Printer manufacturers have always had A4 multifunctional devices in their ranges. Typically adapted versions of single-function home or small office printers, they never really had the grunt to make it in the business world. But over the last five years, brands such as Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, and Toshiba have introduced A4 multifunctional devices that really mean business.
It is perhaps a good idea at this point to introduce you to the concepts of MFPs and MFDs.
Adapted versions of low volume single-function printers with added scanning and copying facilities. Typically with a lower purchase cost but higher running costs. Poorer build quality means devices break more easily and are replaced more frequently.
Built from the ground up for higher volume printing, scanning and copying. Typically with a higher purchase cost but significantly cheaper running costs. Better build quality means they can withstand the rigours of office use and are comparable with their A3 siblings.
So, what has changed to drive this new demand for A4 MFDs? We have asked our customers, and this is what we found.
It seems that many documents either created in-house or received are likely to be A4 in size. We reason that where once it was the function and pride of graphic designers to create impressive A3 booklets, this has reduced because the A4 format is more suitable for viewing on digital devices.
Office space is expensive, and we are finding clients, particularly in London, are thinking more about their equipment buying decisions. It is not just printers either. We actively help our clients to introduce document management software to digitally archive their paperwork, removing the need for large filing cabinets taking up expensive floor space.
Digital transformation is changing how we work, which means people are printing less. Perversely, where once multiple A4 MFPs were replaced by a single high volume A3 MFD, we are seeing the introduction of more convenient and productive multi-use departmental A4 MFDs.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected how many of us work, with lockdowns encouraging those that can to work from home. Businesses had to evolve quickly in a race of survival of the fittest. Many of our clients initially bought A4 consumer MFPs, but have since upgraded to true A4 MFDs.
Why would you buy an A3 MFD unless you were printing A3 documents? Up until relatively recently, many organisations have printed A4 booklets inhouse, such as brochures, training manuals and property details. But things are changing with the ease in which these documents can be cost-effectively outsourced to online digital printers, even with next day delivery.
No doubt you scan more than you photocopy these days. Scanning is vital for businesses and their document workflows and therefore paper jams when scanning are a real problem. Up until recently, only A3 MFDs came with the high-speed document feeders designed for frequent and high-volume usage. But with the invention of the new A4 MFDs, businesses can afford to buy more devices to give their employees’ access to convenient scan stations.
As previously mentioned, working from home due to the pandemic saw users buying cheap A4 MFPs. But weeks after, when their “starter inks” became depleted, they received the shock of buying their first set of “full inks,” which could cost more than the initial price of the printer. We are replacing these devices with true A4 MFDs and helping customers to recycle their old printers.
While A4 MFDs are less expensive than their A3 counterparts of the same print speed, they are not half the price. The reason is they have all the other advanced functions and features of the A3 devices. However, when planning for a new national print fleet, for example, the savings certainly add up. We are also seeing schools replace many of their A3 MFDs with A4 versions, which cost less and can sit more easily in classrooms than in corridors.
Are you in the market for a new A4 MFD? Contact us to find out more.
Canon has announced its brand new London Customer Experience Centre is opening on the 10th August 2020.
The centre based in the heart of London focuses on workspace print, information and document management solutions, alongside a host of other business technology products.
The modern new location on Farringdon Street is only a few minutes’ walk from Canon’s previous and longstanding showroom “The View” on St Andrew Street, which it occupied for nearly 20 years.
Customers are invited to immerse themselves in the new space and take a deep dive into Canon’s industry acclaimed print and software technology for business.
Business owners and decision makers can try out business solutions first-hand and see how they can transform their workspace environment, whether that is in the office, at home or on the move. Even more important since the changes we have experienced during lockdown and the on-going pandemic.
As a Canon partner, Managed Technology clients can take advantage of our strong manufacturer relationship to pinpoint the perfect combination of products, software and services to fit their needs.
Canon’s compact yet feature-packed single and multifunction devices delivering highly accurate colour laser printing.
Canon’s extensive selection of smart A4 and A3 multifunction devices enabling superior productivity, document security and connectivity.
Canon’s range of high-speed document scanners for powerful, precise results and enhanced productivity.
Canon’s range of small format colour light production presses combining exceptional quality, versatility and productivity.
Canon’s large format multifunctional devices for advanced CAD, GIS and poster and fine art printing.
Canon’s chosen offline print finishing partners are showcased for the first time, providing advanced booklet making, folding and trimming option.
Canon’s print management offering designed to ease the burden on IT staff while increasing efficiency, security and cost control.
The safety of partners, employees, visitors, and their families remains Canons’ overriding priority. The London Customer Experience Centre is following government advice and working responsibly and with necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to reduce any risk of exposure to employees and visitors.
Please contact your Managed Technology account manager for booking and Experience Centre availability.
The Canon London Customer Experience Centre is located on the 1st floor, 20, Farringdon Street, London, EC4A 4BL
We would like to inform you about the latest situation regarding our operational plan to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Firstly, our prime aim is to ensure we protect the health and safety of all our employees, customers and Business Partners during this unique situation.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely working with all our suppliers & logistic providers and at this time there is no material disruption to customer expectations.
We have taken steps with our suppliers to cover some limited short-term shortages in supply of certain parts via accelerating shipments by air instead of sea. In the event of any change or further developments please rest assured that we will keep you updated accordingly.
We are monitoring daily the news around the Coronavirus and what it means for us in the UK. After considering how best to ensure the safety of staff and customers in these trying times and to allow the business to continue functioning as best as possible, we have decided to put in place the following measures, effective from today until further notice:
We are regularly disinfecting the office and all staff are using hand sanitizer and washing hands regularly. In addition, we continue to monitor the situation in our UK offices and our internal advice to staff, based on NHS advice is:
All our operations are covered by our Business Continuity Plans and Emergency Response Team planning, and any staff absences as a result of Covid-19 would be managed in accordance with these procedures, to preserve services.
Please be assured we are working hard to deliver the best outcomes for all our staff and customers in this time.
We recommend that you implement a cleaning regime for your office equipment during this time.
When in use, Printers, Multifunctional Printers (MFPs), and Barcode and Labelling products are touched by multiple users every hour. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of devices with the correct cleaning products is advised at this time. Use of 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean all surfaces or check in your device maintenance manual.
Clean your device as often as you feel necessary but especially if someone with flu-like symptoms has used the device. Consider using a personal stylus to press touchscreens and/or buttons. This minimises contact with the device and could lower the risk of transmission.
For additional information on disinfecting and cleaning processes, refer to the Advice from the UK Government (PDF).
When cleaning your device, we would advise that you take the following precautions:
Managed Technology achieves its second ISO accreditation, ISO 14001 Environmental Management.
ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and is used by over 14,000 organisations in the UK. It is a voluntary standard that provides a framework for companies to follow to achieve organisational goals. There are many benefits:
This accreditation sits alongside the ISO 9001 accreditation and gives existing and prospective customers the confidence and assurance that Managed Technology is working ethically and in compliance.
Managed Technology is a carbon-neutral Toshiba partner, working together with customers to provide Managed Print solutions that eliminate CO2 emissions through offsetting schemes across the globe. The projects include:
This project supplies energy-saving cooking stoves to villages in Kenya, which result in a reduction in the usage of firewood by up to 50%. The stoves, therefore, yield a saving in timber use, carbon emissions, smoke, time and cost, improving the lives of the host communities.
By replenishing lost or destroyed mangrove forests along the Mombasa Estuary this project helps to re-develop valuable eco-systems both on and off-shore. As well as mitigating considerable levels of CO2, the forests provide a valuable source of income to locals.
By renovating and repairing boreholes in remote villages across Uganda, this project helps to restore a safe clean source of drinking water for families. As well as the natural health benefits, not having to boil the water, reduces the amount of firewood consumed and creates a carbon reduction.
Actively protecting over 71,714 hectares of Amazon Rainforest through educating locals and patrols, the Brazilian Forestry project enables the rainforest to continue to act like a sponge absorbing CO2 and protecting wildlife.
Contact us for more information
What is always true though, of any successful business, is that outgoings need to be offset by a positive income. In other words, be profitable. Easier said than done, especially when your organisation has a static income and your outgoings are increasing. This was the challenge of Chichester Cathedral.
Chichester Cathedral, founded in 1075 and described as “the most typical English cathedral”, has faced hard times over the years. Be it falling towers, being struck by lightning or being put under siege, the cathedral has endured. However, a new challenge emerged. With outgoing costs rising, outweighing its relatively static income, the cathedral knew something had to change.
A review of business processes revealed that the cathedral was not only being overcharged on its existing print contract but also the technology in place was becoming less equipped to support its needs. Holidays such as Easter and Christmas were putting significant strain on the printers, with demand for service sheets being far above any other time of the year thanks to an influx of visitors and multiple services. At times printing was being outsourced when the machines went down just before services, adding to costs.
At Managed Technology we always look to understand what is most important to our clients, be they large enterprises or cathedrals, understanding what challenges they face as well as what processes had been used before. With this knowledge a bespoke solution was formed:
The results from this new approach have been extremely positive. The new machines can meet the demands of printing service sheets, educational documents and booklets, and a backend process is not having a negative impact on the balance book. In fact since Managed Tech installed the new printers in May 2017, the cathedral is forecast to save in excess of £100k over a five year period, a significant amount for somewhere which has a limited and sometimes even static income!
“When we reviewed all the behind the scenes processes that go into the running of the Cathedral, we were shocked at how much we were spending on printing. It was an obvious place to make some changes, and Managed Tech really went the extra mile to find out exactly what we needed. They even took care of releasing us from our existing contract that still had three years left to run. This hands-on approach and personalisation makes such a difference and everyone here at the cathedral is delighted with the quality and functionality of our new photocopiers.”
Read more about the services we offer, or contact us today for a quote.
When cloud printing is used effectively, it’s a hassle-free way for any organisation to increase efficiency while saving money. But it’s also relatively new as a technology, which means that its benefits and potential are mainly known by an elite few in the tech space.
We believe in the power of technology. After all, tech shouldn’t hold businesses back. It should propel them forward!
So we thought we’d throw together a bit of a fact file on ten things you may not know about cloud printing.
1. The printing isn’t just outsourced to the cloud; the management is too
Anyone working in IT will be well acquainted with the frustrations and the time taken to manage a print network, especially in larger organisations. It’s true to say, when you have tens of machines and hundreds of users, that printing can be high maintenance. But with cloud, the management is taken care of, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
2. Security is paramount
Security is often cited as the number one reason companies don’t migrate to the cloud. Of course, it’s a valid concern. However, by leveraging virtual private networks (VPNs), we ensure that your data is kept in a completely closed loop, making it safe and secure. With the server cache being wiped as soon as your document is printed, you won’t have to worry about sensitive data getting into the wrong hands.
3. Your IT department can take a break
Mainly due to the fact that the print management side of things is outsourced to the cloud, your IT department will suddenly have some time on their hands. As everything is managed externally, they will no longer have their time taken up with printing, and can spend their valuable time elsewhere.
4. It helps to eliminate inefficiencies
We’ve all been there when a colleague has accidentally printed 100 versions of the same document. Printing in the real world can be inefficient, costing businesses lots of money. However, with cloud printing you can review your company’s process and identify ways to maximise performance, as you have access to useful data on how much you print, who is printing what and when.
5. It can save you money
In this era, both public and private sector organisations are trying to save money in every way possible. But most don’t realise the true savings found in taking printing up to the cloud. From server consolidation, reductions in IT support to lowering your energy consumption, you can really help to bring down printing costs by migrating to the cloud.
6. It’s reliable
Cloud printing means you have a robust and responsive printing system – it can do clever things like know when you’re out of toner and automatically deliver some to your workplace.
7. You can print from any location
The modern workforce wants to work from any location in the world and often needs flexible working. With cloud printing, you are guaranteed to be able to print from wherever you are in the world.
8. It helps the environment
No, seriously – cloud is your new eco-friendly print option. As it gives you greater control over what is printed, you use less paper. It’s simple really. As you can print to any device in your network, you reduce your carbon footprint by not needing to transport documents from one site to another
There’s lots of buzz around the cloud these days and cloud communications is no exception. But buzz isn’t always an indicator of a business case for technology purchases. Smart businesses are asking what’s driving the rush to the cloud—and they’re getting solid answers. So why are so many businesses moving communications to the cloud today? Here are 10 real-world reasons.
Predictable monthly costs. This may seem like old news, but many companies don’t realize just how much they can save by moving their communications to the cloud. By hosting a phone system over the Internet, businesses are charged on an “as needed” basis, paying only for what they use. That makes cloud-based communication systems especially cost-effective for small businesses—eliminating the need to pay for the installation and maintenance of a traditional phone system.
Outsource IT support to the provider. The management of an on-premise solution can be very expensive. Because of the complexity of today’s communications systems, it can often takes an entire IT department to manage. Cloud-based communications can help alleviate the burden by eliminating maintenance, IT work load and some of the more costly internal infrastructure, including servers and storage systems.
Scale up or down based on users. Anyone who has moved or expanded an on-premise phone system knows just how difficult it can be. Whether a business is growing, moving or sizing down, the cloud provides the flexibility and scalability the business needs now and in the future. And with cloud-based systems, businesses can access and add new features without any new hardware requirements.
One vendor for everything. With cloud communications, a vendor manages communication systems off-site, and IT departments are freed up to focus on other high-priority issues. (Let IT get back to that email fix!)
Instant updates. With cloud communications, service is outsourced, and upgrades are deployed through automatic software updates. This allows organizations to stay focused on their business and leave the upgrades to the cloud communications vendor.
Maximize uptime and downtime coverage. For many businesses, uptime is pivotal. To keep things running, they rely on the ability to scale and leverage remote work teams or serve customers from anywhere. For these kinds of businesses, cloud communications maximizes uptime and coverage through multiple, remotely hosted data centers, helping them avoid costly interruptions and downtime.
Leverage shared resources. With an on-premise communication system, hardware and software geographic redundancy can be challenging to deliver. But when multiple businesses share resources in a cloud environment, they get access to a level of redundancy that would be too expensive to procure with an on-premises solution.
Business continuity made easy. Businesses are using the cloud to protect themselves from the affects of disasters. With cloud communications, they can get up and running quickly after a disaster, or in some cases, continue running the entire time. Some reroute calls to remote locations and cell phones. Others rely on remote access to voicemail or use cloud-based auto attendants continue taking calls and providing information. It’s a hard-to-resist combination of reliability, resiliency and redundancy.
As mobile devices seem to be surgically attached to the palms of children these days, it follows that schools and colleges are increasingly looking to offer mobile printing solutions. After all, today’s youngsters are more tech savvy than ever before and there’s no better way to ensure they remain interested in school than allowing them to use their ever-present mobile tech.
Indeed, one of the biggest developments in the education sector in the last few years has been the rise in student mobility, which has had an impact on print in the education sector. Students, who bring their smartphones and tablets into classrooms, access, manage and share many of their documents and information through these digital devices, reducing the need – and volume – for hard copy prints.
That said, despite the increase in personal technology, print services are still hugely valuable in schools. Coursework and projects are still required to be submitted in hard copy format, while certain classes can be supported by specialised print, including new technologies such as 3D printing.
Matching expectation
As a result, the education sector has to ensure that school print technology matches their ever-growing expectations. Yes, schools and colleges need reliable printers that print high quality documents for coursework and displays, which can also deal with high print volumes, as well as offering great value in the long-term. But print education print also has to be interesting and appeal to users if they are to make the most out of the technology in front of them.
Connectivity is one way of doing just that. Options, such as wireless print, printing directly from USB and cloud-based applications such as AirPrint and Cloud Print – including /KYOCERA’s private cloud print solution – enable teachers and pupils to work from different devices; the devices that they cherish and use so much.
Our partner KYOCERA’s own research tells us that 45% of students think better computers are needed in their schools, which does suggest that the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend has legs – difficult teenagers can’t complain if they’re using their own devices!!
App culture
A recent RM Education survey highlights the growing BYOD trend in schools as 29% of UK secondary schools have actually opted for some form of BYOD, and the number considering adopting this policy rose from 22% in 2014 to 26% this year. As BYOD grows, so too may demand for app-based print and document solutions – for both pupils and teachers. Targeted apps which streamline workflows, such as KYOCERA’s teaching assistant, are proving popular as they save teachers time, which can then be spent with their students, while the KYOCERA Mobile Print App is a very handy tool.
At the end of the day schools can benefit from being able to access documents on the go, from any device. They also want easier functionality and easy-to-use devices – which BYOD offers only when connected to the correct infrastructure. Get that right and the toughest of tough audiences will be happy – and embrace the functions made available to them.
We’re seeing many companies embracing the digital revolution and its changing the way they do business. Workforces are becoming more fluid and more mobile. The boundaries between work life and home life are blurring. Hot desking is becoming more common.
Those with large freelance workforces in particular are increasingly allowing staff to bring their own devices to work (commonly known as Bring Your Own Device or BYOD) and whilst this may seem like a good thing for those trying to keep hardware budgets under control it can have some undesirable impacts.
Firstly, access to shared resources such as printers needs to be considered. Its no good saving money on hardware if you then waste it trying to configure printer drivers on a hundred different devices.
Then there is security. If staff are working on their own machines and then taking these home with them there are some serious potential security problems. Its difficult to track what files they are taking home with them and what software they may be inflicting on the network while they are at work.
Another consideration is software licensing. You’ll want to know that the software they use is licensed and up to date.
Some companies have reigned back from BYOD and instead offer staff a selection of approved machines from a pre-vetted list. This has become known as Choose Your Own Device or CYOD and whilst it does limit some of the risks of BYOD it also waters down many of the benefits.
At Managed Technology we believe that, with a little planning, it is possible to enjoy the flexibility of BYOD without exposing your business. We have a range of software solutions available that allow controlled access to stored files and shared printing resources. We even offer a cloud based print solution that allows mobile visitors to easily use devices to print documents.
So if you’re part of the revolution and embracing the fluid workforce talk to us about implementing a controlled, secure and flexible workplace strategy.
Where to turn when internet speeds are slowing you down
It’s difficult to imagine what business life would be like without the internet. Over the past 20 years the digital revolution has transformed the way we work with email and web collaboration now becoming the standard for the majority of our business communication.
For most, the advent of reliable and fast broadband services means they can take the unfolding revolution for granted. However, for those in rural areas or removed from digital exchanges, poor internet speeds can be a real headache. So if your business relies on good quality internet access but you’re not getting it what are your options?
Firstly, we’d recommend you audit your IT systems and internet usage thoroughly. Take time to understand where the bottle necks are in your data traffic. For instance you may have cloud backups scheduled during business hours that are hogging your bandwidth. Or a single employee with a love for downloaded movies may be preventing more productive staff from sending those vital email attachments.
Then we’d open a conversation with your service provider to understand what technologies are available at your location. Even if the desired solution is not currently available you’ll be able to get a rough idea of when its likely to be rolled out which could have a big bearing on whether you invest in new infrastructure.
Ideally, you’ll be looking for a fibre optic connection from the exchange right up to your building. However this is often not possible and there are many situations where data is carried on fibre for much of the journey and then on traditional copper wire (which has much less capacity) for small portions where fibre doesn’t exist.
By increasing the amount of connections to your building and then sharing your load across them you can improve speeds and reliability. Its also a good idea to have more than one provider so that if one service fails you can fall back on the other.
If you’re a larger business or just heavily dependent on good comms you may want to consider a dedicated leased line. These are a far more expensive option but offer super fast and reliable internet access. Costs will vary depending on the capacity you choose and you may incur charges if cables have to be laid but its worth considering how much money poor internet is costing your business? We’ve seen business productivity increase well beyond expectations for a number of companies whose staff no longer spend their days staring at progress bars following the installation of a leased line.
If you’re struggling to achieve what you need to with your current internet speeds contact us here at Managed Technology and we’ll walk you through your options. Our expert and experienced team will quickly find out what is possible in your location and suggest a range of solutions that could transform your business.