According to a LinkedIn article, process optimization is one of the fastest-growing skills in the US job market (LinkedIn News, 2025). You might be thinking, what exactly does this mean? Simply put, process optimization is the practice of refining workflows to make them more efficient, cost-effective, and productive. But what does process optimization have to do with printing? More than you might think.
Your office’s print environment plays a significant role in day-to-day productivity. Consider something as simple as making copies of double-sided ID cards. If employees have to manually copy each side separately, that’s twice the effort and twice the paper. Now multiply that by the number of employees handling documents every day, and over weeks and months, the wasted time and resources really add up. But what if a built-in function on your printer could scan and print both sides of an ID card onto a single page with just a tap? You’d cut costs, save time, reduce waste, and streamline document handling with zero extra effort.
And that’s just one example. Sharp Multifunctional Printers (MFPs) offer many smart automation features to help optimize your workflows and eliminate inefficiencies. Let’s break it down below.
1. Automate Document Workflows
You may not realize it, but manually scanning, naming, and filing documents can eat up valuable time—especially if you’re doing it multiple times a day. Over time, these small tasks not only add up to slow down productivity but also increase the risk of errors. Here’s how Sharp MFPs help automate these workflows to speed up document management:
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Converts scanned documents into searchable and editable text, eliminating the need for manual retyping and making it easier to find important information
- Scan-to-Email, Scan-to-Cloud, or Scan-to-Network: Automatically routes scanned documents to the right destination with a single tap—no more saving, renaming, and manually moving files.
2. Cloud Integration for Anywhere Access
Keeping up with remote and hybrid workforces means meeting employees where they are. With built-in cloud integration, Sharp MFPs bridge the gap between physical documents and virtual tools. Here’s how Sharp MFPs keep teams connected and productive:
- Direct Cloud Integration: Instantly scan, save, and print documents from popular cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Dropbox. This eliminates extra steps and manual uploads.
- Sharp OSA (Open Systems Architecture): Connects directly with ERP, CRM, and document management systems to streamline approval, reduce bottlenecks, and automate workflows.
- Mobile Printing & Scanning: Allows flexibility as employees can print or scan directly from their smartphones or tablets.
3. Print Management & Cost Control
Printing costs can add up quickly, especially in busy office environments where no one is monitoring usage. Sharp MFPs help businesses take control with automated print management tools that reduce waste, improve security, and lower expenses. Here’s how:
- User Authentication & Print Tracking: Require employees to log in before printing, ensuring accountability and preventing unnecessary or unauthorized printing. Track print activity by user, department, or project to gain insights into usage and cost trends.
- Rules-Based Printing: Set smart rules to optimize print jobs automatically—for example, setting black-and-white printing or duplex (double-sided) printing by default, or limiting color printing to specific users or departments.
- Secure Print Release: Hold print jobs in a queue until users authenticate at the MFP, reducing unclaimed printouts and enhancing document security.
4. Automate Maintenance and Reduce Downtime
A copier that’s out of toner or unexpectedly down for repairs can bring office productivity to a halt. Sharp MFPs help businesses stay ahead of maintenance issues with proactive tools that minimize downtime and keep workflows running smoothly.
- Sharp Remote Device Manager (SRDM): IT teams can monitor and manage devices remotely, troubleshoot issues before they escalate, and schedule updates.
- Partner with a Trusted Provider: When you work with a reliable office technology provider, you eliminate the hassle of managing your MFPs. Automated supply orders and meter readings ensure you never run out of toner or waste time on manual reporting. Plus, when maintenance is needed, you’ll have fast, professional support to keep downtime to a minimum.
5. Customize Workflows to Your Needs
Every business operates differently, and Sharp MFPs adapt to your unique workflows with built-in automation features. Instead of spending time on repetitive manual tasks, you can streamline daily operations by setting up automated processes, such as:
- Automated Document Routing: Scan and send documents directly to specific folders, emails, or cloud storage without extra steps.
- Seamless Invoice Processing: Automatically forward scanned invoices to accounting software, reducing manual data entry.
- One-Touch Custom Shortcuts: Program frequently used functions on the intuitive touch-screen panel for fast, consistent execution.
Not sure where to start or if Sharp MFPs are the right fit for your office? We’re here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation, and our team will assess your needs, recommend the best solutions, and show you how automation can streamline your workflow and boost productivity. Let us help you find the right office technology that keeps your business running smoothly!
Reference
LinkedIn News. (2025, March 19). LinkedIn skills on the rise 2025: The 15 fastest-growing skills in the US. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-skills-rise-2025-15-fastest-growing-us-linkedin-news-hy0le/?trackingId=0RhbS2WrRO2cLzX%2BazsX9Q%3D%3D
