Warren Mande, Bytes Document Solutions

While the definition of managed print services (MPS) is quite broad, the end result of true MPS is quite simple, but significant: gaining visibility and control of your printing, which helps you save money and boost productivity. Managed print also helps you improve environmental sustainability and document security.

In defining MPS, we need to be clear about what printing is. When we talk about printing, we mean the total cost of managing and optimising your printers, its outputs and the people and processes that support these devices.

When we add up the costs of all these printing functions, it accounts for a large portion of a business’s annual spending – as much as 15%. Through implementing MPS, businesses can cut costs by as much as 30%.

The common misconception though is that MPS is only about overseeing printers. This could not be further from the truth.

THE BEST MPS COMPANIES ALSO:

• Conduct a thorough, up-front assessment to analyse your current printing infrastructure.
• Provide a roadmap to reduce the number and types of printing devices and supplies.
• Proactively identify and solve potential printing problems and replenish supplies before employees are affected.
• Reduce your environmental footprint through printing less paper, consuming less energy, generating fewer greenhouse gases and keeping waste out of landfills.
• Give telecommuters and mobile workers easy and secure printing access.
• Provide network management and IT integration, from platform support to cloud-based solutions.
• Turn slow, paper-based processes (like routing and approvals) into automated, digital ones.

So, as is evident, MPS is geared for delivering continuous improvement and optimisation, and companies are embracing a new normal where printing is not merely a business tool anymore.

About the author: Warren Mande is sales director at Bytes Document Solutions.