Multifunction office printers are the lifeblood of any office. Serving as the office photocopier, a multifunction printer (or MFP for short) also provides scanning, faxing, stapling, folding, and hole punching abilities. Many modern multifunction printers come with the ability to access the internet and facilitate direct printing via a user-friendly display panel. Though primarily found in office environments, multifunction office printers have also been adopted by schools, universities, libraries, small businesses, home offices, and anywhere where comprehensive document management solutions are needed. They offer improved document management and enable access to documents from any location, making collaboration and remote work more seamless. A multifunction office printer can give any company the edge amid today's business landscape by consolidating several devices into one, thereby conserving office space while streamlining office operations and increasing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance needs. Scroll on to learn more about this versatile machine
Advantages of Office Multifunction Printers (MFPs)
| Print From Any Device & Any Location |
Nowadays, work is increasingly defined by what you do rather than where you are, leading to a shift towards using a mix of mobile devices, laptops, and desktop computers for work tasks. Relying solely on desktop computers for printing overlooks significant functionalities offered by modern office printers. Many of these printers support mobile printing, allowing you to effortlessly link your smartphones or tablets for convenient printing and scanning. Additionally, the ability to print documents from one location and collect them from another enhances efficiency, especially useful when you're heading to meetings in different parts of the office and can print your materials to a nearby printer for easy pickup. Some advanced printers even offer the option to email print jobs directly, enabling you to send documents for printing remotely and have them ready upon your arrival at work. Utilising these features not only saves time but also boosts productivity, facilitating seamless work processes even when you're mobile. |
| Have Excellent Storage Management | Many modern printers come equipped with internal memory; this storage can be augmented by connecting an additional USB drive to the printer, effectively transforming it into an auxiliary external storage device. Transferring files to the USB drive is typically a straightforward drag and drop procedure. Once the files are on the USB drive, you have the option of printing the files directly from the drive, detaching the USB drive to carry your files on the go, or connecting the USB drive to another compatible device to access your documents. |
| Print Customised Labels & Stickers | Many companies are now using their office printers to produce nametags, address labels, and more. With suitable label sizes and a high-quality inkjet printer at your disposal, you too can have the capability to generate a batch of labels that will elevate the presentation of branded labels and stickers that you can brandish at trade shows, conferences, or customer giveaways. |
| Help to Save the Planet | If you're trying to be mindful of the impact that printing has on the environment, you’ll be pleased to know that some multifunction printers incorporate energy-efficient technologies such as induction heating fixing units. These units quickly bond toner to paper with minimal energy consumption and reduce printer warm-up times, allowing for more frequent use of power-save mode. Some will also let you set to monochrome and duplex printing, which can significantly cut down on ink and paper consumption. |
| Scan Hard Copy Documents to Editable, Searchable Formats | If you have hard copy documents with information you need to retain digitally, you have two options; 1) you can go through the long and error-rife rigmarole of re-typing it all, or 2) you can use your multifunction printer to digitise these paper documents into formats that are both editable and searchable. With Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, you're now able to automate the data capture process from these documents in a snap, thereby conserving both time and resources. This technology also has the capability to recognize and translate text in various languages. |
Why your Business Need a Multifunction Office Printer
- Increased Productivity - Among other things, newer multifunction office printers are engineered for speed and efficiency, enabling you to print or copy documents quickly and significantly reduce processing times. This acceleration in printing and copying allows you and your team to allocate more of your precious time to pressing tasks and priorities.
- Time Saving - Intuitive interfaces and direct cloud connectivity allow for swift access to documents and faster processing of tasks, while the inherent feature of one device that does the job of many multiple devices saves on legwork around the office.
- Improved Quality - Multifunction printers come equipped with a range of features, including wireless connectivity, mobile printing options, enhanced scanning, and sophisticated document management capabilities, all designed to optimise your workflow, ease daily operations, and foster better team collaboration.
- Cost Saving - By combining the functions of several machines into one, MFPs reduce your overall equipment costs. Further expenses can be mitigated if you take advantage of resources-saving features like duplex printing and digital document management.
- Accessibility & Connectivity - Integrated software solutions can also facilitate smooth incorporation into your current technology setup, boosting overall efficiency and productivity.
- Advanced Security - MFPs protect sensitive information via encrypted printing and the ability to require user authentication before releasing print jobs. Certain models also include options for secure document scanning and storage, ensuring data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations.
- Improve Document Control - Ultimately, you don’t want the hard work and talents of your business undermined by sloppy presentation. While older printer models might produce documents that are smeared, faded, or uneven, newer MFPs deliver documents that are sharp, legible, and of all round superior quality.
Looking For the Top Office Multifunction Printer Brands?
DDS stocks a wide range of reputable brands. Here are just some of the high quality names you can expect to see amongst our itinerary;
Sharp is renowned for pushing the boundaries of technology. As the top dealer of Sharp in Australia, we proudly stock an extensive selection of Sharp's acclaimed photocopiers and printers, designed to enhance your business's productivity while accommodating your budgetary requirements.
Canon has a long history of delivering state-of-the-art equipment, which is why Digital Document Solutions is thrilled to have been recognized with the Canon Partner of the Year award. Our commitment to providing unparalleled customer service has always been our foremost priority, and this accolade underscores our success in achieving that goal within the DDS Group.
Epson printers and photocopiers for their exceptional quality, efficiency, and productivity. As an authorised dealer of Epson, the DDS Group proudly stocks a wide range of Epson's printing and copying solutions, which cater to the diverse needs of various organisations.
Office Printers Features to Improve Office Workflow
| Multifunction Device | A multifunction device is a printer that can roll the functions of various machines into one efficient device. Save money and boost productivity by having a multifunction printer that can take care of all your printing, scanning, faxing, photocopying and more. |
| Network Connectivity |
Network connectivity not only allows you to send files to the printer remotely, but it also allows multiple users to easily access the one printer, improving efficiency by allowing documents to be sent to print from anywhere in the office. |
| Print Volume | Printers designed to handle high volumes of printing can significantly improve office workflow by accommodating the heavy demand of busy office environments. This reduces waiting times for print jobs and ensures that large printing tasks are completed quickly and efficiently. |
| Print Speed | Fast print speeds minimise the time employees spend waiting for documents, allowing for quicker turnaround on projects and tasks. This is particularly beneficial during high-pressure periods. |
| Print Quality | A high-quality print output not only reflects well on your company's professionalism but also ensures that documents are clear and legible. This is vital for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that all printed materials meet the necessary standards for internal and external use. |
| Cyber Security | The need for dependable cyber security has grown increasingly important in the modern world, and protecting your printer is every bit as important as protecting your phone. Printers can easily become vulnerable targets for cyber threats in a hybrid office environment, with recent concerns also arising over the potential for leaks of sensitive data through home printing. To counter this, it’s advised that you opt for a printer equipped with robust security features such as password protection, data encryption, and the ability to overwrite or erase data. |
| Buy or Lease | While buying a multifunction printer might be the right choice for some companies, others may not be able to justify the upfront cost. That’s where Managed Print Services come in. A Managed Printer Service (or MPS) eliminates the need for the initial investment in new printing equipment. Your monthly fee covers the financing of the device, along with costs for consumables and services, thus facilitating more effective cash flow planning and management. https://www.ddsgroup.com.au/managed-print-services. |
The Three Main Types of Multifunction Office Printers & Photocopiers
The three most common varieties of multifunction printers are Colour Multifunction, Black & White Multifunction, and Compact Multifunction.
Color Multifunction Office Printers
Offer printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities in full colour, suitable for producing high-quality coloured documents and images. Here are just high-performing colour MFP models to consider:
BP-30C25 Sharp Photocopier - A clean machine that’s so compact you can keep it on your desk.
Canon ImageCLASS X ICXC1333iF - A powerhouse printer with exceptional print quality, lighting fast print speed, and user-friendly features.
MX2651 Photocopier - A breeze to use, this printer effortlessly enhances document management capabilities and offers secure integration with cloud services and network applications to
Black & White Multifunction Office Printers
Perform all key office functions exclusively in monochrome, making them ideal for businesses that only require text-heavy documents. A few high-performing black and white MFP models to consider are as follows:
Canon imageCLASS X ICX1871P - Sleek and compact, this printer takes up minimal space and complements the aesthetics of contemporary office environments. It comes loaded with cutting-edge functionalities, including quick and secure printing options that safeguard sensitive documents.
Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DXC478i - Experience superior image quality and streamlined workflows with this all-in-one printer simplifies tasks through its user-friendly interface and rapid performance.
Canon imageRUNNER IR1643P - This multifunction device combines quick printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into one robust unit, making it a superb choice for organisations who wish to boost productivity efficiently with limited resources. Ideal for small businesses.
Compact Multifunction Office Printers
As the name suggests, designed to be space-efficient while still providing dependable printing, scanning, and copying features. They’re perfect for home offices or small office spaces.
Future Market Trends of Multifunction Office Printer
The market trends for multifunction office printers are increasingly being shaped by demands for portability and mobility; indeed, the recent trend of Bring Your Own Device (which enables employees to use their own chosen devices at work) has caused a surge in popularity for Multi-Function Printers. Versatility is another key trend, with printers now offering a broader range of functions beyond traditional printing. Technological advancements continue to drive innovation, with newer models featuring enhanced connectivity options, cloud integration, and improved energy efficiency. The growing remote work culture has also seen the development of printers that support seamless remote access and management, enabling users to print and manage tasks efficiently from anywhere, further blurring the lines between office and home working environments.
Conclusion
You can browse the wide range of DDS multifunction office printers here. You can also head over to the DDS website to check out our various other products and services. Got a question? Hit us up over at the DDS contact us page, and one of our friendly staff members will be able to assist you directly.
