Multifunctional printers have become increasingly popular, especially in smaller organizations, where technology investments and desk space must be maximized.
Now, let’s look into what exactly is a multifunction printer.
What Is A Multifunctional Printer?
As the name suggests, a multifunctional printer is a device with various functions like printing, copying, scanning, and faxing into one machine. For budget-minded businesses that want to consolidate assets, reduce costs and improve workflow, multifunctional printers are a common choice.
However, when researching and selecting a multifunctional or all-in-one printer, the countless models, features, and functions can prove bewildering. When making a purchase decision, there’s much to think about, from features — such as flat-bed scanners and resolution — to functionality — printing, copying, scanning, and faxing.
Consider these 10 things when you’re buying a multifunctional printer.
1. Brand Reputation
While looking for a multifunctional printer, pick a reputed brand. Like any other product, there are a lot of brands available. Therefore you must research in depth before choosing a brand. Choose brands with a strong reputation for quality products.
2. What is the monthly workload of the printer?
The term duty cycle is often heard when buying a new office printer. It refers to the number of pages a printer can realistically handle throughout a month of work. The unknown printer must be ready to take on the monthly print volume of a fast-paced office, in addition to pages per minute.
3. Laser or Inkjet?
This is a common concern that unavoidably comes up when shopping for a new office space printer. Each type of printer has its strengths and disadvantages. Generally, if a company is mainly printing files and aiming to lower cartridge replacement expenses, they should choose a multifunction laser printer
However, a laser might be a much better option as they are faster than inkjet and are best for large requirements at the office.
4. Can Services be Connected?
Many business organizations make use of different services to help handle workflow processes. Is it possible to link these services using the new multifunction printer and simplify workflows?
Look for compatibility with the leading cloud storage services and other essential services utilized frequently within the department.
5. How Fast Should a Printer be?
The selected multifunction printer’s pages per minute (ppm) are a significant feature. Some printers are designed for low to medium-volume printing, while others are made to keep up with high-volume users.
Group leaders must consider their group’s usage patterns and search for a printer that can fulfill their needs.
6. How Does the Multifunction Printer Integrate with a Network?
The last thing companies wish to do when setting up a brand-new workplace printer is completely change the network infrastructure to fit it. Instead, printers must match the existing network setup, so there is no wasted time or cost.
Companies should be able to deploy the new printer and quickly set up any essential monitoring services.
7. Can Printers Connect with Other Devices?
Most companies are long past the age when printers simply had to connect with computer systems on the network to do their job. Now, team members need to be able to print from their smartphones and tablets. Linking and making use of these gadgets should be quick as well as very easy.
As soon as the devices are connected, employees will undoubtedly be able to print from any device, no matter where they are—no need to disturb productivity to print.
8. Find Out the Scanner Quality
Resolutions are not just for New Year’s. When scanning documents, the resolution at which papers are scanned can make a big difference in how it looks and how the scanned pictures will be utilized.
A standard scanner developed into a multifunction printer might be suitable for text documents. Nevertheless, a high-resolution scanner could be the preferable option if users are scanning detailed images they need to print or display.
9. Determine the Level of Protection Required
Data security requirements may be more strict than other companies depending on the business and the kind of information processed. Make sure that a new office printer fulfills not only company printing needs but also its security needs.
10. Understand the Total Expense of Ownership
The initial price tag is not the only expense included with new small business printers. There are added maintenance and material costs that can add up with time. A rock-bottom price tag may not look that fantastic after a few years.
Look at the total cost of ownership over many years– including essential maintenance and replacement– to obtain a sense of how much the printer will cost.
Trojan Technologies assures premium products to its customers and guides them through the buying process to ensure they get the right model for their needs.