The Six Tenets of the Copier Company (and how you can get a better deal)

Here, unclassified for the first time, is the office machine salesperson’s manifesto. It was obtained using enhanced interrogation on several successful highly-trained multifunction equipment-sales operatives…

Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Multifunction Printer: Article 4

Know How Easy It Is To Connect To An Existing Network 

For most businesses the acquisition and supply/service price for a new multifunction printer is a only small part of the potential cost.   If your new device won’t easily integrate into your existing network you’ll pay IT costs that far outweigh the differences in price between a good machine and the best one!  Attend to features first, then price.   Here are a few tips to help you keep you focused before buying.

A) Will you need to train your staff?  How easy is the device to setup and use?  If you will need training will the seller, when needed, come out and help.  Ask this now, before you buy and find out it isn’t available.

B) How easy is the software driver to install?  The best manufacturers understand that an IT professional might not always be available to install a driver or re-configure software.  Look for easy-to-use software installation wizards that walk users through the networked driver installation.

C) Look for Easy Troubleshooting   Try calling the prospective manufacturer’s or dealers help desk.  If you get lost in the menu system, put on hold forever or reach a technician with little knowledge, you might rethink your purchase.  The best manufacturer’s have pro-actively installed software that see any problem the user might be experiencing and will pop their screen to suggest ways to troubleshoot. 

D) How Easy is it to Upgrade or Replace?  Many devices need firmware upgrades or have accessories that you can add later.  Is this easy to do?  Will the seller do it for you as needed?  Some top manufacturer’s have made it very easy to install more features.  If a tech needs to do it, be sure the seller will help at no cost.

Next topic.  Know How Easy It Is to Use.  Have any questions or comments about this article?   Visit us at DocuSense or post a reply

Previous articles:
1. Know your requirements
2. Know the Total Cost of Ownership
3. Know what third parties have to say

Upcoming articles: 
 
 5. Know how easy it is to use
 6. Know its multitasking abilities
 7. Know its bi-directional communication capabilities
 8. Know the available device management, remote intelligence, and support
 9. Know whether it provides the level of security and confidentiality you need
10. Know what software and solutions are available

Multifunction printers can help you streamline duplicated and cumbersome document processes and electronically organize, edit and archive your paper documents. With an MFP and a simple software application you can turn paper documents into electronic format and send to multiple destinations – email, document repositories, network folders, even remote printers – with a single scan.

Once you’re armed with the knowledge you’ve gathered by asking these questions, you’ll be prepared to make the right decision for your business.

Please contact us with any questions. Docusense 1-800-422-0080

Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Multifunction Printer: Article 3

Know What Third Parties Have to Say

It pays to look beneath the hood before you purchase a multifunction device.  The easiest way is to check on-line ratings.

Manufacturers will always paint their products in the best possible light.  That means their published speed, duty cycle, supply costs etc… will always feature best-case scenarios that rarely reflect real-world use.  So the easiest way to get another opinion is to see what the product users have to say. 

Try looking the device up on-line at retrevo.com.  This site aggregates consumer and technical reviews.  PCworld.com, Cnet.com and zdnet.com  are other sites  having product reviews as well.  Look for information regarding the actual device speed and user comments on ease of use etc. 

Understand what the experienced people in the industry are saying about the product you are researching, and you’ll make a more informed decision.

Previous articles:

1. Know your requirements
2. Know the Total Cost of Ownership

Upcoming articles: 

 4. Know how easy it is to connect to an existing network
 5. Know how easy it is to use
 6. Know its multitasking abilities
 7. Know its bi-directional communication capabilities
 8. Know the available device management, remote intelligence, and support
 9. Know whether it provides the level of security and confidentiality you need
10. Know what software and solutions are available

Multifunction printers can help you streamline duplicate and cumbersome document processes and electronically organize, edit and archive your paper documents. With an MFP and a simple software application you can turn paper documents into electronic format and send to multiple destinations – email, document repositories, network folders, even remote printers – with a single scan.

Once you’re armed with the knowledge you’ve gathered by asking these questions, you’ll be prepared to make the right decision for your business.

Please contact us with any questions. Docusense 1-800-422-0080