Are you thinking of getting a printer for your office? Before you can proceed to pick a printer model, you have to decide on whether you’d get a single-function or multifunction printer (MFP).
What are these kinds of printers? A single-function printer is a basic device which can only do one thing – print. Meanwhile, an MFP is a device that has print, scan, copy and fax capabilities. This explains why it is also called a 4-in-1 device.
If it is an office printer you need, then an MFP is the best choice. It may cost more than a single-function printer, but it is going to enable you to save in the long run. Using MFPs also offers a lot of benefits which is why it is popular with small and medium enterprises.
Advantages of Buying a Multifunction Printer
Cost Savings
It is cheaper to purchase an MFP as compared to buying multiple devices – printer, copier, scanner and fax machine. Furthermore, the cost of owning a multifunction printer is also more affordable.
To keep them in tiptop condition, these machines need to be regularly maintained. The more devices you have, the higher your maintenance expense would be.
Having an MFP is also more cost-efficient, enabling you to keep your running costs low. Since you are using one device instead of four, you are going to use less electricity which means cheaper energy bills. So, you end up saving money and helping the planet.
Convenience
MFPs grant employees the convenience of doing several tasks using one device. They do not need to move from one device to another to copy and fax documents. They will be able to do their tasks quicker, going from printing to scanning with just a touch of a button.
Ultimately, with a multifunction printer, you can expect a boost in productivity as employees are able to save time and do more.
Space-Saver
Owning multiple devices with different functionalities would require a lot of space. This is not a problem for big organisations, but it is a different case for small and medium enterprises. SMEs typically have limited space in their offices which is why an MFP is the smart choice.
But even if you have ample space, it is still best to get a multifunction printer. The extra space you have can then be used for other important things, i.e. workstations for additional manpower.
Multifunction Printer – Things to Consider When Buying One
There are different kinds of multifunction printers in the market today. It can be overwhelming to choose which one to buy. But knowing the right questions to ask can help you pick the right MFP for your business.
What Are Your Needs?
Different organisations have different printing needs. You have to identify what your requirements are before you even start looking at printers.
Do you need a black & white or colour printer? How many documents do you print in a day? If you print a lot, then you need a device that can print fast and support your print volume. Do you print a handful of confidential documents? If you do, then you have to ensure that you get a machine that has top-notch security features.
What’s Your Budget?
How much are you willing to spend? Answering this question can help narrow down your options. It should be noted, however, that price should not be your primary consideration.
Do not purchase an MFP just because it is cheap. Buy it because it is going to support or speed up operational processes.
It is also important that you take into consideration the total cost of ownership (TCO). This is important because some devices may have a low price, but keeping them operational is expensive. So, make sure you find out the TCO as well as how much you can spend for supplies and maintenance.
These two questions alone can already help you pinpoint which device is best for your company. Alternatively, you can also ask for the help of the dealer’s printer sales specialist. A reputable printer provider should have competent people who can help customers determine which is the right printer for them.
Are you looking for a multifunction printer for your company? Choose from our wide range of Ricoh multifunction printers! Call us on +353 1 4800506 to learn more about our products!
Recent Comments