Helpful tips for choosing the right multifunction printer for your business

Helpful tips for choosing the right multifunction printer for your business

Whether you're working at home or at the office, you're bound to come across documents that need to be printed, copied, and scanned. However, having separate machines to do these operations not only takes up space, but it can also take up too much of your time and affect your productivity. This is why you should consider investing in a multifunctional printer (MFP).

What is a multifunctional printer?
An MFP, also known as an all-in-one printer, incorporates the features of a printer, scanner, and copier. Earlier MFPs allowed users to fax scanned documents, but since fax is not as widely used as it used to be, newer MFPs are eliminating this feature. Aside from printing documents, today’s MFPs lets users browse the internet and even send emails directly from the display panel.

What are the benefits of an MFP?

1. Cost savings
An MFP might be more expensive than a stand-alone printer, scanner, or copier. But since MFPs are designed to perform various operations, they eliminate the need for multiple devices and they also help reduce maintenance costs. Instead of paying for supplies and maintenance services for several machines, you'll only be spending for one.

2. Space savings
A separate printer, scanner, and copier can take up a lot of space, but for an MFP, you only need a small area in your home or office. And since you only need to purchase supplies for a single machine, you get to save on storage space as well.

3. Improved productivity
Since MFPs can complete print jobs faster than standard printers, they can streamline business processes and improve employee productivity. Some MFP models come with features like folding and stapling, eliminating the need to do it manually, which allows you to complete projects faster.

How to choose the right MFP
There is a wide selection of MFPs in the market to choose from, but not all of them are ideal for every business. Here are tips to help you choose the right MFP for your business.

1. Assess your printing needs
First, identify your printing needs. Does your business rely heavily on printing alone, or does it also need a machine with copying and scanning features? For example, if your tasks require a lot of printing and copying and not too much scanning, then you should focus on finding an MFP with high-quality printing and copying capabilities.

2. Evaluate the total cost of ownership
The total cost of ownership refers to the expenses you have to pay for after purchasing the printer. The performance of the printer, maintenance services, and supplies are all factors in the total cost of ownership. For example, some SMBs might think that paying upfront for an inkjet printer is cheaper, but the cost of ink replacement can raise the total cost of ownership in the long run compared to more efficient machines like MFPs.

3. Workflow improvements
Whether you're working at home or at the office, there will be times when you'll need to print, scan, and copy documents simultaneously. In these instances, an MFP capable of multitasking can significantly streamline your workflows and improve your productivity. Review your company's current workflow and see if an MFP can provide any opportunities for improvement.

4. Vendor support services
After-sales support is another key factor when choosing an MFP. Vendors should be committed to providing support services such as maintenance, supplies, and repairs. A less expensive MFP that offers little or no support service will cost you more money in the long run.

5. Product reviews
Product reviews provide you with relevant information about an MFP’s features, quality, reliability, and after-sales support. Reading product reviews is also a good way to see just how satisfied customers are with the product, and if a particular model is highly recommended by printing experts.

If you're looking for a reliable MFP for your remote work or office needs, Complete Document Solutions can help. We have partnerships with leading printer manufacturers like HP and Canon, which means we have an extensive selection of MFPs for you to choose from. Call our team of printer experts today to learn more.

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