Does your IT team service your printers? If the answer is, “Yes,” you might want to look into how much of their time is spent managing your print fleet. Because many businesses have found that it’s more efficient to outsource their print fleet management, than adding hassle to an already hectic workday for their IT team.
Could working with a Managed Print provider be the right fit for your business? Here’s four questions to get you started. The answers are often eye-opening.
Your IT team already has enough on their plates managing computer hardware, software applications, cybersecurity and network infrastructure. They shouldn’t have to worry about print-related issues, too.
Oftentimes servicing printers is thought of as just another item on the long list of things that an IT team does. But if you have multiple machines or a mixed fleet of MFPs, single function printers and/or copiers, consider discussing this with your IT team.
Find out how often and how much time is spent on servicing printers. It might add up to more time than you think. In fact, we’ve seen instances where businesses with a large print fleet can refrain from hiring a new IT team member, simply by outsourcing their printer management to a knowledgeable Managed Print provider. Save time. Save money.
When toner is low in a machine and needs a new cartridge, find out who places the order and where they purchase supplies. We’ve found that many businesses view toner cartridge replacement as a task that a department near the affected printer will do. And where they purchase the toner cartridge is anyone’s guess. Quality, shipping speed and price can vary. Don’t let supplies become an unmanageable nightmare.
Businesses who plan ahead may ask their IT team to handle the ordering and replacement of toner cartridges. However, if the print fleet is mixed (e.g., different manufacturers and/or models) toner may be purchased from different suppliers.
An easier way is to streamline your toner purchasing. One call to your Managed Print provider and you’ll have toner delivered quickly to your doorstep. Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) even offers convenient toner ordering through the myGFC app. Select the printer that needs a new toner cartridge and click to order. Or consider just-in-time (JiT) toner replacement where a new cartridge is shipped, when the old cartridge has only 20% of toner left.
Today’s business printers are really networked computers that can print. Therefore, they need periodic firmware updates, just like any other computer. Sometimes IT teams will check for updates when a machine breaks down. Or they may only fix the problem at hand and forget to check for firmware updates.
Working with a Managed Print provider increases print fleet security. In fact, GFC Service Technicians not only fix the current problem, they’ll do a thorough inspection to check for worn parts to prevent future breakdowns. They’ll also check for firmware updates too. Print security is an important (but often overlooked) part of an effective business cybersecurity plan.
Outsourcing the management of your print fleet can also have financial advantages. Streamlining service and maintenance promotes equipment uptime. And outsourcing print fleet management often saves money as a skilled Service Tech who works with printers every day and has access to a parts depot, can often have your machine back in working order faster than your in-house IT staff.
If printer-related help desk tickets get the way of your IT team working on higher-level business projects, it’s time to contact the Managed Print experts at Gordon Flesch Company. Our imageCARE+ Managed Print Services program is designed to “manage all things print.” With imageCARE+ your business will save time and resources. In addition, many of our larger clients have often saved 30 to 50% on their printing costs.
