I recently learned that the largest unaudited expense within virtually every office is the expense associated with printing.    Once I read that, it made sense.   After all, most competent office mangers know that they must reorder a laser cartridge when it runs out.  That’s easy enough isn’t it.?   Well, not exactly.   Laser toner cartridges  should not be treated as if they were just part of the general office supplies.   What is unknown is exactly what is being printed, how many pages are being printed, the frequency, and whether or not the page should be printed in color.    These concerns  and more must be answered and will be answered with a simple MPS system.

Just a few years ago the term MPS meant nothing to your average IT manager.    And yet now it is almost becoming a standard for any company that has ten or more networked printers.  What is MPS?   It is the abbreviation for managed print services and it is certainly a wise business move for the more progressive organizations. 

Essentially there are three aspects of an MPS system. The first of course would involve compatible supplies from the toner cartridges themselves to replacement parts necessary to ensure proper operation.    The second component is a powerful web based software that provides easy monitoring and status updates on every networked printer in in your fleet.   The last part includes a highly trained on-site technician that can immediately be dispatched for a quick and thorough repair.    When combined the consumer is immediately placed in a more efficient position having gained control over what before was unknowable.

 Smart companies will now save on service, supplies,paper, and even energy making this program part of an ongoing green initiative.  It is environmentally friendly and will soon be the norm for businesses everywhere.   This was written because of the sorry state of our economy.  During these trying times new business models must be explored, new methods evaluated.  It is essential to increase the efficiency and produce a real savings.     An employee would be wise to proactively suggest this concept to their IT director if such a system is not currently in place.   With many companies closely considering eliminating staff, make yourself more valuable by offering a suggestion for real savings.    Arm yourself with this crucial fact, consider that 1-3% of your company’s entire revenue for the year could be going to printer related expenses.  You attack that number and you become a hero in the office.   On a more personal level, we’ve all felt the frustration in video below.   With the proper MPS system, this goes away.