OK here we are February 2022, two years into the COVID pandemic and the business world is trying to adapt to changes in working practices, fulfilling the companies needs and staff requests for change.

Some companies have returned to the previous “normal” with mainly in-office full-time work. However, many others are actively exploring how to best satisfy both staff and the business by accommodating a hybrid home office working facility. Who within the organization is typically responsible for finding the best solutions for this? The IT department. The issues are plentiful and usually time consuming on an ongoing basis and really in our opinion highlights the benefits of utilising a managed print solution.

Example

The hybrid home worker who may choose to work from a home environment anywhere from usually 2- 5 days a week with those spending more time at home occasionally making it as far as an actual office visit. Yes, you have the facility for online meetings via such things as teams and they work but the reality is those home users will need hardware and support and many may need a minimum of home print facilities. There are going o be many issues such as what machine to install, who is going to look after ongoing maintenance and consumables supplies when they run out?

Self Managed IT Department Print Solutions

The task for the IT department is to find a cost effective solution which has minimal ongoing impact for them, the problem with printer users is that as soon as there is a problem its always URGENT as the user needs to print now.

Many IT departments exacerbate that problem by feeling their duty to the company is to find the cheapest solution on that day; this usually results in a mixed fleet of multiple brands and model number printers all with different inks and toner cartridges. If spare stocks are not purchased from day one, sourcing and supplying inks and toners become a panic when a machine runs low.

Also, remember when you are buying inks and toners for your printer(s) you are paying retail price.

Managed Print Solutions

Implementing this solution will incur a slightly higher cost than a self-managed alternative. However, it’s essential to consider that the costs are offset by the subsidization through the purchase of consumables at trade prices. Furthermore, the markup typically applied by the IT department is comparable to the running costs incurred when buying at retail prices.

In addition it is exactly what the product title says it is “A Managed Product”, usually the users laptop has software installed which will report to your supplier when inks and toners are running low; it will often give early warnings of potential errors reducing the possibility of downtime.

You may still keep costs down by carrying out your own installation or you may outsource that to your new Managed Print providor.

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