As workplaces evolve, so does Gordon Flesch Company (GFC). That’s why, as we close the chapter on 2023, we’d like to celebrate the highlights of the past year and offer some insight into the future of office technology.
While companies are navigating their “new normal” within their workplace cultures, hybrid working (in a variety of different forms) has become commonplace. At GFC, we are proud to partner with over 25,000 organizations across Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to help them reach their business goals through effective and efficient office technology – including products and services designed to enhance the hybrid workplace.
Here's the highlights from the past year:
Office technology solutions for hybrid workforces were popular this past year. Equipment and software designed to go wherever your workday takes you, has been an integral part of increasing productivity and business flexibility while reducing business disruption.
Virtual desktops have also become more commonplace in recent years, providing both convenience and added network security for businesses. A virtual desktop creates a copy of an operating system and associated applications. This is not stored on your computer, but rather is accessed remotely over a secured network onto a PC, laptop or mobile device of your choice. This solution is perfect for hybrid and remote workforces to remain connected with in-office staff.
Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) streamlines your business communications by integrating voice, text, video conferencing, file sharing and more – into one easy to use app that runs on desk phones, PCs and mobile phones. Perfect for wherever your workday takes you. Besides bundling your business communications, UCaaS solutions promote cost savings as they typically cost much less than traditional on-premises business phone systems.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies have been increasing among businesses. And many are adapting to BYOD printing to segment their printing fleet among their employee population. Segmenting allows access to only the printers an employee needs and not the entire fleet. This provides an extra layer of print security for in-office employees, hybrid employees and employees who travel frequently between multiple business branch offices.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being accessed on a more regular basis within the office technology industry. AI, using gathered data and predictive analytics, can estimate when a toner cartridge may run out in a multi-function printer (MFP) or when equipment will be due for scheduled maintenance.
While AI can be used to monitor and protect endpoints – such as MFPs, cyber threats have evolved as well. That’s why Managed Print Services (MPS) providers this past year, increasingly recommended having a plan to keep your print fleet secure. Every organization should have a firmware management plan detailing how they will update their print fleet security and how often. For example, GFC customers are encouraged to complete a Printer Security Checklist to construct a plan for the full lifecycle of their fleet – from new equipment set-up to erasing hard drive memory.
RELATED: 2024 Print Security Trends
More and more businesses are implementing secure printing techniques, such as pull printing or follow me printing. In addition to being an extra layer of security, these types of processes use security software where users authenticate themselves by swiping a programmed security badge or entering a passcode while physically at the printer to receive their printouts. This process has been effective in providing greater security for both the printing devices and sensitive printed documents.
In addition, GFC has created a print security council to foster greater security collaboration with device manufacturers and keep customers informed of print security choices and software updates. Being prepared is the key to safer printing.
The year 2023 was a year of milestones for GFC. Kelly Glaser was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, the debut of Managed Voice Services was met with interested customers and is now a growing product line, and GFC & the Milwaukee Bucks announced their new partnership.
It was a year for awards, as well. Kelly Glaser was featured in ENX Magazine’s “Difference Makers” issue, (as GFC President and CEO) I was named to the 2024 Wisconsin Titan 100 list, GFC was honored as the largest independent Lexmark dealer and GFC was selected as an Elite Dealer Award winner by ENX Magazine.
Giving back to the community is an integral part of our GFC culture and this year we were honored to host the Patriots Pack Charity Riders along their Midwestern motorcycle ride for charity. In addition, the Gordon Flesch Charitable Foundation awarded funds to 36 Midwestern charities providing key community services.
This has been an eventful year for both GFC and our office technology industry. While we celebrate this year’s successes, we also look forward to the future of serving our customers and meeting with prospects, partnering together to meet and exceed business technology goals.
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