At what cost? Implementation of basic Managed Document solutions can be easy and inexpensive with the introduction of new A4 MFP solutions.
Small business can no longer blame the high cost of equipment for not implementing equipment to enable basic managed document solutions into their everyday business activities. The A4 MFP solution has today, reached maturity as true competition to expensive high-end, full size A3 MFP solutions.
Modern small businesses (SMB’s) strive to save time and money through the implementation of managed document solutions. The A4 segment, devices that enable documents up to 8.5” x 14” to be scanned, copied, printed and faxed, has risen to the top as an alternative for small businesses with less than 20 employees. Research by industry experts like IDC and Gartner has determined many of the extensive features offered by larger devices go unused. Additionally, it’s long been known that over 80% of documents printed by today’s businesses are A4 or smaller, leaving the requirement for A3 devices a distant second. Many manufacturers have recently introduced A4 MFP devices to this burgeoning SMB market, enabling inexpensive entry into the green, cost saving arena of Managed Document solutions.
Lanier was recently lauded by BLI, an industry stalwart for the rating and dissemination of the myriad of products by industry leaders. Marlene Orr, BLI’s Senior Analyst for printers and A4 MFP’s recently said “Though a relative latecomer to the high-end A4 color MFP market, Ricoh (Lanier) really delivers quality and performance with the MP C300 (LD130) and MP C400 (LD140C) series,” When released by Lanier, the LD130-40 series A4 MFP devices were introduced as enterprise capable devices, utilizing similar architecture as their A3 siblings and importantly, compatible with Lanier’s extensive software solutions portfolio.
In June of 2011, Kyocera assaulted the marketplace with a myriad of new A4 solutions. The recent introduction included two monochrome and two color products, the 3540, 3640 and 2526, 2626 respectively. In its June press release, Kyocera said the new products were designed to enable integration into advanced document workflows. Kyocera punctuated the devices seamless support for HyPas, Kyocera’s Java based MPS software development platform. With the new machines support for MPS software integration and their extensive feature set, Kyocera new A4 line is poised to join the leaders in a competitive MPS marketplace.
A4 MFP solutions have certainly proven to be top performing catalysts for SMB’s entry into Managed Document solutions. With the hardware in place and the savings within sight, the obvious next step is the implementation of a Managed Document software solution. Together, industry leading ‘Managed Document’ hardware and software solutions will help drive efficiency and thereby savings, for SMB’s in a challenging economy.
Information and Network Security Attacks.
Our friends at Walker Systems shared with us a few new alarming trends regarding information theft. They have reported that people posing as repairmen such as a copier or other type of service individual will identify themselves as an employee of your supplier. They will then look for an open port or in the case of networked copiers etc. attach their laptop to the drop by simply using the network cable from the back of the device and in a quick second they’re in your network . If you don’t recognize a repair person ask for identification!
Another way your system is breached is by those little thumb drives. The scenarios include someone leaving a thumb drive on a counter or other conspicuous area knowing that when an employee finds it they will almost always plug it into their computer to check content or ownership. They can also leave it lying in the parking lot or drop it off with the receptionist saying they found it in the parking lot. Damage done! That little drive contains a worm that gives them access to your network. Turn over anything that you are not sure of to your IT department to prevent any security breaches.
3D PRINTING- FICTION OR THE FUTURE
Believe it or not 3d printers are a reality. You can easily print a 3 dimensional object from your pc. To understand how these work imagine you are using an ink jet printer, if you have ever watched the process you would see that a print head moves back and forth laying down a layer of ink. In 3 dimensional printing you have a very similar process except you are laying down very thin layers of resin from bottom to top to create the object. Another means of production is through the use of lasers. The image is traced out by lasers in a block of gel that is subsequently cured to a solid. this allows for complex features such as moving or interlocked parts. Imagine the benefits that may be realized from this technology. From being able to quickly design prototypes, visualize architectural structures, or even manufacture spare parts for your children’s toys. Looking in to the future there are efforts underway to use this technology for possible use in tissue engineering where organs are built by layering living cells. These printers can be used not only for commercial applications but home versions are available. Pricing for these printers ranges from 1200.00 to as much as 200000.00 dollars.
-for more info visit these web sites
Do all copiers work in a MAC environment?
No, but there are brands that do - Kyocera copiers are Mac compatible right out of the box while the Lanier brand needs the PostScript Option added. The PostScript Option also is recommended for printing more complex color and PDF files.
Connecting for scan / print
If you building is older, it may be very expensive to run cable to connect for scan / print,
So what can you do to connect …
There is a Network Adaptor which lets you connect to your network using power lines in your building as long as your computer and copier are on the same electrical circuit. We have used this in churches even with the computer upstairs and the copier is downstairs. This is trial and error but if the building’s circuitry has continuity the device will work. Lanier copiers do have a wireless adapter but excessive walls may hinder or prevent the device from working. Kyocera uses any third party wireless units, but again there are no guarantees. The closer the desktop / laptop to the copier unit the better chance of the device working. But the bottom line is … it can be done
Advanced Copy Technologies, Inc. Announces Promotion
(Cromwell, Conn., May 2, 2011) –
Advanced Copy Technologies, Inc. would like to announce that effective Monday May 2, 2011 Bud Reading our Document Workflow Specialist has been promoted to Director of Information Management. He will oversee our software application products, MPS program, and other software initiatives including supporting all sales reps, conducting informational training, and ongoing implementation with customers, prospects and our IT department.
Bud Reading has been with Advanced Copy Technologies, Inc since 2008. He is CompTIA certified and Needs Assessment certified and Bud has extensive training in software applications and document workflow analysis.
Is your copier just a copier?
Today’s copiers offer a wide variety of options, not only can you sort, staple stack etc. you can use these machines to print documents or even scan from them. This has opened up endless possibilities. You may not realize it but printing to your multifunctional device can save you a small fortune on supply costs. Most of you have probably purchased a small printer for home use and then the day comes when the printer tells you its low on ink. Of course you’re wondering why because you only printed a couple of hundred pages. You make your way to your nearest supply store and find the ink that fits your printer, that’s provided you can find it. Then comes the heart attack … how much? You realize that the ink you are about to buy costs more per ounce than gold. Here is where your copier comes in. Typically when you print to your multifunctional device it is about 8 to 10 times cheaper to accomplish the same task. This is due to lower supply costs. Some of the other benefits are the ability to sort and staple documents, duplex documents or even create booklets. Not to mention much higher output speed
As for scanning, the majority of new copiers have this capability embedded in the system. Generally there are a couple of ways to accomplish this. The first is scanning a document over the network directly in to a folder. You can scan to a single folder or to multiples directly from the copier console. This can be done via smb or even ftp, both are common network protocols. The second option is the ability to scan via email. In this case you can send a document in digital format directly to an email address. Both of these features give you the ability to not only store documents electronically but the ability to modify documents.
Key benefits
- Lower supply cost
- Higher productivity-much faster print speed
- More functionality-stapling, sorting etc
- Storing electronic documents
For more info go to www.kyoceramita.com or www.lanier.com and for all your printing needs go www.advancedcopy.com
What responsibilities do I have at the end of my lease?
It is always very important to read and understand the lease document. It looks like a lot of fine print, but it is really simple stuff. You agree to things like making your payment on time and notifying the lease company if you are moving to a new address. There is a section that tells you what to do at the end of the lease. Most lease companies require that you inform them, in writing, of your intention to return the copier after the original term of the lease ends. If you don't do this, the lease may renew automatically. If you are unsure of the requirements, you can always contact Advanced Copy for some assistance. Be sure to ask for help early, as there are deadlines to meet. Six months before lease end should be sufficient.
Minimizing the costs of color
First off, we all should realize that printing to a toner based color multifunction device is much less expensive than printing to a laser jet. Research your volume, take a tally and you will see. Here are some options when printing and copying to an MFP to minimize your total costs.
Option 1: Take advantage of all of the presets that your color copier has to offer and make sure that all staff is fully aware. You may not know all of them so take the time to learn all of your machines features. Every color machine has a black and white preset feature. All prints/copies can be defaulted to print in black and white. This will eliminate all of the color copy charges you may receive for printing an email or simple “throw away” document with a color emblem.
Option 2: Management has the option of being as secure or lenient as possible. User codes and passwords can be implemented on all MFPS which can track all color copies made by employees. With this tool, management can track by user all of the color that they produce. This will make employees aware of the color and expense that they are costing the company. In addition, tell your employees exactly what the cost of every color print is and make them aware that this is being tracked.
Option 3: Implement a Print Tracking software which enables the employer to not only view and tally color copy/print totals but can also set guidelines per user. This can be a bit much; however will eliminate any suspicion, doubt or abuse of the machine. Manage your employees by setting permissions IE: an allowance of color copies per user, any overages are directly charged back to the user. Utilizing print tracking software can not only manage printing and copying but can associate direct real costs to every single print, job or paper workflow.
Finally, remember that knowing all costs and where they are coming from is essential to a successful and efficient company. You wouldn’t believe the total cost of your bottom line that paper takes up. Local Copy and Print professionals can help at little to no cost to you.
Hope this helps.
Jam Session
To reduce the risk of jams in your copier/printer, follow these paper handling guidelines;
- Store paper seam side down in a cool, dry environment.
- Keep reams sealed until you are ready to install in the machine.
- When adding paper to the copier/printer, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for placement of first side copying. (know which side of paper is printed on first, it varies in machines)
- The smaller the recycled percentage in the paper, the better and cleaner the machine will run.
- The better the quality of your paper, the fewer problems you will have.
- When removing jams, always remove the paper in the direction of its travel through the machine
- KEEP YOUR COPIER HAPPY…FEED IT THE GOOD STUFF !
