When it comes to shopping for office technology, many questions come to mind. Making a significant purchase, such as buying a Multifunctional Printer (MFP), involves various steps, including researching top products, seeking advice from peers, and more. While technology has simplified the buying process, we recognize that purchasing a copier for your business still requires some guidance. In this article, we’ll provide insights into key considerations you should keep in mind when looking to buy an MFP.
- Workflow Analysis: Define Your Needs – Before diving into the sea of MFP options, take a step back and evaluate your workflow. Consider factors such as the volume of printing, scanning, and copying, as well as the types of documents you handle. This analysis will help you determine the necessary features and capabilities for your MFP. For instance, if your printing largely involves black-and-white documents, a monochrome printer might be the way to go. Similarly, if you deal with high-volume printing, a machine with robust paper handling and a fast print speed might be essential.
- Printing Speed and Volume – Speaking of speed, let’s discuss the importance of printing speed and volume. Different MFPs have varying capacities – from small-scale office use to heavy-duty printing environments. Don’t be swayed by a flashy high-speed model if your office’s needs are modest. Conversely, choosing a slow MFP for a high-volume environment can lead to frustration and bottlenecks. Balancing speed with the required volume is crucial for maintaining efficiency.
- Features Galore: What Do You Really Need? – Modern MFPs offer an array of features, such as wireless connectivity, duplex printing, and advanced finishing options. Prioritize features that align with your workflow analysis. If your office environment involves printing from various devices like smartphones and tablets, wireless and mobile printing capabilities might be a must. Alternatively, if your printing involves creating booklets, MFPs with finishing and hole-punching options could be essential.
- Paper Handling and Sizes – Don’t let your MFP be the bottleneck in your document processing chain. Consider the types and sizes of documents you handle. If your office frequently deals with legal-sized documents or envelopes, ensure that the MFP can accommodate these sizes. Look for options such as multiple paper trays to minimize interruptions and maximize productivity (Price, 2023).
- Cost of Ownership – Purchasing an MFP isn’t just about the upfront cost of the hardware – it’s also about the total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO encompasses various ongoing expenses, including ink or toner cartridges, maintenance, energy consumption, and potential repairs (Bigelow, 2021). It provides a comprehensive view of the expenses associated with an MFP throughout its lifecycle. Opting for an MFP with a favorable TCO ensures not only cost efficiency but also long-term sustainability for your office’s printing needs.
- Ease of Use – Simplicity can make a world of difference, especially in a busy office environment. An easy-to-use MFP with an intuitive touchscreen interface can significantly ease the user experience, reducing the learning curve for your team. MFPs with user-friendly interfaces help streamline operations, making it easier to access the functions you use most frequently. Moreover, consider MFPs that are compatible with new technologies, like cloud integration, to further elevate your document management process.
- Know Your Space – Every workspace is unique, and your choice of MFP should align with the physical layout of your office. MFPs come in various sizes, like desktops and bigger standalone units, so it’s important to consider how much room you have for the new equipment. Furthermore, be mindful that adding certain accessories to your MFP might require extra room, so having a clear understanding of your available space will help you finalize your decision.
Selecting the optimal MFP can be a cumbersome process, but by evaluating your needs, prioritizing essential features, and factoring in long-term costs, you can find the perfect equipment that aligns with your office requirements. With AD Solutions as your technology partner, you don’t have to worry about tackling all the research on your own. Our team of experts is ready to ask the right questions and develop customizable and scalable solutions to simplify your document workflow. Contact us today to explore our range of MFP solutions, along with our Managed Print Services (MPS), so you can truly elevate your office productivity to new heights.
REFERENCES
Price, D. (2023, May 31). 8 things to check when buying a new printer. Make Use Of. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/buying-new-printer-checklist/
Bigelow, S.J. (2021, November 15). TCO (total cost of ownership). Tech Target. https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/TCO?Offer=abt_pubpro_AI-Insider
