What Should I Look For In A Managed Print Service?

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What Should I Look For In A Managed Print Service? It’s not surprising, then, that nearly half of all businesses want to increase their use of managed print programmes. However, not all Print as a Service providers are the same. So what should you look for when examining managed print services companies? Will they help determine your printing needs? If a company comes in and immediately proposes a complex print solution or starts suggesting equipment upgrades before truly understanding what you print and why you print it, they may not be acting in your best interests. A mature MPS company, on the other hand, begins by establishing your baseline of what you print today. Will they help establish a total cost of ownership? An MPS company worth their salt will not only assist you in determining what you have and how you use it, but they will also assist you in determining how much you are paying for it. Printers, toner, repairs… it all has a cost, whether you’ve been tracking it or not. A good MPS company can show you the total cost of toner, the depreciation of your devices, and even the time and energy expended by your IT department, so you know exactly how much it costs you every time you click “File, Print.” Will they leverage your current print fleet? You’ve already purchased desktop printers. If an office technology company’s first pitch is to replace your current fleet with brand new devices from their showroom, chances are they are more interested in selling you new equipment than in efficiently managing your print. A good MPS company will work within your existing environment rather than attempting to fix what isn’t broken. Do they have a proactive approach to service and supply? Check not only whether a potential MPS provider can provide service and supplies, but also their philosophy. Is same-day or next-day service available? Do they proactively monitor your fleet’s toner levels and send toner before you run out? Do they conduct quarterly fleet assessments to determine whether you could improve your efficiency? A proactive approach ensures that your fleet runs smoothly without consuming IT’s time. Can they build a custom pricing solution to fit your fleet? No two printer fleets are alike, and no two businesses have the same print footprint.So why would you accept a managed print services company’s one-size-fits-all pricing? Check to see if your prospective MPS provider provides both cost-per-page and flat-rate pricing for the printers they support… and, more importantly, ensure that they take the time to determine which solution is best for your organisation. Do they have a replacement solution? When properly maintained, a desktop printer can last a long time. However, they, like any other piece of technology, have the potential to fail. Look for an MPS programme that can provide you with peace of mind for your devices and a replacement unit if a desktop device is beyond repair. A replacement programme is an excellent way to avoid the expense and inconvenience of purchasing new and unnecessary devices. A good MPS provider will be able to provide replacements for the devices they sell; a great one will be able to provide replacements for all qualifying devices supported.

What are Managed Print Services, and How Does MPS Work?

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You’ve probably heard of Software as a Service. Businesses are increasingly discovering that it is more cost-effective to hire platforms such as software as a managed service, with a monthly cost of operation, than it is to purchase and maintain that technology in-house. SaaS applications range from email and CRM to storage and cybersecurity services.   However, not all aspects of your business can be handled digitally. Many aspects of your business still require paper, and where there is paper, there are printers. So, if you can sign up for Software as a Service, can you also sign up for a print service? Yes, and you might be surprised at how cost-effectively managed The answer is yes, and you may be surprised at just how cost-effective managed print services can be for your business. How Do Managed Print Services (MPS) Work? Understanding the difference between in-house printing and the MPS model is critical for understanding the value of a managed print application. In-House Printing: What Usually Happens Stop me if you’ve heard this one: a small business owner or IT director walks into a big box store or does some online bargain hunting and purchases a fleet of desktop printers. They buy whatever is cheapest, and the printers are overworked.   When toner is needed for the printers, a purchaser orders it from another big box office supply store. Nobody cares about how much it costs… It is, after all, just toner. It is required by the printers. What plan do you have? What happens if a printer fails? That’s time and energy taken away from more important tasks by the IT department. And if they can’t figure out how to fix it… You could find a repairman, but why bother when you can return to that big box store and purchase a replacement for less than $200? So desktop printers are treated as a disposable asset, and the supply and maintenance of the print fleet is handled entirely by internal company departments. The costs are not being tracked or managed. The Managed Print Difference Managed Print, on the other hand, is a comprehensive solution designed to relieve you of the day-to-day maintenance of all your print devices. When printers fail, a service technician is dispatched to repair them. Parts, labour, and toner are all included. Fleets are organised to maximise efficiency. There was no time taken from the IT or purchasing departments. And all of it is available at a reliable, budgetable monthly fee. Is Print as a Service Really Affordable? That monthly fee might be reliable, but is it affordable? At first blush, it may seem strange to think that a service that streamlines your process and adds convenience could actually be a cost-savings measure, too. Since when can you get more, and pay less? The answer comes down to efficiency. Why are print costs so high? Because desktop printers are, traditionally, not very efficient. Toner is expensive, especially when you’re buying toner that’s provided by the original manufacturer. And companies have treated desktop printers as disposable, so they incur replacement costs that aren’t necessary. Thorough and mature managed print services companies, on the other hand, will offer comprehensive Print as a Service. Service that can efficiently fix a printer that would otherwise be thrown away. Service that can provide high-quality toner at a lower cost than most big box office supply stores. Service that can provide a great overall strategy for your print environment to help lower your overall cost per page printed. Customers are often surprised by how much their inefficient desktop print fleet is costing them, (in some cases, it can account for 1% to 3% of a company’s revenue,) and how much of a difference it makes to take a managed approach.

The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2027

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In contrast to competing analogue processes, inkjet is expected to grow rapidly, with a global market worth $86.8 billion in 2022. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2022 to 2027, this value will reach $128.9 billion in 2027. While inkjet is well established in some low-volume applications, faster presses mean that it is becoming more cost-competitive for longer print runs, even as many customers’ print purchasing strategies have changed. This is reflected in the volume of inkjet prints, which will increase from 1.0 trillion A4 print equivalents in 2022 to 1.7 trillion in 2027, representing a 10.0% CAGR from 2022 to 2027. The greatest expansion will come in packaging applications with installations of the latest dedicated presses for corrugated, cartonboard and flexible substrates. Inkjet is also broadening its market with double-digit growth forecast across the same period in commercial print, books, catalogues, magazines and directories. As the technology suite for inkjet improves it is increasingly pushing electrophotography (toner) print out of several core markets. Smithers’ extensive market data is combined with a critical examination of the technological developments that will shape and support the future evolution of inkjet printing: -The speed and resolution of presses will continue to improve. Over the next five years, the 200m/min presses and printheads with 1200dpi in 2022 will be upgraded to a standard of 300m/min and 2400dpi in 2027. Greater integration of robotics using smart monitoring to minimise downtime and improved precision in direct-to-object print will benefit the segment. -This output will be available in a broader range of press formats, including larger format sheet-fed machines capable of producing up to 10,000 A4 impressions per hour. -As inkjet technology spreads, ink prices will fall from their current high. An expanded range of UV-curing and water-based inks, as well as the steady evolution of more specialised whites, metallic effects, fluorescents, varnishes, and security inks, will support the market.The introduction of new embellishment and tactile finishes will allow for further diversification into segments such as home décor, transportation, garments, and other textile applications. -Digital print will become price competitive with analogue on all but the longest commissions as inkjet prices fall and higher throughput equipment is installed. -The market is benefiting from technological advances that allow inkjet to print on standard paperboard substrates with quality that is already approaching offset litho at the top of the market. Inkjet print rooms will benefit from systems that provide real-time comparison to digital masters to deliver defect-free print runs until 2027, as well as better integration with more finishing options. -Inkjet, as a digital-native technology, is best positioned to integrate with online sales and maintenance, making it a strong fit for post-Covid boom segments like e-commerce packaging. It is also more user-friendly for new users, which contributes to the skills shortage that is currently afflicting many print rooms. These – along with complimentary market trends – are examined in-depth in the new Smithers study The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2027. Its comprehensive market data forecasts are presented in over 250 data tables and figures, segmenting this dynamic sector by: End-use application (Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Directories, Catalogues, Advertising Print, Commercial Print, Photobooks, Transactional print, Security print, Graphics, Labels, Packaging, and eight functional/industrial print markets); Ink type (Solvent, Water-based, Radcure, Other); The authoritative technical and market guide is available to purchase now, priced $6,750 (€5,950, £4,950).

How-To Find The Best Office Copiers: Your 5-Step Guide

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Purchasing an office copier is similar to purchasing a new car. You want to find something with the right combination of features, power, and efficiency to get the job done while also providing a little something extra.   The comparison does not end there. When looking for an office copier, you have a lot of options, just like when shopping for a car. This five-step guide will point you in the right direction if you want to know how to find the best office copiers.   We’re here to assist you in selecting a printer that will meet the needs of your office while also making your job easier. Five Steps to Finding the Best Office Copier As you go through the five steps for finding the right copier, you’ll notice that selecting the right dealer is emphasised. Unlike car dealerships, which only sell one brand of vehicle, authorised copier dealers sell models from a variety of manufacturers.   A knowledgeable and experienced dealer makes it simple to locate the best machine for your small business. Keep that in mind as you go through the list.  Step 1: Go Beyond The Brand Names You’re Familiar With When shopping for an office copier, don’t become fixated on a single brand and disregard all other options. Limiting yourself to one brand may lead to overspending on a machine that does not meet the needs of your office.   Furthermore, you may end up purchasing an office copier that breaks down frequently, causing you to spend more money on maintenance than your budget allows. Shop with an open mind instead. It is critical to understand that different brands produce office copiers that can do everything.   A Multifunction Printer (MFP) from a variety of manufacturers (including Kyocera, Sharp, and Lexmark) can: Copy Print Scan Fax Download Email Furthermore, various offerings include additional features and add-ons. With the right machine, you can connect wirelessly, print from the cloud, edit images, and save energy.   Furthermore, most machines nowadays have advanced security features to protect your data and reputation. However, if you only consider offerings from one brand, you may miss out on the copier features and functions you require (or overpay for them). Step 2: Come Up With a BudgetSet a budget before shopping for an MFP or copier. Find out how much you can spend by speaking with the person in charge of expenses. Remember that the cost of the copier is only one of the expenses. You should also consider the cost of: Installation Maintenance Supplies RepairsSome local suppliers charge separate fees for each aspect of purchasing and maintaining a machine, while others combine the costs. When speaking with the provider, you can learn how the company prices its devices and services. Step 3: Ask the Right Questions When Choosing a SupplierThe supplier of your office copiers is just as important as the machine itself. To run an efficient office, you need a company that can manage your printing needs.   Make a list of potential office copier suppliers first. Then, ask some questions to the suppliers. Be sure to ask questions, such as: On average, how quickly do you respond to service calls? What office copier features do I need for my office? Which copiers can keep up with the printing volume at my office? How many pages per minute do your machines provide? Do you provide remote monitoring? Does your company keep parts in supply for maintenance and repairs? Are most service calls completed in one visit, or do you need two or -more to get the job done? Do you charge a single price, or will I need to pay for installation,maintenance, and repairs separately? Which office copier do you recommend? When you have the answers to these questions, it will be clear which local office copier partner will meet your needs and expectations. Step 4: Check References, Reviews, and AwardsAfter getting recommendations for office copiers, do some independent research. Look up the machine’s make and model and read online reviews. Then you can learn how the devices have fared for other business owners.   The next step is to conduct research on the service provider. Check to see if the company has received any awards or accolades. Check the client retention rate as well. If the rate is high, it indicates that people are satisfied with both the office copiers and the service. Finally, determine whether the company is a PROs Elite 100 Dealer. PROs Elite 100 certification is held by only 100 office imaging dealers in the country. These dealers have demonstrated a dedication to training and providing the best possible customer service. They are still audited to ensure that they provide excellent service. When you choose a company with this distinction, you can be confident that it is among the best in the country. Step 5: Visit Vendors Face-to-FaceYou most likely have two or three providers who have piqued your interest after doing some research. It is now time to meet with them in person to determine which one is the best fit for your company. During your visits, evaluate each company on its: Certifications of technicians Professionalism Number of locations since multiple offices make it easier to deliver products and support. Spend some time running the models as well. You should be able to try out a product before purchasing it. It’s not a good fit if a company has a “look but don’t touch” policy.

How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer

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After extended use, laser printers eventually run out of toner. Being able to replace them quickly and correctly allows you to return to work sooner. Follow these steps to learn how to replace a toner cartridge in a laser printer. 1. To access the toner cartridges, open the printer door. 2. Pull the drum assembly out of the printer by pulling straight out. 3. Press the release lever on the drum assembly to remove the spent cartridge. 4. Remove the new cartridge from the box, but keep it in its original plastic packaging. Toner can settle in the toner drum during shipping, resulting in poor-quality copies. To avoid this issue, gently shake the cartridge. This aids in the complete distribution of toner throughout the cartridge. 5. Take the new cartridge out of its packaging and remove the sealing tape. -Take care not to touch the imaging drum on the bottom of the toner cartridge while doing so. Smudges on the drum can degrade print quality. 6. Insert the replacement cartridge. It should snap securely into place. 7. Back and forth on the drum cleaning lever. 8. Replace the drum assembly and close the printer’s access port. 9. Your printer is ready to be used.Create a test page. Your computer will automatically detect the installation of a new cartridge. Most computers will prompt you to print a test page to ensure that the new cartridge works properly. Select “OK.” The computer will scan the printer settings before printing a page.

What is the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?

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Before purchasing a printer in Malaysia, consider the differences between laser printers and inkjet printers. 1. FunctionalityThe main distinction between laser and ink printers is the type of cartridges used by each. Laser printers use toner cartridges, whereas inkjet printers use ink cartridges.   A laser printer uses an electrical charge to control where and when toner is sprayed onto paper. Inkjet printer technology, on the other hand, is a little more basic, as ink is dispensed as the cartridge travels across the page. 2. CostsThere are several costs involved in selecting the best printer for your needs. A laser printer’s initial investment can be significantly higher than that of an ink printer, with laser printers being the more expensive option.   The cost of purchasing and replacing cartridges should also be considered. Replacement toner cartridges are frequently more expensive. Although ink cartridges are less expensive, they may need to be replaced more frequently. In the long run, this may increase your costs. Purchasing remanufactured cartridges is another way to save money. 3. SpaceIf your printing station is in a small space, an inkjet printer may be the best solution. Inkjet printers are compact enough to be placed on a desk or shelf. They are also much more portable if you intend to change your printing station in the future.   Laser printers, on the other hand, are typically larger and may necessitate their own dedicated space. 4. SpeedLaser printers with toner cartridges print faster than inkjet printers. Once again, the printer’s operation determines its speed. Inkjet printers are slower because they require more frequent paper reloading, further slowing down the printing process.   Printing a large number of pages at once, for example, may be difficult, whereas the capability of a laser printer allows for larger print jobs. 5. QualityWhen it comes to print quality, a laser printer and a toner cartridge will produce better results. The accuracy of a laser printer is difficult to match with that of an inkjet printer.   While the ink is still wet in an inkjet printer, the paper may be more prone to smudging or deterioration. (The Bottom Line)Although both print technologies have a place in homes and offices, one is more likely to meet your needs.   When it comes to inkjet versus laser printers, it all comes down to what you want to achieve and which technology is best suited to your needs.

Here’s a helpful tip that can help your company ave money, paper and the environment by printing on both sides!

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It really is that simple! This is how you do it. Set defaults on computers 1. Make double-sided printing the default setting. Only print one-sided when absolutely necessary. 2. Print double-sided bills, applications, licences, and other paper-intensive documents. 3. If your printer cannot print double-sided, check to see if it can be fitted with a duplexing unit. 4. When a print command is issued, display “rethink” messages on the screen. Change your computer’s default settings so that you can put more text on each page. 1. In MS Word, go to “File”, then “Page Setup”. Then click “Reduce Margins” to reduce your margins to lower numbers. You could save up to 14% on paper when compared to the default settings! 2. When printing, reduce the font size to 10 points in order to save paper. Post in-house reminders about efficient paper use near the copy machine and/or each workstation 1.When copying or printing, use both sides of the sheet of paper. 2.Use the “Print Selection” function to print only the pages you require. 3.For archival purposes and where possible, print documents 2-UP or 4-UP per page. Customized software can improve your printer’s document-per-page capabilities. 4.Minimize margins. 5.To avoid copying errors, use the print preview function before printing any word or excel document. 6.Reduce the number of pages printed by using a small font size. 7.Utilize efficient fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial. These fonts take up a lot less room. Making these changes will have a significant impact on your company’s bottom line. You will not only save money by reducing the amount of paper used by your copiers, but you will also help to reduce waste. Millions of individual pieces of paper are discarded each year.Many are only used once. Using this guide can help you save up to 50% on copier machine costs and waste.

5 common Copier Machine Problem And Resolutions

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1. LINES ON PAPER When you copy a piece of paper with simple text or images and your finished copy contains streaks, lines or other deformities, there’s an issue with the copier. There are multiple reasons this issue can occur, so finding a solution can require a bit of photocopier troubleshooting. Potential sources for this copy machine problem include: Foreign substances on the scanner glass or mirrorsDrum or developer unit malfunction (only applies to multi-component copier systems)Drum-blade malfunction, resulting in large lines vertically down the pageIssue with fusersThe first issue is resolved through removing interference and cleaning the scanner glass and mirrors. See your device’s user manual for proper cleaning instructions. The remaining issues can be remedied by replacing the unit causing the issue. These issues should be addressed by contacting your service provider. 2. CARTRIDGE OR TONER ISSUES Low, Empty or Malfunctioning Toner Cartridges can cause issues within your photo copier machine. If toner or cartridges are low or empty, should replace or repair the issue. If a cartridge is malfunctioning, it’s likely due to either one of the things: Manufacturer Error – bring a copy of poor quality copies and the cartridge to the place of purchase and request for the replacement. Incompatibility Issues – most photo copier machines require specific toner, if you try and use an incompatible cartridge, your print quality will suffer. 3. WRINKLED PAGES Wrinkled pages are often the result of drawn feed and exit rollers that cause sticking or jamming. But, drawn paper trays or moisture caused by humidity and fuse erection can also lead to wrinkled pages. If paper stock is remark damaged for any reason, do not use it. For issues with paper trays, you can purchase for the replacements. However, fixing the fuse assembly and feed rollers requires the assistance of a technician. 4. COPIES ARE TOO LIGHT OR TOO DARK The majority of issues with lightness and darkness of copy pages is the result of an imbalance in the density controls on the photo copier. Someone may have accidentally altered the settings previously, making following images copied too light or too dark. In this case, resetting the density levels is the best solution. It’s also possible, that the drum could be reaching the end of its work life, or the toner in the machine has gone bad. Some merchandise toners are not up to manufacturer codes and can result in light density issues. 5. SPOTS ON THE PAGE This photo copier machine problem consists of some random arrays of dots marring or otherwise it will be perfect copy. If you notice the dots in the same place every time, it is likely an issue of mark or scrap on the copy mirror or glass. Once again, this can be remedied by properly cleaning off the glass and mirrors. A more random array of spots repeated throughout the document could be a flaw in the drum. Replacing drums should fix the issue.

How to Fix Double Letters in a Printout

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Print heads, which are attached to the ink or toner cartridge inside your printer, control where and how ink or toner is deposited on printed pages. Depending on the model of your device, when you print a coloured page, the print head will need to pass over the page multiple times to apply each colour separately. However, if the print heads are misaligned vertically or horizontally, the printer may unintentionally print the same letters or characters side by side. The print heads can be adjusted in Windows or from the printer’s control panel.   Epson 1.Press “Windows-W” to open the Settings pane, and then type “printers” into the search field.   2.From the results, select “Devices and Printers,” and then right-click your device under Printers and Faxes.   3.Select “Printing Preferences” from the context menu, and then select the “Maintenance” tab.   4.Click the “Head Cleaning” button, and then at the prompt, click “Start” to clean the print head nozzles.   5.When the process is finished, click “Finish” to return to the Maintenance tab.   6.Click the “Print Head Alignment” button, and then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the wizard.   HP 1.Open the Apps screen by pressing “Windows-Q,” then type “HP” into the search box.   2.Open HP Solution Center by selecting your printer from the list, and then click “Settings.”   3.Select “Printer Toolbox” from Print Settings, and then click “Align the Print Cartridges” on the Device Services tab.   4.Click “Print Page,” and then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the wizard.   Brother1.Press “Ink” on the printer’s control panel, or press “Settings,” and then press “Ink.”   2.Using the cursor buttons, choose “Test Print,” then press “OK.” Select “Alignment,” and then press “OK” to print an alignment sheet.   3.Review the printout to locate the patterns with the least visible stripes or banding in rows A, B, C and D. Starting with row A, use the control panel’s up and down arrow keys to select the best pattern, then press “OK.”   4.Repeat the previous step for rows B, C and D, and then press “Home” to return to the main screen.   Canon 1.Press “Windows-W” to open the Settings pane, and then type “printers” into the search field.   2.From the results, select “Devices and Printers,” and then right-click your device under Printers and Faxes.   3.Select “Printing Preferences” from the context menu, and then select the “Maintenance” tab.   4.Select “Print Head Alignment,” then “Align Print Head” to confirm. The printer automatically aligns the print heads.

How do I Get a Blocked Inkjet Printer Cartridge to Work?

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When one or more colours on an inkjet printer stop printing, there could be a blockage on the print head of the cartridge or where the cartridge connects to the printer’s ink tubes. Dry ink causes these blockages, which can usually be cleared by running the printer’s self-cleaning utility. Manually cleaning the ink cartridges and lines with isopropyl alcohol or soaking the print head in water can help clear more severe blockages. If nothing else works, replace the ink cartridge or have the printer serviced. Self-CleaningAll inkjet printers can clean their print heads by flushing ink through the system, removing blockages and dried ink. The method of accessing this utility varies depending on the printer model, but it is usually accessible via the printer software on a connected computer or directly on the printer. Running this self-cleaning programme will fix all but the most severe ink problems, so always try it before resorting to more drastic measures. You may need to repeat the cleaning procedure twice before the printer works properly, but if you don’t see any improvement after the first two attempts, more attempts are unlikely to help. If ink does escape but is misaligned, use the alignment utility rather than the cleaning utility. Manual CleaningIf self-cleaning doesn’t work, you can manually clean your inkjet cartridges and the print head. Remove the ink cartridge in question from the printer. To access the ink on some printers, you must first set the printer to cartridge replacement mode. Soak a cotton swab or paper towel in hot water or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the print head clean with a towel or swab on cartridges with built-in print heads. Wipe off the connection point on both the cartridge and the printer side of printers where cartridges connect to internal ink tubes. Let all parts dry before reinserting the ink. SoakingSoak the print head in warm water for several hours to remove stubborn blockages from cartridge print heads. This will loosen the block, allowing you to clean it. If ink is flowing through the printer to the print head, apply several drops of isopropyl alcohol to the ink cartridge connection point, reinstall the ink, and run the self-cleaning utility. This will flush the alcohol through the system, cleaning it out. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, will damage rubber, so avoid using this method if your ink cartridges have rubber gaskets around the connection point. ReplacementIf none of the cleaning methods work, you will need to replace the entire ink cartridge. Unless the printer has become damaged internally, this should resolve any issues. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods. Some printers have a hidden maintenance mode with a heavy-cleaning utility that can fix the problem. The manufacturer’s tech support will walk you through this process where applicable. If nothing else works, you will need to arrange for maintenance or replace the printer. Preventing BlockagesAfter fixing the block, prevent further problems by taking proper care of the printer. When leaving the printer unused for several days, turn it off but leave it plugged in – some printers run cleaning programmes while turned off to keep the ink from drying. Always shut off the printer with the power button, not by turning off its power strip, since printers need to lock the ink and print heads in a certain place when shutting down.