What is a Multifunction Printer?

A Multifunction Printer, often referred to as an MFP, is a device that consolidates the functionality of a printer, copier, scanner and/or fax into one machine. Multifunction Printers are becoming a common choice for budget–minded businesses that want to consolidate assets, reduce costs, and improve workflow. To make an informed decision about what multifunction printer is right for you, you need to ask the right questions. Here are a few to consider when making your choice.

Know your requirements
Understand what you need the multifunction printer to do for you. Beyond printing and copying, how do you want to use the MFP to help manage documents, reduce paper, simplify workflow, manage forms, etc? How many copy, print, fax, scan, and email jobs will you run each day? How many users will share the device? Will you need it to be color capable? There are a number of requirements to consider.

Know the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
When evaluating a multifunction printer, beware of looking only at the cost of the initial hardware. There are a number of other factors to consider, including the cost of supplies. Once ink costs are taken into consideration, inkjet multifunction printers, initially perceived as being low cost, often turn out to have an equivalent or higher TCO than the higher performing laser and solid ink MFPs. TCO can also increase significantly for devices that are hard to use and maintain, unreliable, or lack the features and capability to efficiently and effectively produce the results you need.

Your multifunction printer can become a useful asset in managing and controlling costs for printing and imaging, and can also add new capabilities to your organization if you choose wisely. Consider how MFPs can address total cost of ownership for printing and imaging assets, better consolidate and improve management of resources across the organization, and improve business process efficiency.

Know its ease of use
Prevent bottlenecks and costly employee down time by finding a multifunction printer that's easy to operate. Check for intuitive user interfaces, minimal training requirements, and easily accessible online help and documentation. If you do need support, check that the product is backed by manufacturer–provided service and support coverage.

The Xerox MFP Buyer’s Guide can help further define your requirements and help you find the right MFP for your organization.

For more information please call GreenPages 1-800-989-2989.