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What is a managed print and paper service?

30 Nov 2023 —
Print
A print worker standing besides a stack of paper

As a business, you’re constantly on the lookout for processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste. But have you considered using a managed paper service? This is the ideal way to optimise your print and paper usage, and can have a positive impact on your operational costs. In this article, we’ll explain what this service is, what the benefits are, and why you should consider it as an option.

As a business, you’re constantly on the lookout for processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste. But have you considered using a managed paper service? This is the ideal way to optimise your print and paper usage, and can have a positive impact on your operational costs. In this article, we’ll explain what this service is, what the benefits are, and why you should consider it as an option.

How do managed print services work?

At its core, a managed print and paper service outsources your processing needs to a third party company. They handle all the complexities of your printing, allowing you to dedicate more time to running your business. 

By handing over this process to experts, you also benefit from years of professional experience and industry knowledge. These services are specifically trained to improve or eliminate inefficiencies in your print and paper processing, and can point out new methods to streamline your existing systems.

The advantages of managed print services 

There are several advantages to using a managed print and paper service as part of your business model.

Saves time

By outsourcing the day-to-day management of your printing and paper needs, you can save a lot of time. An MPS (Managed Print Service) will handle all the specifics of ordering supplies and dealing with maintenance or performance issues. This frees up time across your organisation, from IT to admin, and means employees can focus on other important matters.

Reduce costs

External print and paper management services are equipped and organised in implementing cost-effective changes to your business needs, which can save money in the long term. Using a managed paper solution can automate your ordering chain, for example, so you can avoid stockpiling unnecessary materials as an MPS will monitor and manage this for you.

Minimise waste

There is a huge emphasis on minimising waste as a business. Paper management services can help do this in a number of ways. For example, this type of service can monitor and adjust to your agreed printer wastage levels, as well as provide monthly tracking and reporting of your usage.

Boosts employee productivity

Using an MPS to implement efficient business solutions can boost your employee productivity because staff aren’t wasting time waiting for units to become available. Instead, they can focus on more important tasks.

How much do managed print services cost?

Print and paper management costs will depend on your needs as a company. Contributing factors include how much printing you do, how many printers you have, and how much paper you need, for example.

Costs will also depend on the type of quote you choose, which include:

  • Cost per copy: Also known as cost per page, this is a standing charge per printed page.
  • Cost per development: This is where you’re charged per colour on the page.
  • Tiered billing: This type charges per percent of page coverage.

 

Always make sure you check the type of quote you receive, as costs can add up quickly if you’re unaware.

Are managed print services worth it?

Overall, managed print and paper solutions are certainly worth it. These services can reduce certain business costs, and save you and your employees valuable time. Improving efficiency allows you to dedicate your resources to more important areas of your business and improve the chances of future success.