Tag Archive: Managed Print Services

  1. Embracing Cloud Computing

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    “[The] Cloud is about how you do computing, not where you do computing.”

    –Paul Maritz, VMware CEO

    Cloud computing has been around for quite some time and has had a steady effect on the way we do business. In layman’s terms, cloud computing is the delivery of different computing services (including servers, storage, databases, networking, and software) through the internet aka “the cloud”.

    While it may have taken some time for businesses to embrace the cloud, we see how much it has recently flourished, especially in a more digital working world. Check out these stats gathered by explodingtopics.com that support this:

    • The cloud applications market is currently worth over $150 billion
    • It is predicted that there will be 200 ZB of stored data in the cloud by 2025
    • It is forecasted that in 2023, $200 Billion will be spent on SaaS, $150 billion on IaaS, and $136 billion on PaaS
    • 54% of global tech leaders want a cloud service provider who identifies technology strategies that are meant to increase revenue and reduce cost
    • Post-COVID, 41.4% of cloud leaders say they are increasing their uses of cloud-based services, 33.4% are planning to migrate to cloud-based tools and 32.8% are migrating on-premises workloads to the cloud

    Cloud computing can bring a lot to businesses and proves popular for the ones that are ready to embrace growth, performance, and stability. Some of the immediate benefits businesses can experience from making the switch are:

    Cost Savings

    The initial switch to cloud services can be off-putting but its ROI makes it worth it. Hosting the cloud lets you offload costs on purchasing, installing, configuring, and managing on-premises infrastructures. Also, most cloud-computing services offer pay-as-you-go options ensuring you only pay for what you need, and the overall easy access saves time and money.

    Flexibility

    Due to the nature of cloud computing, businesses can access cloud services from anywhere, from any device, at any time. Not only that, but the cloud can also be easily scaled up or down to match what a business needs at that time.

    Security

    Businesses can see up to 94% improvement in security when switching to the cloud because one of the main features of cloud-based services is full-time security monitoring. Security monitoring could be extremely limited if it was strictly in-house, but once switched to an off-site, encrypted, and automated security monitoring, your information will never be safer.

    Disaster Recovery

    One incredible benefit of the cloud is disaster recovery. Data and information stored in the cloud are safe from any physical emergencies such as natural disasters or power outages. Cloud-based services also provide quick data recovery allowing for less downtime which leads to less productivity and revenue loss due to disaster scenarios.

    Better Insight & Quality Control

    Poor quality and inconsistent reporting can hurt a business but with cloud-based systems, all documents are stored in one place in one format allowing everyone to access and edit the same information in real-time allowing businesses to maintain consistency and have a clear record of revisions or updates. In addition, many cloud-based services also offer customized reports for a bird’s eye view of your most critical data.

    Sustainability

    Cloud computing has a direct effect on the environment by cutting down on paper and waste. With data stored in the cloud and not as physical copies your information not only takes up less space physically but addresses wastefulness at every level of business and results in less of a carbon footprint. 

    Man in business suit using a pen on a virtual screen to create a graphic representing cloud computing

    Cloud computing is great for maintaining a competitive edge as a growing business and is relatively user-friendly, but there are a few basics you need to know before implementing the best infrastructure for your business. To ensure you get the best cloud experience possible, you need to decide between:

    The Four Basic Infrastructure Types

    Public Cloud Infrastructures are maintained off-site. They are available to the public while data is created off-premises. This cloud infrastructure has less security but requires no need to buy or manage software and maintain efficiency. 

    Private Cloud Infrastructures are managed in-house and can only be accessed by a single organization. This method can address and handle security and privacy concerns more effectively.

    Community Cloud Infrastructures can support multiple businesses by sharing resources as a part of a community. This method closely resembles the private model and can support a large number of users who share in the costs.

    Hybrid Cloud Infrastructures are a mix of public, private, and hybrid. Combining the efficiency of public, the support of community, and the security of private, hybrids offer the best of all three methods.

    The Three Delivery Methods

    Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a software distribution model where the provider delivers applications through a web-based portal and is a pay-as-you-go model. Utilizing this model eliminates the need to buy hardware and software licenses while having your provider manage and store data.

    Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) delivers the full cloud infrastructure along with a software platform that allows clients to develop and manage business applications without the frustrations of building and maintaining the infrastructure.

    Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) has the capability to deliver networking, data storage, servers, and virtualization capabilities while allowing the client to access more data storage and computing power.

    Once you pick the right infrastructure and delivery method, your business can begin to really reap the benefits of cloud computing and help bring your business to a new level. If you are ready to learn more about cloud computing or ready to have it in your business, contact us today at MMIT so that we can get you on the right path to ensure your business gets the full benefits of cloud computing.

  2. Production Printing: Alive and Thriving

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    A common misconception is that print is done and while we might be flooded with technology and digital marketing, print still has its place in everyday business and has a significant impact both financially and influentially. Need proof? Check out these stats gathered by printful.com

    1. In 2021, the Global Commercial Printing Market had a value of $433.79 billion. By the end of 2027, it is estimated to value $484.22 billion
    2. 1 out of 5 customers is willing to pay up to 20% extra for personalized products and services
    3. A study shows that print advertising offers a 112% return on investment, making it a cost-effective way to reach consumers.

    Printer options can seem endless, but there is a perfect fit for every business. If printing plays a large part in your business, and you find yourself needing high-volume projects done quickly and reliably then a production printer might be the right choice.

    I know what you are thinking, production printers are found mainly in print shops or copy centers that must deal with high-volume requests without sacrificing quality. This is another common misconception and while they regularly are seen in print shops or centers, they have quickly been growing in popularity for marketing departments and are an optimal option for graphic designers to create and distribute flyers, banners, catalogs, mail campaigns, produce marketing materials, employee training manuals, business cards, envelopes and so much more.

    Now, every business has different printing needs and to figure out what is the best option for you, ask questions such as:

    • What are your printing requirements?
    • What do you need your printer to do?
    • Does your printer need to be secure?
    • How much time do you have to produce?
    • What exactly do you need to print?
    • How much are you printing/producing?
    • How large of a role does printing have in your business?
    • What device management, remote intelligence, and support are available to you?
    Illustration of different types of production printing equipment

    Production printers are heavy-duty commercial printers that are ideal for high-volume print projects. These printers can include wide-format and cut-sheet printers, digital presses, commercial printers, and industrial printing. They are reliable and continuously provide higher-quality print resolutions, faster output, and increased capacity. Beyond being versatile and having the ability to handle large-scale products, production printers offer plenty of other benefits including:

    Simplicity

    Production Printers are not difficult to set up and extremely user-friendly. They give users more control without over-complicating things. Though they look heavy-duty, they are far from intimidating, and even less tech-savvy people can learn and utilize the advanced features in no time.

    Productivity

    Production printers work faster to help meet the demands of your business. They are designed to be quicker and can handle larger quantity projects more effectively than normal printers which helps eliminate downtime, they have on-demand access to professional projects, and are perfect for printer-intensive businesses with them commonly being able to print thousands of pages in minutes.

    Sustainability

    Production printers offer high-quality prints where businesses have total control over the content meaning they are printed right the first time. Using older printers can mean settling for low-quality results and can be a cause of reprints and paper waste. Switching to a printer that delivers high quality is a good way to save precious time, money, and paper.

    Security

    Production printers offer better regulatory compliance, enhanced security over the content within your prints, and achieve better quality control. In-house printers also ensure that any confidential employee or customer information stays in-house.

    Flexibility

    Since they are reliable and user-friendly, production printers are incredibly flexible, putting you in charge of the entire printing operation. Have control over meeting your deadlines and never panic if something does not look exactly right because changes and a reprint can be easily done within the same day in-house.

    Cost Effective

    Outsourcing printing, especially high-volume jobs that require quality can be expensive. Production printers are a long-term investment that keeps your service in-house and allows you full control over your product. Giving you this control ensures no reprints, returns, or added time from an outsourced printing agency and that your product is what you expect.

    Is It Right For Your Business?

    Not every business will benefit from a production printer, but if you find yourself needing a large number of marketing materials or just find yourself printing large quantities often – a production printer could be the best fit for you. If you have any questions or are ready to bring production print in-house, contact us today!

  3. Mitigate the Risk: The Importance of Risk Assessments

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    There are plenty of factors that go into maintaining and protecting a business to ensure future stability and success. While it is important to focus on the positives and how to achieve this overall growth it is equally important to focus on the possibility of unknown, hidden, or undetected risks. This can be done with risk assessments. With properly done risk assessments, businesses can experience benefits including:

    • Getting a clearer picture of where assets lie
    • Identifying potential threats and understanding the likelihood and impact of them
    • Implementing proactive processes
    • Recognizing and controlling workplace hazards
    • Creating awareness among employees
    • Reducing workplace incidents
    • Saving costs by being proactive

    The Basics

    Simply put, a risk assessment is the identification of hazards that could end up negatively impacting profit, stability, and how an organization conducts business. No matter what industry or size an organization is a risk assessment should always involve at least these five steps:

    1. Identifying the Risks or Hazards
      1. Risks
        1. Financial – this should include looking into compliance, credit, liquidity, and debt risks. This can include making sure your business is up to date on federal returns, that your business is run ethically, that your business has sufficient cash flow, that your business can meet short and long-term goals, and that all your loan agreement payments, if applicable, are paid on time and in full.
        2. Operational – this can be broken down into areas like IT and personnel risks. IT can address general risks and security risks by ensuring customer information is protected and that your organization has a strong security plan. For personnel risks, your organization should address factors such as salaries, benefits, contracts, HR policies, and basic employee needs.
        3. General – this can fall into a lot of categories, but examples include answering questions like is your organization prepared for growth, are finances managed properly and is it profitable.
      2. Workplace Hazards
        1. Safety – spills, heights, electrical, or any unsafe conditions that can lead to illness, injury, or death.
        2. Physical – extreme temperature, prolonged exposure to sunlight, loud noises, or any other physical hazards that are factors within the environment that could cause harm to the body.
        3. Ergonomic – frequent lifting, awkward movements, repeating the same motions, or any type of hazard when the type of work, body positions, or conditions put a strain on the body.
        4. Organizational – workload demands, respect, and any psychosocial hazards that cause stress, anxiety, or strain to employees.
        5. Chemical – vapors, fumes, gasses, or when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workplace in any form.
        6. Biological – bodily fluids, fungi, or bacteria or when working with animals, people, or infectious plant materials.
    2. Evaluating the Risks – answer the questions like who is at risk, what services/products/departments are at risk, how often are they exposed to these risks, how likely are these risks, how severe are these risks or how will these risks affect you long term?
    3. Deciding on Control Measures – come up with effective strategies and procedures that help protect both employees and the overall business. Implement these control measures and make sure they are communicated throughout the organization.
    4. Recording Findings – keeping a formal record of past risk assessments can help an organization keep track of hazards, risks and how to address them. These findings should include descriptions of the risks, how to assess them, outlines of evaluations, and detailed explanations of how conclusions were made and how they are to be addressed.
    5. Revisiting – take the time to review and update your risk assessments when necessary. New risks can be added if an organization has a significant change in staff or procedures, plans on some type of growth, or if it has been a significant amount of time since risk assessments were reviewed.

    The Best Fit For Your Business

    Now that is just the base of standard risk assessment but they still come in many forms. Finding the best risk assessment for your organization is critical in performing an accurate one which means the organization is identifying and addressing the proper risks in order to protect itself. Here are five common types of risk assessments:

    Qualitative Risk Assessment

    Typically used in high-risk industries, these assessments measure the severity of a risk and usually measure multiple risks at once. Qualitative data is gathered through personal experience, observations, and knowledge often by an expert or member of management. The benefits of this type of assessment are that they are simple in method, easy prioritization, and have clear presentation options but they have limitations such as subjective evaluation, limited scope, and lack of differentiation.

    Quantitative Risk Assessment

    This type of assessment puts a numerical value on a risk, allowing organizations to gauge the impact of risk and its cost to the organization. This could look like using 3, 2, 1 instead of high, medium, and low and utilizing the 3×3 or 5×5 risk matrix. This assessment is also essential to support the understanding of the exposure of risks to employees, company assets, and reputation. An organization can get a clear understanding of:

    • Potential accident scenarios
    • Predicted economic losses
    • Risk to specific main safety functions
    • Input to operation restrictions
    • Identification and assessment of prevention and mitigation measures

    The QRA can be calculated using the following equation:

    Risk = Severity x Likelihood

    Generic Risk Assessment

    This type of assessment typically will cover common types of hazards for tasks or activities in the workplace. These are typically not adapted for anything specific and can be used across different locations and industries. While it can be easy to find generic risk assessment templates online, if you use this route be sure to review, adjust and update them accordingly to be effective at mitigating risks.

    Site-Specific Risk Assessment

    These assessments need to be carried out for either a specific activity or location and are necessary to be effective at eliminating and controlling risks. This is one of the most thorough methods of risk assessments that are meant to protect your workforce, the public, and your business safe from any possible legal liability and reputational damage due to any health or safety breaches.

    Dynamic Risk Assessment

    These risk assessments are based on essential decision-making because they are used to address unforeseen circumstances that are carried out on the spot due to any significant or sudden changes within the workplace. These assessments are crucial for circumstances such as:

    • Introduction of new equipment
    • Change of supervision approach
    • Threats to safety or security
    • Reallocation of work

    Key Takeaways

    Regardless of size or industry – understanding your business, the risks it is susceptible to, and which assessments to utilize are key to being proactive instead of reactive when it comes to addressing risks to an organization. All risk assessments should follow the five basic steps and once implemented, do not forget to revisit them for reassessment especially if there is a significant change within the organization.

  4. The Significance of Cyber Security in SMBs

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    Without a doubt, utilizing the internet and social media platforms allows businesses of any size and location to reach a larger market and provide more opportunities for growth and profit. While this reach is undeniably beneficial to any growing business, it also means that cyber security needs to be made a core aspect of a business strategy.

    To put into perspective the importance of cyber security, techjury.net recently gathered the following statistics:

    • There is an increase of 10% in the cost of cybercrime than the past year
    • 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error
    • There are 30,000 websites hacked daily
    • In 2023, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to top $8 trillion
    • 47% of adults have had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals
    • The average total cost of data breaches in 2022 was $4.35 million
    • 43% of all cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses
    • 91% of attacks launch with a phishing email
    • A business falls victim to a ransomware attack every 14 seconds

    The Truth About SMBs and Cyber Attacks

    As a small business, it is easy to fall into a false facade that since you are small and growing, you do not have anything worth hacking, but regardless of size, cyber attacks do not discriminate and small businesses appeal to hackers for their:

    Data – no matter how established you are, all businesses have data that hackers can profit off including medical records, credit card information, SS numbers, bank credentials, or other personal details.

    Third-Party Vulnerabilities – SMBs are often connected to larger businesses or third-party suppliers and at the bare minimum, they are digitally connected so that they can complete transactions, manage supply chains and share necessary information. Since more prominent businesses are harder to penetrate, hackers will target small businesses to get into a larger business system.

    Lack of Resources – this can range from not having the skills or staff to dedicate to proper IT security or having inadequate employee training or monitoring which can lead to cyber-attacks by human error.

    Cyber attacks can vary but there are a few common types that typically hit small businesses. Recognizing these threats, having a plan on how to resolve them, and having proper employee training can help save the future of your business. The most common types of cyber security to be aware of are:

    1. Phishing Attacks – typically masquerading as a trusted email or text message, phishing attacks aim to steal personal information like credit card information, bank credentials, passwords, and social security numbers by having the reader simply click an email attachment or URL that contains a virus.
    2. Malware (malicious software) – refers to any software that is developed with the intention to steal information or resources for monetary gain or for blatant sabotage. These can include viruses, worms, trojan viruses, and ransomware.
    3. Viruses – there are a variety of viruses that are all programmed to harm your software and hardware. These viruses have the ability to damage programs, delete files, and even slow down performance. They can be sent through file sharing, opening infected emails, visiting a malicious site, or downloading harmful applications.
    4. Ransomware – locking a business’ computers and encrypting data to hold them hostage, ransomware is a common cyber-attack that holds a business’s important information for ransom to be paid to a hacker in return for a decryption key. Typically with ransomware, you have 24-48 hours before files are lost or made public and it is most often spread through email spam or network attacks.
    5. Passwords – password theft is an ongoing problem and small businesses face threats when employees use weak or easily guessed passwords. Weak passwords include commonly used passwords or passwords that contain any personal information.

    Implementing Cyber Security

    As a small business, it might not be possible to dedicate the time and staff needed for cyber security but that does not mean you have to remain vulnerable. There are several practices that businesses can implement in their overall cyber security plan that help reduce the number of attacks or be able to quickly identify and recover from them. It is also important to remember when creating a cyber security plan to:

    • Be proactive to prevent damage before cyber attacks get out of hand
    • Increase awareness of the significance of cybersecurity
    • Create a cybersecurity plan against a variety of attacks/human errors, be thorough, and have a game plan from discovery to solution
    • Protect your payment gateways
    Lock icon on shield icon on cloud icon, concept of cloud computing

    Start With Employees

    Since a large part of cyber security issues come from human error, establishing basic security practices and policies for employees is vital in a strong cyber security strategy. These practices can include:

    • Training employees to spot suspicious emails, email addresses, URLs, and attachments
    • Establishing internet use guidelines
    • Having a clear procedure for handling, protecting, and communicating sensitive data and information
    • Maintain physical security by locking server rooms and having strong, unique passwords for individual hardware
    • Have better password practices and require passwords to be changed frequently, using more complex passwords and, if possible, consider implementing multi-factor authentication

    Do Not Skip Your Updates

    A key role in cyber security is keeping your hardware and software up to date by having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system. Anytime you have a system update, be sure to do it when it’s available because having these up-to-date offers you better defense against a range of cyber attacks. In addition, businesses can use antivirus software as added protection from any malware attack.

    Firewall Security

    A firewall is a network security device that helps prevent outsiders from accessing data on private networks. While antivirus helps protect your files against viruses, firewalls block intruders from accessing your computer, to begin with. If you have any employees who work remotely, ensure their home systems are protected just like your office systems are. Firewalls also have the capability to block any unapproved websites, limit bandwidth for certain programs and they can provide VPN services.

    Cloud Back Ups

    Essentially all businesses use the cloud and beyond it being amazing for storage and cohesive workplaces, cloud backups can make sure a copy of your critical data stays safe in case of any cyber attack incidents. Data and files with confidential information are prime targets in cyber attacks and businesses without backups can face detrimental consequences.

    Secure Wi-Fi Networks

    Wireless networks tend to be less secure compared to wired networks so making sure your workplace’s network is secure, encrypted, and hidden is key for helping prevent cyber attacks. Risks to non-secure wireless networks can include piggybacking, wardriving, wireless sniffing, and unauthorized computer access. Be sure to not broadcast your network name and password-protect your router.

  5. Managed Print Services: Supporting HIPPA Compliance

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    Managed print services is an effective solution for security, efficiency, and organization–but did you know it can help with compliance, too? Here’s how managed print helps healthcare organizations comply with HIPPA regulations effectively and efficiently.

    How Managed Print Services Supports Healthcare

    Managed print services isn’t just for “desk jobs.” It also supports industries spread across multiple locations or with complicated regulations–and that’s especially true when it comes to healthcare.

    Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other organizations have unique needs, especially when it comes to regulations like HIPPA. Managed print services helps balance those regulatory requirements with plenty of efficiency–that way, employees never have to choose between doing the right thing and doing the fast thing.

    Here are a few ways managed print services supports healthcare through HIPPA compliance:

    Encryption

    Encryption helps protect sensitive data as it’s being transferred to and from the printer, as well as while it’s stored on the printer’s hard drive. Managed print services helps make encryption quick and easy, so healthcare organizations can connect their favorite devices without worrying about security vulnerabilities.

    Visibility

    HIPPA regulations require a lot of visibility. With managed print services, it’s easier than ever to track what’s being printed, who is accessing machines, where data is being sent, and more. This improves security and compliance without adding extra hoops for employees to jump through when caring for patients.

    Follow-Me Printing

    Follow-me printing, also called pull printing, is a solution that protects sensitive documents from being stolen off the print tray. A user prints their file as usual, but the paper isn’t released until that same user walks to the printer and enters a unique code or PIN. This triggers the machine to print the appropriate document.

    Conclusion

    Healthcare has high stakes, which means it comes with plenty of unique challenges–like HIPPA compliance. Luckily, managed print is up to the challenge, helping organizations with solutions such as encryption, visibility, and follow-me printing.

    Managed print services has plenty to offer. Contact us today to see what else it can do for your healthcare organization (or any organization!).

  6. 3 Big Promises Made By Managed Print Services

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    Managed print services promises all kinds of benefits for companies like yours. However, three of those benefits really stand out–so today, we’re taking a closer look at what managed print services can do for you.

     

    Managed print services promises all kinds of benefits for companies like yours. However, three of those benefits really stand out–so today, we’re taking a closer look at what managed print services can do for you.

    The Managed Print Services Promise

    It’s not every day you find a solution that makes promises and shows you exactly how it’s going to fulfill those promises. Managed print services, however, is special.

    First, let’s take a look at three of the biggest things managed print promises to do:

    • Reduced waste: Wasted time, money, and energy can really impact your budget. Managed print services promises to help reduce this waste by identifying bad habits and suggesting more efficient alternatives.

    • Improved visibility: When you don’t know what’s going on in your print environment, it’s difficult to make any forward progress. That’s why managed print promises to help you push back the curtain and find out how your printers are being used, what your habits are, where your money goes, and how you can make effective changes.

    • Boosted productivity: Another big promise made by managed print services is boosted productivity. By cutting out extra steps, streamlining your workflows, and simplifying your print environment, this solution helps your employees do their best work.

    Now that you know what these promises look like let’s find out how managed print actually delivers.

    The secret is the partnership you create with your managed print provider. This partner will guide you through every choice, change, and solution, helping you reach your goals and making sure these three promises are kept. Plus, because your provider performs a print audit at the beginning of your relationship, you’ll always have a benchmark you can use to measure progress and see the promises in action.

    Conclusion

    Managed print services makes plenty of promises, but unlike other solutions, it keeps them–and, perhaps more importantly, it shows you exactly how it makes progress on those promises. That’s why a strong relationship with your managed print provider is so important: Your provider is responsible for making sure you actually see these benefits.

    Contact us today to see what managed print services can do for you!

  7. How Managed Print Services Saves More Than Money

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    Many business solutions are all about saving money. That’s hugely important, of course–but if that’s all they do, they’ll quickly run out of steam. Instead, you need a solution that builds a solid foundation for your company, helping you save more than money–and that’s where managed print services comes in.

     

    Many business solutions are all about saving money. That’s hugely important, of course–but if that’s all they do, they’ll quickly run out of steam. Instead, you need a solution that builds a solid foundation for your company, helping you save more than money–and that’s where managed print services comes in.

    Saving More With Managed Print Services

    Let’s make one thing clear: Managed print services absolutely saves money. The difference between this and other solutions, though, is that managed print services doesn’t stop there. Instead, it creates solutions that help save other valuable resources for your company.

    Sound too good to be true? See for yourself:

    Saving money

    Managed print services saves money in all kinds of ways–but perhaps most importantly, it makes your print costs transparent. When you can see what’s going on in your budget, it’s much easier to be in control.

    Saving time

    Another thing managed print services saves is time. By simplifying your workflows and cutting out extra steps–not to mention cutting down on technical difficulties, troubleshooting, and downtime–this solution helps keep you efficient and productive.

    Saving space

    Need a little more breathing room? No problem–managed print services can also help rearrange and structure your fleet to give your workspace that “flow” you’ve been searching for.

    Saving energy

    You shouldn’t have to waste your energy worrying about print problems. With managed print services on your side, you can shift your focus to the big stuff while your trusted provider handles the rest.

    Saving the planet

    Managed print services makes it both easy and efficient to choose environmentally friendly solutions like recycled supplies or less wasteful machines.

    Conclusion

    Sure, it’s important to save money–but managed print services can do that and so much more. If you want to save time, space, energy, and the planet along with your budget, you’ve come to the right place.

    Want to see managed print services in action? Contact us today for all the help you need!

  8. Managed Print Services Saves Money, and Here’s Proof

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    Ever wanted proof that managed print services does all the great things it says it can do? You’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll let you watch with your very own eyes as managed print protects your budget. Let’s get started!

     

    Ever wanted proof that managed print services does all the great things it says it can do? You’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll let you watch with your very own eyes as managed print protects your budget. Let’s get started!

    Managed Print Services in Action

    Managed print services works in all kinds of ways. Some of its solutions are big and obvious–like, for example, cutting extra steps out of your workflows. Others, however, are subtle–like rearranging your fleet to optimize usage and print habits.

    But if you’re trying to decide whether managed print is right for you, the chances are that you want to see proof right now. The good news is that the solution delivers, and it all comes down to simple tips.

    That’s right: By using these managed print services tips in your print environment, you can see actual budget savings. Let’s take a look!

    • Don’t stop printing in color.

    This one seems a little counterintuitive, but it’s an important practice. That’s because, while not always necessary, color printing is sometimes an important part of the job–and giving up on it entirely (for example, by choosing a black-and-white printer) might mean you’ll end up at the print shop.

    • Use digital signature tools.

    When you can sign things digitally, you often don’t need to print them. When you don’t need to print, you don’t need to spend as much on ink, paper, and energy–and your budget will feel the difference.

    • Find a maintenance partner.

    Managed print services providers generally handle repairs and maintenance as well as fleet optimization, workflow improvements, and more. With a partner on your side, you’ll utilize proactive maintenance measures instead of reactive ones, allowing you to catch little issues before they get big enough to waste money.

    Conclusion

    If you thought these tips were stress-free, simple, and totally within reach, just wait–there’s plenty more where that came from. Managed print services has all kinds of tips, tricks, and printing secrets–all you have to do is take that first step.

    Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about managed print!

  9. Signs You Need Managed Print Services

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    If you’ve been waiting for a sign to tell you it’s time to jump into managed print services, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve got four of them. Here’s how to know if managed print should be in your future!

     

    If you’ve been waiting for a sign to tell you it’s time to jump into managed print services, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve got four of them. Here’s how to know if managed print should be in your future!

    When Managed Print Services is Necessary

    Not all business solutions are necessary–some are more like luxuries. That’s not the case with managed print services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by paper or constantly worrying about your print budget, then you probably know what we’re talking about.

    However, if you can’t tell whether managed print services is really necessary, look for these four red flags:

    #1: You have no idea what’s going on with your budget.

    Print budgets can quickly get out of hand. From ink and paper to repairs and maintenance, the cost of these machines can really add up–not to mention the original purchase price.

    If you look at your budget and wonder where all that money is going, it’s time to consider managed print services. With managed print, you’ll enjoy full transparency into your budget–and you’ll get personalized tips and solutions to keep more of that money in the bank.

    #2: Your recycling bin is full of unwanted prints.

    Hey, at least you’re recycling, right?

    The truth is that if you have to get rid of all those documents, you probably didn’t need them in the first place. Managed print services can help you identify when to hit “print” and when a digital data-sharing tool might be the better choice (and eliminate other wasteful habits along the way).

    #3: You never know when you need supplies.

    If you’re always running out of consumables or ordering too many, you know it’s time for managed print.

    That’s because managed print services can help you better understand your print needs–including how much ink, paper, and toner you use. It also allows you to automate supply ordering to make your life that much easier.

    #4: You’d like to hit every office printer with your car.

    Sick of battling your printers? That’s a red flag all on its own.

    Managed print services brings harmony to otherwise-frustrated print environments. It helps you make peace with your printers, giving you the tools and solutions necessary to address issues proactively, minimize downtime, and troubleshoot without wanting to tear your hair out.

    Conclusion

    It’s easy to tell when managed print services is necessary–just take a look at your day-to-day operations and decide if you’ve got print rage. If any of the points above hit a little too close to home, you’ve got your answer.

    Contact us today to learn more about managed print services and start making peace with your printers!

  10. 4 Tips for Choosing a Managed Print Services Provider

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    Wondering how to choose the perfect managed print services provider? You’ve come to the right place! Here are four tips to help you find the right company for your needs–both now and in the future.

     

    Wondering how to choose the perfect managed print services provider? You’ve come to the right place! Here are four tips to help you find the right company for your needs–both now and in the future.

    Managed Print Services Experts

    All providers claim to be managed print services experts–but only a few of them actually live up to that name.

    Unfortunately, honest experts are sometimes difficult to identify. That’s because the fakers have good cover stories and know just how to trick businesses into thinking they’re cutting-edge. Sure, most managed print services providers have decent intentions–but that doesn’t mean they’re capable of protecting, supporting, and empowering your print environment.

    So how do you weed out the impostors?

    Simple: Use these four tips.

    #1: Start with security.

    Print security is a pretty big deal. If a provider doesn’t offer a lot of service or solutions in this regard, don’t waste any more time–they’re not a good fit.

    #2: Do some digging.

    Does the provider have a good online presence? Is their website clear and easy to use? Can you find reviews about their service? Once you answer these questions, keep that information in your back pocket when approaching providers. It should help you make sure they are who they say they are.

    #3: Talk about communication.

    A provider can be perfect in every way–but if they don’t match up with your preferred communication style, they still won’t be the right fit. Take some time to find out how each provider stays in touch with their clients.

    #4: Find out if they’re interested.

    Managed print services is a partnership. If a provider isn’t interested in you–your print environment, needs, challenges, goals, budget, and more–then they probably won’t be capable of providing the personalized service you deserve.

    Conclusion

    To find true managed print services experts, you need to become somewhat of a detective. Look for references, explore their website, and don’t be afraid to ask all of your questions. Remember–this is supposed to be a partnership, not just a business deal.

    If you need help finding that perfect provider, worry no more. Contact us today for all your managed print services needs!