How can companies become more efficient with their printing solutions? August 30, 2011 17:51 by Roy Hamilton

In the last year there has been a growing number of businesses and government departments turning to printer ink providers to help support and make their document processing environments more efficient.

However, there are a number of ways that firms can improve their printing habits and systems before turning to large firms to lend a hand and their expert advice.

Educating the workforce

The consumer rights organisation Which? noted that one of the simplest ways to reduce printing costs is to use the machines as wisely as possible.

For instance turning devices off in the evening while no one is in the office means that organisations cut down on the amount of electricity they use.

On top of this, they could save money by using auto-duplex systems, which means that the products automatically produce prints on both sides of the paper.

Konica Minolta also lent its support in this particular area noting that firms can take a more eco-friendly, efficient and responsible approach to how they operate their printer ink environments.

The company stated that it should be a organisation and group-wide effort for the long-term to cut down costs.

Kevin Kern, senior vice-president at Konica Minolta Business Solutions, said: "Konica Minolta has taken a proactive approach to corporate social responsibility through an enhanced corporate management system that addresses environmental issues, a compliance system that covers broad ethical standards, and ongoing communication with stakeholders."

Adopting new technology

However, global research by IDC, backed by Xerox, revealed that there are five hidden areas that stand in the way of businesses reducing their printer ink service costs, which it estimates could free up around 30 per cent of funds for further IT projects.

According to the firm, businesses can improve their storage and printer ink footprint, their IT service desk, administration, environmental sustainability and organisational productivity.

Group vice-president in European consulting at IDC Martin Canning noted: "Organisations that fail to understand their total enterprise printing costs miss a significant opportunity to cut overheads and liberate funds for innovation and business transformation initiatives."

Recently, ink cartridge and technology firm Lexmark developed its Fleet Manager 2.0 software, which it claims helps businesses manage, optimise and improve the productivity of printer ink environments in small to medium-sized enterprises.

It does this by using the Lexmark fleet tracker for managed service providers allowing company owners to centralise and manage thousands of multiple print operations, wherever they are, from one office.

Whichever options are chosen by companies in the future though it appears there are ways for firms to improve their printer ink baseline costs.

Posted by Chris Rails