Even in a rapidly transforming digital world, companies still rely on their print fleet to remain productive. It’s also common for these environments to be unmanaged as many businesses only pay attention to print operations when something goes wrong. While the adage of ‘don’t fix it if it’s not broken’ may be convenient, it could be costing the company in revenues and other losses.
An unmanaged print environment should concern business owners of any sized company. A business may keep track of the consumables they use, but that represents only a small portion of what inefficient printing practices may be costing them. Managed Print Services (MPS) can help identify and eliminate these hidden costs.
An Unmanaged Print Fleet versus Managed Print Services
For companies that currently do not use MPS, it’s worth understanding what the negative impacts of an unmanaged print fleet are. Although there’s always a cost versus control analysis required, many of the effects may not be self-evident.
Common issues stemming from an unmanaged print environment include:
● Wasteful printing: Companies who do not track every print won’t know how much wasteful printing their employees do every day. These costs can quickly add up.
● Lost time: When printers start breaking down regularly, it costs the company lost time. If staff have to wait for repairs, it leads to inefficient workflows and decreased productivity.
● Additional costs: Without regular servicing and maintenance, printers will start to use more ink while also producing lower quality prints. Restocking and resupplying costs may even escalate.
● Inefficient use of resources: While IT resources are essential to company operations, if they regularly troubleshoot printer issues, it’s not an effective use of their time.
● Security threats: Unmanaged printers present a significant security risk to businesses. Unsecured printers can lead to data breaches and a successful cyberattack that could threaten operations.
How Managed Print Services Benefits Organizations
Companies who use MPS overcome not only these issues but also gain a variety of additional benefits. With an MPS solution, organizations can utilize the advantages of server-based printing. While this helps centralize all management and control of their print fleet using a single software solution, they also gain additional benefits by adopting an MPS solution. Here are five distinct advantages of MPS.
1. Complete Oversight and Control
Outsourcing the management of the printer fleet to an expert partner will ensure the company can track every print job to the exact user or department. The MPS company will assess the current print environment and recommend policies to reduce waste and improve efficiencies. While this will help reduce the total cost, it will also help inform employees about their wasteful practices and ensure they don’t abuse the company printers.
2. Reliable Operations
MPS solutions will also observe the stringent maintenance and servicing cycles of the printers. Instead of waiting for a printer to fail, the MPS company will proactively carry out all maintenance and replacement of parts when required. With access to a reliable printer fleet, staff will be more productive, and the company can reduce unexpected downtimes.
3. Access to Newer Technology
It’s common for companies to buy and use printers for long periods due to the investments required for new hardware. This could lead to compatibility issues as well as increased use of ink and toner. MPS solutions help companies to acquire more efficient devices without needing to spend a large chunk of cash upfront.
4. Improved Information Security
Printer security remains a hot topic in the business world. With a constant increase in cyberattacks targeting printing and imaging devices, using MPS will ensure every device receives the necessary security updates as they become available. The MPS company will also monitor all devices remotely and help protect the company networks from an intrusion originating from an unsecured printer.
5. Budget Consistency
MPS solutions bundle all printing operations at a single monthly cost for the service. By having a consistent budget for all printing requirements, the company can improve the accuracy of their annual budgets and forecasts. The risk of having to spend additional funds on repairs or replacement of devices will no longer be a concern.
Using Blue Technologies in Ohio for All Your Managed Print Services
For organizations in Ohio that want to improve their printing operations and increase operational efficiencies, Blue Technologies can help. Blue Technologies works with firms to understand their unique needs and develop solutions that ensure they maximize their benefits.
With Managed Print Services and a variety of other business productivity tools, Blue Technologies remains dedicated to customer service and complete transparency. While office technologies continue to evolve, Blue Technologies can help business owners leverage modern solutions that help streamline operations and drive down costs.
To start your journey towards efficient operations and to reign in runaway costs with a Managed Print Services solution from Blue Technologies, request an assessment today.
