Deciding between managing your printers yourself and using a Managed Print Service (MPS) involves a cost-benefit analysis. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:
Self-Managed/Maintained Printing Costs:
Lower upfront cost: You purchase the printers outright, potentially at a lower initial investment compared to an MPS contract.
Variable costs: You’re responsible for buying toner cartridges, paper, and other consumables. Prices can fluctuate, and you might not get the best bulk discounts.
Maintenance costs: When printers malfunction, you’re responsible for repairs or technician call-outs, which can be expensive depending on the severity of the issue.
IT Staff Time: Your IT staff spends time managing toner levels, ordering supplies, troubleshooting printer issues, and updating drivers. This takes them away from focusing on core IT tasks.
Hidden Costs: Wasted paper due to unnecessary printing, inefficient printer placement, and lack of monitoring can lead to significant hidden costs.
Managed Print Service (MPS) Costs:
Fixed monthly cost: You pay a predictable monthly fee that often covers toner, repairs, maintenance, and sometimes even paper. This makes budgeting easier.
Potential cost savings: MPS providers typically get bulk discounts on toner and parts, which can translate to lower costs for you.
Reduced IT burden: The MPS provider handles most printer-related tasks, freeing up your IT staff for other priorities.
Improved efficiency: MPS providers can analyze your printing habits and suggest ways to optimize printer placement, reduce waste, and implement secure printing protocols.
Up-to-date technology: Some MPS contracts include regular upgrades to newer, more efficient printers.
Choosing the Right Option:
Low print volume: If you have a small office with low printing needs, self-management might be sufficient, especially if you’re budget-conscious upfront.
Limited IT resources: If your IT staff is already stretched thin, an MPS can free up their time and potentially save money in the long run.
Growth plans: If you anticipate significant growth in printing needs, an MPS can help you scale efficiently with minimal upfront investment.
Focus on core business: If your core business doesn’t involve managing printers, an MPS allows you to focus on your core competencies.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Contract terms: Carefully review MPS contract terms, including duration, termination clauses, and any per-page charges.
- Security: Ensure the MPS provider offers robust data security measures, especially if you print sensitive documents.
- Customer service: Choose an MPS provider with a good reputation for customer service and technical support.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons of self-managed printing versus an MPS, and considering your specific printing needs and budget, you can make an informed decision to optimize your printing costs and improve overall efficiency.
