As with all industries, the engineering profession has felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, both fiscally and operationally. In addition to these challenges, the pandemic accelerated the move to a digital transformation, although the engineering and construction (E&C) sector is lagging behind in adopting these technologies. 

Part of the reason for the hesitancy are the various barriers to change inherent in the industry — fragmented platforms, the inability to standardize processes, or lack of resources to attract and maintain an in-house IT team. Overall, there are five key challenges that E&C companies face:

• Integration with current infrastructure
• Standardization across platforms
• Lack of digital talent
• Workforce apprehension
• Establishing value

Because E&C-based businesses rely heavily on printed documents to bring projects to successful completion, this article will target how to successfully overcome these challenges as they relate to the print environment.

Solving Print Challenges in Engineering and Construction with Print Management

It is exciting when you consider one simple digital technology can overcome all five of the key challenges blocking digital transformation for E&C companies plus address common print-based challenges, such as:

• Unpredictable print expenses
• Print waste and poor recycling practices
• Noncompliant or unsecure data
• Poor cost visibility
• Lack of mobile print capability

The technology that solves these problems? Print management. 

Print management tackles the overarching digital challenges by integrating neatly into current infrastructure and operating in a standard way across common platforms. Lack of digital talent in-house is easily overcome with a managed print program that includes support from knowledgeable IT professionals. Finally, print management programs are easy to use, reducing staff frustration and encouraging rapid adoption. 

And managed print services (MPS) solve specific print challenges in engineering by offering a number of advantages, such as:

1. Cost Control and Reduction

Print management allows you to monitor usage and even limit printing through quotas, where applicable. Reducing the amount of printing saves hard costs in terms of paper, ink, and toner and also protects your print fleet from unnecessary wear and tear to lengthen machine lifespan.

2. Print Reporting and Mobile Printing

Remote monitoring of your print fleet around the clock allows for increased visibility and adaptable reports puts better decision making at your fingertips. Mobile printing capabilities mean engineers at projects sites can easily send plan changes and updates to print from the convenience of their mobile device. 

3. Security and Compliance

Increased security and compliance are a hallmark of MPS. Your managed service provider (MPS) has IT experts standing by to remotely monitor your devices for suspicious activity and stop it in its tracks. Printers will be automatically updated with the latest security patches and software updates upon their release to ensure you are protected against emerging cybersecurity threats.

4. Automated Supply Replenishment

MPS pinpoints the exact time printer ink or toner must be refilled and ships the appropriate refill for specific printers on time — automatically. Automated replenishment removes the need for storage space for supplies, reduces capital outlay for a supply inventory, and ensures that your printers are ready for action when your staff needs them.

Finally, one of the most important aspects of MPS is the leading-edge knowledge of IT experts applied to your print environment, particularly for companies that have little or no in-house IT support.

Trust Blue Technologies to Transform Your Print Environment

At Blue Technologies, we understand how difficult it can be to digitally transform, especially for companies with few IT resources in-house. You and your staff don’t have time to reconfigure your print environment when you are busy conducting revenue-producing business.

That’s where our team of print management professionals comes in. Using state-of-the-art technologies, we can transform your print environment to suit the specific needs of your company. Along the way, we will provide heightened security for your sensitive or proprietary information, effortless printing from any device, access control to reduce print waste and monitor usage, and automated supply replenishment for ultimate convenience.

Our MPS program puts the power of IT experts at your service, helping your company gain visibility into — and reduce — print costs and supercharging your team’s productivity. 

Let us help you transform your print environment. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant and learn more about our MPS program today.