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So far Peter Paul has created 262 blog entries.

How Does Managed Print Streamline Your Workflow?

There are so many great benefits associated with managed print services that it can be difficult to keep up with everything. Sometimes it can be helpful to focus on one advantage and study all of the details–so today, we’re taking a close look at how managed print can strengthen, streamline, and improve your workflow (on top of all the other things it does for your business).

A Quick Overview

Before we pull out a magnifying glass and get a close-up look at workflow solutions, it’s helpful to step back and get a quick overview of managed print services as a whole. This solution is so efficient because it was designed to work for any company, but can be specialized for every individual company, too. Essentially, managed print providers allow you to hand off the stress of print environments, high-tech devices, and printing workflows, allowing you to focus on what really matters–and meanwhile, the experts will be solving problems and streamlining processes for you.

Focusing on Workflows

Here’s a close-up look at how managed print can streamline your workflows!

  • Step 1: Cut out unnecessary steps.

Unnecessary steps can weigh down your workflow and make it inefficient, frustrating, and confusing. Managed print helps you consolidate your steps, simplify your tasks, and better utilize your machines, all with the goal of making workflows simpler and stronger.

  • Step 2: Perfect the fleet.

Your printer fleet is a huge variable in your print success. Managed print can help you identify your goals, analyze your needs, and make changes to your fleet–from upgrading devices, eliminating extra machines, or physically rearranging the printers–so that your workflow is as efficient as possible.

  • Step 3: Keep track of your habits.

Managed print makes use of your habits, both the good ones and the bad ones, to find where you’re doing great and where you need some improvement. It’s this kind of personalized attention that […]

2024-04-03T08:04:11+00:00

What You Need to Know About Printer Service Contracts

Taking good care of your printers should always be a priority, but when service contracts are involved, many companies get a little nervous. Not to worry–today we’ll help demystify the good old service contract and help you make sure your printers are getting the best possible care!

Happy Printers, Happy Businesses

Many businesses don’t stop to really think about their loyal printers. These hardworking devices are part of just about everything, from internal communication to customer service to marketing–which means that it’s absolutely crucial to take good care of them. After all, if your printers are getting regular maintenance, they’ll last longer, work better, and be more efficient–and that means you won’t have to pay for repairs or upgrades for awhile. With that said, many businesses also have to deal with service contracts before they can even consider “happy printers,” so it’s important to understand the details.

What To Know

Here are a few quick tips about service contracts on your printers!

  • #1: Speak the language.

You probably expect that most service contracts are going to have some legal jargon, but you also need to speak the language of printers and copiers. For example, did you know that, in the service contract world, a “click” refers to a printed image? (Single-sided prints are one “click,” and double-sided prints are two.)

  • #2: Understand your company’s habits.

Since you’ll likely be paying for a minimum number of “clicks” whether you print that much or not, it helps to know ahead of time about how much your company prints every month. Some guesswork is expected, but try to get as close as possible.

  • #3: Know what to expect.

Service contracts can cover different things. Make sure yours includes everything you’ll need, from toner cartridges to drums to regular maintenance, and always read the fine print.

Taking good care of your printers doesn’t have to be a challenge, […]

2024-04-08T11:54:28+00:00Tags: |

Copier Dealer Tips: Navigating a Lease

In general, copier dealers should be on your side. They want you to succeed so they can succeed–but they also rely on leases to do their business, and, of course, the language of a copier lease can be infamously tricky. That’s why we’re bringing you a few quick tips to help navigate your lease and work more efficiently with your copier dealer!

The Right Call

Leasing your company’s copiers is “the right call” for so many reasons. It allows you a little more financial flexibility, it provides new opportunities for upgrading your devices, and it puts you in charge in ways that buying just can’t match–like, for example, being able to return equipment when you’re done with it rather than selling it or trading it in. With that said, however, it’s important that you and your copier dealer are speaking the same language when it comes to leases–and while that can be a little daunting, it’s helpful to focus on these simple things.

#1: HOW LONG IS THE LEASE?

Different leases cover different periods of time, and it’s important that you know exactly what you’re signing up for. (You can’t opt out of a two-year lease after six months, for example.) Just be sure to choose the period of time that’s best for your business!

#2: WHAT IS THE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT?

Another important thing to focus on is how much you’re paying and how often. You could be paying monthly or quarterly–and depending on your company’s needs, one arrangement might be better than another.

#3: CAN THE EQUIPMENT BE UPGRADED?

Equipment upgrade agreements make it much easier to decide on one copier even if you’re not sure it’ll be the right make and model for your business in the long-term. Many copier dealers will help you plan an upgrade option if necessary.

Navigating a lease doesn’t have to be a hassle. For more […]

2024-04-08T14:10:24+00:00Tags: |

TLC for Your Multifunction Copiers

Taking care of your multifunction copiers isn’t just smart–it’s also the best way to make sure that these hardworking machines will stay efficient and trustworthy for years to come. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know just what the machine needs–so here are a few copier care tips you can try out today!

Protecting Your Multifunction Copier

Multifunction copiers have become a critical part of countless businesses. They help communications run smoothly, improve customer service, help create brands, and generally keep workflows healthy and functional–so it makes sense that copier care should be a top priority. A little bit of regular maintenance will help protect your multifunction copier from general wear and tear, but it will also help keep it in tip-top shape so that you never lose out on any of the efficiency you’ve come to expect from these machines.

Here are a few simple ways to show your multifunction copier some TLC:

  • Use the right paper.

Some copiers can only use certain kinds of paper, and almost every make and model will protest to low-quality paper. Remember, paying a little bit more for higher-quality paper (and taking good care of it by storing it in a clean, dry place) will be cheaper in the long run because it won’t damage your multifunction copier.

  • Handle with care.

Multifunction copiers aren’t exactly delicate, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. It’s important to handle your copier with care at all times–for example, don’t press buttons multiple times when the machine is trying to boot up, don’t open the machine too roughly, and make sure to fix paper jams in the recommended ways rather than tearing or pulling.

  • Keep it clean.

Keeping your copier clean is a simple, painless way to make sure it lasts longer. Just do a little bit of regular maintenance–like cleaning the exterior, the glass, and the trays–and […]

2024-04-03T07:56:23+00:00

How to Choose The Perfect Managed Print Provider

How do you choose the perfect managed print provider? It’s not always easy, especially when there are so many variables to consider–but luckily, there are a few tips that can make the process a whole lot easier. Let’s take a look!

Getting Started

The first and most important step in choosing a managed print provider is understanding your own needs and goals. Your business is unique, and you’re the one who knows it best–so, before you can decide which provider is right for you, you’ll need to be able to communicate exactly what you’re looking for (and what you’re hoping for, too).

Once you’ve done a little self-reflection, it’s time to get started. Here’s how to choose the perfect managed print provider!

Step 1: Let them assess your print environment.

A managed print assessment can tell you a lot about what’s going on in your workflows and printer fleet, but it can tell you more about the managed print provider. What are their values? How interested are they in learning the specifics about your unique company? This is a good way to get a feel for each provider’s style.

Step 2: Do your homework.

Understand what you’re expecting from your perfect provider match, and then ask those questions. Do they offer remote monitoring? How quickly do they answer calls? What are their security procedures, and how do they plan on protecting your printers and data?

Step 3: Make sure they can keep up.

A managed print provider who understands where you are now also needs to be able to keep up with where you’ll be later. If they don’t offer solutions that can scale up or down as necessary, they’re not the right fit for your business.

Want to know more about choosing the perfect managed print provider? Contact us today!

2024-04-03T07:54:07+00:00

Printing Hacks: Automatic Meter Reads for Printers

Printing is a crucial part of your business, but it shouldn’t be all about saving time, money, and energy. In order to successfully manage your printer fleet and remain effective, efficient, and productive, you need to rely on one thing: precision. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you automate meter reads for your printers–and today, we’ll explain why.

Don’t Skip the Meter Reads

When it comes to office equipment like printers, copiers, and scanners, you can’t always be an expert. In fact, you’ve probably learned enough about your printers to keep them in good working order, but have yet to discover every little thing they can do for you–and, chances are, you still skip important things like meter reads every once in awhile. The truth is that, in order to maintain a reliable, high-quality fleet, it’s critical to get timely and precise information from your meter reads. If you don’t, you’re essentially missing out on a chance to solve any potential problems before they arise.

With that said, getting perfect meter reads can be a pain–so that’s why it’s best to turn to automation. When you automate meter reads for your printers, you can count on:

  • More accuracy

When you have a large or spread-out printer fleet, it can be easy to get inaccurate information or to treat printers differently. By automating your meter reads, you guarantee that every printer–no matter the make, model, or location–gets maintenance, repairs, and consumables right on time, without any extra stress.

  • Less wasted time and money

Let’s face it: getting meter reads isn’t the easiest or most enjoyable job. It takes time, it has a large margin for human error, and, often, it wastes money. Luckily, when you automate your meter reads, you don’t have to spend all that time walking from one printer to the next.

  • Helpful information

Automated meter reads let you know […]

2024-04-08T11:53:11+00:00Tags: |

Why Are Good Copier Dealers so Important?

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the ideal copier environment, but one thing that many companies overlook is the type of dealer they use. Copier dealers can make or break your success in lots of ways–but what makes them so important? Let’s find out!

Start at the Copier

To understand why copier dealers are such a critical part of your company’s success, we need to start with the copiers themselves. Copying likely still plays a role in everything you do, from communicating with your customers to building your brand–so it makes sense that every copier-related choice you make is going to have a big impact. Take, for example, the make and model of your copier fleet, the security protocols you have in place, and the type of consumables you use. It all contributes to a good copy experience–but copier dealers are involved in all that and more, especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Healthy copiers are happy copiers, and happy copiers don’t waste time, money, or manpower.

Here are a few signs that it might be time to choose a new copier dealer:

  • #1: You’re not getting the most out of your copiers.

If you feel like you and your machines aren’t a good fit, the real problem might be your copier dealer. Good copier dealers are so important because they’re supposed to play matchmaker and help you identify the right devices for your unique needs.

  • #2: You’re experiencing a lot of downtime.

Copier downtime can be both expensive and frustrating. If you can’t get in contact with your dealer or they don’t sufficiently fix the problem, you can experience a lot of downtime–which means losing a lot of time and money.

  • #3: You’re worried about the cost.

Good […]

2024-04-08T14:09:49+00:00Tags: |

Multifunction Copiers: the Truth About Repairs

Technology is infamous for failing just when you need it the most. Luckily, multifunction copiers don’t often leave you stranded–but when they start needing repairs more and more often, it’s time to ask yourself whether it’s “worth it.” Today, we’ll explain the truth about repairs and help you make the final decision.

Repairing Multifunction Copiers

The good news about multifunction copiers is that, with regular maintenance and careful care, these machines will generally last a long time. However, even the best machines become old, outdated, or damaged, and when repairs start becoming an issue, many companies wonder if upgrading is actually the better option. It can be a difficult decision to make since upgrading does come with plenty of benefits but requires you to pay the upfront costs for a new machine.

If you’re struggling to make this decision, here are some things to consider about repairs.

  • The price of repairs
    Most multifunction copiers will need a repair or two over their lifetime, but when those repairs become a common occurrence, your budget will start to suffer. Constant repairs, especially for older machines, are expensive–and they might not be worth it if you decide to upgrade in the end anyway.
  • The long-term logic
    Sometimes, deciding whether repairs are “worth it” comes down to your unique needs. Do you need this copier to last a little bit longer, or would it make more sense to upgrade right now and dodge the compatibility issues that come with having an older machine? This all depends on what your workflows look like and what your needs are.
  • The downtime
    Repairs require copier downtime–it’s just a fact of life. When repairs start interrupting your workflows, though, it’s time to ask yourself whether you’d be better off just paying for a new multifunction copier that’s up more than it’s down!

So, are you going to repair your multifunction copiers, or is […]

2024-04-03T07:47:02+00:00

What to Remember About Managed Print

In today’s day and age, information is so readily available that it’s easy to forget the important stuff. This is especially true when it comes to researching business solutions like managed print. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to remember about managed print, so that you can focus on the takeaways that are going to impact your company the most. Let’s get started!

The Important Stuff

There are so many benefits of managed print that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The truth is, while it’s important to know all the details, managed print has a few big benefits that you should always remember when thinking about or discussing this great solution–so let’s take a closer look.

#1: THE PRINT ASSESSMENT

The first big, important takeaway from your managed print research should always be the print assessment. Managed print helps you analyze your print environment so that you understand what you’re doing right, where you need improvement, and where your biggest weaknesses are.

#2: DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS

Managed print is a unique solution in that it can handle day-to-day operations as well as big-picture stuff. The important thing to remember here is that you can trust managed print to be part of your daily routine, helping to streamline workflows and improve processes.

#3: SECURITY BOOSTS

The third takeaway is that managed print prioritizes security. Whether you have a million printers or just one, it’s important to understand the way your machines interact with each other and with your network so that you can be as secure as possible–and with managed print, you’ll have a partner to help you find and eliminate issues before they become risks.

These are the most important things to remember about managed print, but there’s always more to learn. Contact us today to find out what managed print can do for you! […]

2024-04-03T07:45:29+00:00

How to Put Your Printers to Work For You

Do you ever have days where it feels like you work for your printers? Although printers do need a little bit of care and regular maintenance, they shouldn’t be adding stress to your workplace. Here are a few ways to start putting your printers to work for you and achieving higher levels of security and efficiency!

An Orderly Fleet

No matter what your printer fleet looks like, from the humblest single-function machines to the most powerful multifunction devices, you must be able to rely on every machine. In order to do that, you have to know the machines inside and out. What are their main features, and what extra functions do they come with? What paper works best? What is the best way to connect them to your network and mobile devices? Once you’ve learned these things about your fleet, it’s easy to take that information and put your printers to work for you. Let’s get started!

STEP 1: CUSTOMIZE.

The first thing you can do to put your printers to work for you instead of the other way around is to customize the user experience. You can change what shows up on the touch screen, get rid of options you never use, and streamline the processes you rely on most often. Work smarter, not harder!

STEP 2: IMPROVE SECURITY.

If your printers have got you worried about security at every turn, then you have your work cut out for you. All you need to do is focus on improving printer security–including mobile devices, network connections, and good printing habits–so that you can rest easy.

STEP 3: ADD SOME CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.

Now that you’ve got your fleet under tighter management, it’s time to reap the rewards. Start by implementing some creative solutions like mobile printing. You can boost efficiency, minimize waste, and better serve your customers–all thanks to a […]

2024-04-08T11:38:15+00:00Tags: |
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