managed print solutions (MPS), which are printer fleet management services provided by a managed print service provider, is to manage or optimize a business’s document output and printing expenses. An MPS provider assesses an organization’s current print environment and provides a customized solution that can include hardware, software, and services. The goal of the managed print solution is to improve efficiency, lower costs, and increase security around an organization’s printing infrastructure.
Traditional printing methods are becoming increasingly outdated and costly for businesses. This is because they require a lot of time and resources to maintain. The first thing to know about traditional printing methods is that they require a lot of upfront investment. To get started, you’ll need to purchase the equipment you need to run your business. Then, you’ll have to invest in training your staff on how to use it. This can be a huge burden for smaller businesses that don’t have the resources to invest in all this. On top of that, you must worry about the cost of replacing that equipment if it breaks.
Managed print solutions offer a more cost-effective and efficient alternative for businesses of all sizes. An MPS provider will assess what type of devices you need and may even recommend a lease of equipment rather than buying it outright. They will then handle the day-to-day operations of your printing needs, from installation and maintenance to remote monitoring and support.
By outsourcing the management of your prints to an MPS provider, you can free up valuable time and resources to focus on your core business goals. Unlike traditional solutions, an MPS provider can provide you with a solution that is flexible, scalable, and affordable.
An MPS can help you save money in several ways.
- By consolidating your print devices into a single platform, you can reduce the number of printers you need to purchase and maintain.
- MPS providers typically offer volume-based pricing discounts on printer supplies, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.
- Print policies and print fleet management can help reduce waste and better manage your printing budget.
The Benefits of Managed Print Solutions
1. Cost savings: One of the main benefits of managed print solutions is that they can help organizations save money on their printing costs. This is achieved through a variety of means, such as reducing the amount of paper used, eliminating unnecessary print jobs, and improving printer efficiency.
2. Increased productivity: Another advantage of managed print solutions is that they can help increase productivity by streamlining the printing process and making it more efficient. This can free up time for employees to focus on other tasks and can help improve overall workflow.
3. Improved security: Managed print solutions can also help improve security by providing features such as encrypted printing and user authentication. This can help prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands and can help protect against data breaches.
4. Enhanced environmental sustainability: Finally, printer fleet management services can also contribute to enhanced environmental sustainability. This is because many of these solutions are designed to reduce paper usage and waste, which can help reduce the overall impact on the environment.
5. Automatic supplies fulfillment: MPS can also help automate the process of ordering and fulfilling printer supplies. This can reduce errors that result from manual processes and ensure that supplies are delivered to your printers at the correct times.
Overall, managed print solutions can benefit organizations of all sizes. From cost savings and improved productivity to enhanced security and environmental sustainability, these solutions can help organizations increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve their overall operations.
Finding the Right Managed Print Solution for Your Business
When it comes to managed print solutions, there are a lot of different options out there. How do you identify the best solution for your company? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a managed print solution:
1. Your budget: How much can you afford to spend on a managed print solution? There are many solutions available, so it’s critical to select one that is within your budget.
2. The size of your business: What is the size of your company? This will help determine the type and number of printers you’ll need, as well as the services that are included in the managed print solution.
3. Your printing needs: What do you need to print? Do you need to print colored documents or just black and white? Do you need high-quality prints or just basic prints? Knowing your printing needs will help you choose the right managed print solution.
4. The features you need: What features are important to you? Some print fleet management solutions come with additional features like scanning and faxing, while others focus solely on printing. Choose the solution that has the features you need for your business.
5. The level of support you need: How much support do you need from the provider? Some providers offer 24/7 support, while others only offer support during regular business hours. Before choosing a provider, assess what kind of support and assistance you need.
Conclusion
Managed print solutions offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional printing methods without sacrificing quality or convenience. Not only can you save time and money, but you also have the added benefit of enhanced security features such as authentication, tracking, and reporting capabilities. With managed print solutions, businesses can reduce their overall printing costs while improving their efficiency and productivity. It’s worth considering for any business that is looking for an efficient way to manage its printed documents.