Not all Managed Print Services (MPS) providers are alike. That’s why it’s best to do your research before signing a MPS agreement.
Your first step should be to learn more about the MPS provider. Look at their website, customer reviews, etc. Working with an established MPS provider means that you will be able to leverage their experience in designing and managing solutions for a wide range of organizations.
The next step is to ask in-depth questions to help you choose the right MPS provider for your organization. Here’s a short list to get you started.
A thorough needs assessment starts by taking inventory of your current print fleet. An expert MPS provider will also use a floorplan of your offices to map out the location of each device. This information provides a snapshot of the way your print fleet looks today.
Next, the MPS provider will ask open-ended questions about how you currently use each machine and what your business goals are. This, combined with use data from your print fleet will reveal any gaps or opportunities for fleet improvement.
MPS providers often partner with business technology brands that share the same values and goals as they do. And partnership has its advantages, as MPS providers typically receive extensive training in the management and repair of these devices.
Ask the provider which hardware and software brands they commonly recommend. Then ask them WHY. This is when you’ll learn about the MPS provider’s history with their manufacturing vendors and the value that they will bring to you.
The data gathered earlier about your current fleet and future needs will serve well in designing a solution for your organization. With this data, your Managed Print provider will craft a solution designed to meet your unique needs. When presented with the proposal, be sure to ask the provider how these choices within the solution address your specific needs.
Are you searching for a solution that increases your productivity, reduces waste, encourages print security, saves money or lessens the printer management burden on your IT staff? Make sure it is addressed in the proposal. And ask additional questions if you need further clarification.
The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be when answering questions from your C-suite during budgeting discussions.
More and more organizations are choosing to lease their business equipment. Leasing equipment helps to provide predictable and fixed monthly payments, provide a hedge against inflation and reduce your risk of equipment obsolescence.
But not all leasing services are the same. A MPS provider with in-house leasing services could offer additional flexibility for your organization. In fact, the in-house leasing services provided by Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) offer flexibility in term length, lease options and straightforward end-of-term buyouts.
In-house leasing also means that there’s no third-party involvement, as your lease will be managed by the associates of your MPS provider.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Office Printer Leasing
Printer security is crucial for both your print fleet and your organization’s network. Knowing your options for printer fleet set-up, firmware management and end-of-life measures now will enhance your overall security.
For example, GFC customers can select the firmware management option that works best for their organization. Choices include:
For print fleet optimization, regular reviews are needed to evaluate fleet data and determine if any changes are necessary. A true partner in MPS will provide you with a data dashboard for instant information along with periodic meetings to discuss the analysis of your data.
In this manner, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your print fleet efforts are aligned with your organizational goals. If not, then adjustments can be made to better optimize your print fleet.
In addition, expert MPS partners often offer a wide range of other office technology products and services. Be sure to ask about these to discover more ways to streamline processes and gain efficiencies.
Searching for a way to remove the stress of updating, maintaining or repairing your printers, so your IT team can get back to doing what they do best? Download your complimentary copy of our Frequently Asked Questions About MPS infographic and you’ll gain insight into some of the most common questions and misconceptions when it comes to MPS.
