Almost every business relies on its printers as part of its day-to-day operation. Managing your print environment, including maintenance, repairs, network connectivity, security, upgrades, and more, is time-consuming, costly, and burdensome for your in-house IT team.
Many business owners are surprised when they discover that working with a Managed Print Services Provider can reduce printing costs by up to 30%. However, finding the right provider can be challenging.
Here are four tips to help you find the right MPS provider for your business.
- Get An Assessment
A reputable provider will want to understand your business and your print needs. They will meet with you to understand your needs, challenges with your fleet, and security concerns. They will then inventory your existing print environment and will also work with you to determine the proper placement of new equipment and how to best integrate it into your existing network. Be wary of a provider that offers you a solution without ever stepping foot in your office. Your needs are unique. Any solution should be customized to meet your business's unique needs.
- Ask Questions
Implementing a Managed Print solution is intended to alleviate pain points, reduce inefficiencies, even out cash flow, and help your business run smoothly. Asking the right questions upfront can ensure that your goals are met. Review any contract and make sure it addresses:
- remote monitoring
- support response times
- supply replenishment
- security
- disposal of old devices
- training options for your team
- Address Print Security
Your print environment may be the biggest security risk to your business. Working with a cut-rate provider or using off-the-shelf solutions can expose your network. A good provider will implement a series of security measures like encryption, pull printing, and will keep software and firmware up to date.
- Look For Scalability
As your business grows, your technology should grow with it. When your business expands, your print needs will likely change. Make sure that any contract allows for expansion with no penalties. Talk with any potential provider about your future growth plans. A good provider will perform regular reviews and make recommendations based on their findings.
Working with a Managed Print Services provider should help you to streamline your print environment, lower your costs, improve security, and grow with your business.
Whether you are large office with many employees or have a small office footprint, DSI is here to help. Ask us about a print assessment for your business!