Smart multifunction printers? What are they and how do they work? Are you using them in your office to maximize efficiencies and help reduce workflows in your enterprise environment? If not, you need to read the following article, featured inInContext Magazine's
The best multifunction products go beyond output efficiency to become key components for enhancing business processes and managing valuable enterprise information. It’s no secret that multifunction products (MFPs) deliver efficiency in a box. The compact devices combine printer, scanner, copier and fax machine functionality in single networked units to serve a variety of workgroup and departmental needs. When one MFP does the work formerly done by four discrete devices, enterprises shrink hardware footprints and the costs and management overhead that come with running multiple machines.
SMFPs are becoming onramps to larger information ecosystems that enable enterprises to replace paper with electronic documents and optimize business processes throughout their organizations.
What makes SMFPs so smart? Industry research points to 10 core characteristics:
1. Integrated tools for productivity and business process efficiency
2. Support for structured and unstructured information
3. Programmable interfaces to third-party solutions
4. Flexible touch screen displays
5. Easy upgrades
6. Centralized management
7. Flexible replenishment options
8. Information integrity
9. Information and network security
10. Support for a diverse workforce
