Managed Print Services

10 considerations when evaluating or implementing a Managed Print Services program
1 -- Does your MPS program put the emphasis on “management” or on “print”?
A successful MPS program requires people, process, and technology (hardware and software). If the program’s focus is on the equipment to deploy, including a break-fix contract price, terms and supplies, but leaves out the organizational structure and process performance, then you do not have a true, comprehensive MPS program in place. A more effective MPS program will focus on who will be accountable for results, how to manage the process that will deliver the results, and what equipment to use for print/copy/fax/scan processes.
2 -- Is all the equipment managed equally?
If your MPS program does not manage all the equipment in your environment equally, no matter who owns the equipment or what OEM provides the maintenance, then you have a fragmented print service operation that is subject to a lowest “cost-per-copy” contract and you are probably unaware of many higher, hidden costs.
3 -- Is there one point of accountability and one invoice to pay?
One defining characteristic of a well-rounded MPS program is a single point of accountability for the entire office print/copy/fax/scan service. By centralizing the responsibilities for managing all of the equipment, people and processes, you can leverage procurement scale, standardization, budget consolidation, and have one consolidated invoice to pay.
4 -- Are the MPS tools installed and used?
One building block of an MPS program is the ability to monitor fleet activity (i.e. collecting output, service and cost data) as well as automate processes (proactive machine faults/alerts, meter collection and reporting overall performance.) Technology tools are necessary in order to meet these goals. These tools include, at the very least, an electronic monitoring system, an MPS call center application and a reporting system. Assessment, user behavior modification and MFP workflow solutions tools also can help.
5 -- Does the MPS program provide an initial in-depth assessment?
An in-depth assessment is recommended before starting an MPS program to establish a baseline of your fleet’s current state. The assessment should provide a roadmap for moving from the fleet’s current state to its future state. A list of the existing equipment to be kept, re-deployed, and retired should be one output. A map of current equipment, utilization and device-to-user ratios is another output. You can also create several future-state recommendations based on desired outcomes (such as total costs) along with best-of-breed equipment specifications.
6 -- Will the MPS program re-balance and optimize the fleet continuously?
Maintaining an excessive amount of equipment is expensive. Determining precisely how much equipment is needed, including the requirements of each location, involves delicate measurements and frequent reviews. Idle or overused equipment can be expensive in terms of dollars or user satisfaction. An MPS program should include periodic reviews (quarterly or annual at the minimum) by experts who can recommend optimization changes as necessary.
7 -- Will the MPS program relieve the IT help-desk from print-related issues?
According to IT help-desk studies, a significant number of calls to the IT help-desk (approximately 20%) involve relatively basic issues related to toner, machine service, etc. An MPS program should relieve the IT help-desk from these calls by providing an 800 number to the MPS call center, ideally backed by on-site and remote call center support, for resolving these issues.
8 --- What are the whole life costs?
Capital cost, running cost and disposal needs to be evaluated and budgeted for.
9 --- How sustainable is the product and service?
Device, and service carbon footprint needs to be evaluated. WEEE considerations, standby power consumption and ability to use recycled substrates and parts are some areas to consider.
10 -- Does the MPS program provide staff and subject matter experts to manage the MPS process?
Buyers often forget there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that must be done to manage office print/copy/fax/scan processes.
Here is a partial list of MPS responsibilities that do not come with basic equipment maintenance:· ordering supplies and re-stocking consumables on a daily basis· providing preventive maintenance and first-level response· managing multiple OEM service providers· managing procurement, which includes consolidating and standardizing contracts and rates as they expire· overseeing the budget· verifying invoices and resolving bill disputes· coordinating equipment moves/changes· responding to user needs and conducting user satisfaction surveys· coordinating with IT· reporting performance and financials· planning ahead for effective program management· reviewing device utilization and overall performance· making optimization decisions· managing assets (maintaining equipment lists and data, planning and coordinating moves, adds, changes and disposals)Customers are getting smarter about the total cost of ownership when they buy or replace office print equipment. But these companies don’t always recognize how important a comprehensive managed print services program is to realizing the full benefits of the newest technology. These 8 Things provide a checklist for making sure people, process, and technology are all considered when implementing an MPS program.

Xerox ColorQube and Solid Ink Examined by Industry Analysts

Xerox ColorQube color printers using solid ink technology is evaluated by industry analysts such as David Spencer from Spencer and Associates and Matt Marshall of IDS, among others. The Xerox ColorQube is known for its green technology and emphasis on sustainability, producing 90% less waste than laser color printers, and printing 9250 pages per solid ink stick

Merger between Altman Technologies and Integrated Card Solutions Ltd.

This merger has resulted in an expanded team and resources. The aim is to drive further improvements to ICT solutions and services. They are keen to solicit your input on what additional solutions, functionality and value you are looking for - and - what improvements or additions you would like to see in the support services they offer.

Here is a quick overview of upcoming highlights:
New Embedded Solutions for copier accounting + pull-printing
They support Konica Minolta, Kyocera, HP, Oce, Ricoh, Sharp, Toshiba and Xerox Coming soon - Canon too!

New low cost, simple secure print solutions
ID card or biometric authentication to release print jobs - quick, simple and low cost Works with ALL printers and MFDs

New low cost ePayments and touch screen kiosks
Web based ePayments - low setup and running costs
+ Robust, secure kiosks with cash and chip+pin options

New ID card systems and biometrics integration
All types of ID cards supplied, customised and integrated with your systems ...
... Print release, copy control, access control and other cashless solutions
Both companies are committed to improving their value to customers and potential customers and would welcome your feedback.

Altman Technologies – www.altman.co.uk
Integrated Card Solutions Ltd. www.ics-limited.co.uk
Software: www.icssoftware.co.uk

Sharp Open Systems Architecture

Sharp Open Systems Architecture (Sharp OSA) opens the door to a broad array of value-added functionality. By bringing the power of customization closer to the customer; this versatile development platform adds incredible flexibility to Sharp's awarding winning line of MFPs.

It is designed to let network applications control the MFP through bi-directional communication. This allows users to interact with business applications directly from the front panel of the MFP.

http://www.sharpinbusiness.co.uk/OSA.asp

Right Document Solutions DocuCheck®

DocuCheck® is a robust, comprehensive and proven methodology developed in-house by their consulting team. It follows established management consultancy practices and procedures.
Using DocuCheck®, they help clients to develop the best ‘integrated’ document systems strategy encompassing all B/W and colour, networked and standalone printer, copier, fax, scanner and multifunctional resources. This strategy also defines the relevant software utilities, support procedures and supplies processes required to achieve the project objectives
DocuCheck® is designed to deliver the following key benefits:
 Significant cost reduction from 15 to 40% off current Total Cost of Ownership.
 Improved business efficiency for administration, support and management functions.
 Increased user productivity and effectiveness.
 Better environmental working practices.
For more information contact the Right Document Solutions at http://www.right-group.com/Consultancy.aspx or http://www.right-group.com/ or http://www.right-group.com/Contact-us.aspx

The Right Document Solutions approach to Education Sector clients is
• Recognise user population can include staff, students and visitors
• Understand the environment and what their objectives are
• Focus on the long-term benefit to the client, not the short term win
• Provide a combined solution of hardware and software
• Recognise importance of budgets and keeping within them
• Provide consistently good service from all parts of our business

SafeCom Keep It Safe

Quick Demo of Canon Helix workflow

Canon Helix workflow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_C5qxcbnc8