MFP Innovations: Making Office Life Easier And More Efficient

2022-09-12 12:54:49

Did you know that small businesses employ nearly 4 million in South Africa?

If you're a small, micro or medium business owner, you're probably constantly searching for ways to improve your productivity while hiring even more employees. Some of the best ways to do so are also the simplest.

For example, did you know you can boost productivity and increase office morale by investing in an MFP?

But what is an MFP? An MFP, or Multi-Function Printer, is a printer that can perform various office tasks from one centralised machine. 

Do you think an MFP might be suitable for your business? If so, keep reading to find out!

What Is a Multi-Functional Printer (MFP)?

In an office, we perform many daily tasks: printing, copying, scanning, emailing and faxing documents. In the old days of office workspaces, a separate machine performed these tasks.

That led to various problems, including overcrowded workspaces and frazzled employees who constantly ran from one machine to another. In the end, these time-consuming tasks decreased productivity and crippled office morale.

As workers return to the office in the wake of the pandemic, they want to return to a pleasant and spacious environment that facilitates productivity. MFPs can assist in achieving this by opening up employees' workspaces wherein they carry out their daily tasks.

A multi-functional printer allows for streamlined processes and time efficiencies that improve and preserve productivity. An MFP can print, copy, scan, and fax documents from the same machine.

Think about it this way. If you were interviewing a prospective employee who told you they only have one skill, you probably wouldn't hire them because you want employees with diverse skills that benefit your business and add value.

Similarly, hanging on to your old single-function printer is like keeping an employee with only one skill. Retire that old single-function rather, and hire a multi-function printer with many different skills.

 

Why Do You Need a Multi-Function Printer (MFP)?

Are you convinced yet? If not, here are some of the best and most important uses of an MFP.

 

Printing

The most apparent function of an MFP is to be capable of printing in several ways, sizes and colours, and at varying speeds. Some printers perform certain functions, and some don't. But one commonality is that all multi-function printers can print.

Many MFPs nowadays support wireless printing, allowing you to connect a personal or work computer wirelessly to the MFP and conveniently print documents at just the click of a button.

 

Scanning

Most MFPs can scan your documents and send them directly to a specified email inbox - a significant time-saver when you need to send a copy to many people at once.

Most of the time, you can also connect a USB or thumb drive to the MFP and send it directly from there.

 

Copying

MFPs can make copies of documents at speeds as low as 30 pages per minute or as high as 100 pages per minute. It all depends on what your requirements are.

In schools or universities, for example, pages need to be copied quickly and efficiently. In contrast, your copy speed can be slower if your business does less copying than printing.

Either way, a multi-function printer will take care of copying and prove an excellent printing solution for your various needs.

 

What Should You Look For?

MFPs have numerous features that vary from machine to machine. Knowing which of them you need can be challenging, but all businesses tend to use a set of universally essential ones.

Your MFP should be able to print black and white and colour documents if necessary. It should also support different paper sizes, from the standard A4 to the bigger A3 and the smaller A5.

You will also need to choose the speed you require your device to copy and print. Furthermore, resolutions can range between 600 x 600 and 1,200 x 1,200 dots per inch (DPI). While a higher resolution does produce a higher quality image, you should choose a model that suits your needs.

When it comes to the scanning functionality, you'll need to choose between a flatbed scanner, an automatic document feeder, or both. Automatic feeders allow you to quickly scan multiple pages, while a flatbed can easily scan oddly shaped documents.

And then there's wireless connectivity to consider too. 

In summary, whether it's double-sided printing capacity at high speeds you need or something in between, there is an MFP available that meets your needs. When you choose an MFP, opt for a machine that has the features best suited to your workplace.

 

Benefits in the Office

Okay, so an MFP can efficiently perform office tasks. But what can it do for your business besides basic everyday copying, printing and scanning?

Firstly, it boosts productivity. When employees don't have to move physically from room to room to print a document and then fax it or email it, they save time. They're then able to devote that time to other essential tasks.

An MFP working for you in your business can also increase employee morale. Moving from machine to machine is frustrating, and your employees will appreciate the extra breathing time.

Aside from the positive effect on your staff, MFPs can further improve the flow of your workspace in many other ways. One example is that you can scan and email documents directly and no longer rely on sending important memos through snail mail!

You'll also save space by removing old machines that only add bulk to the office. Out with the old, in with the new.

 

Enjoy Your New MFP

When you've replaced your old machines with an MFP, you'll enjoy the benefits of better productivity, increased morale and efficiency. What is holding you back?

Contact us if you're interested in MFPs or any other business solutions! We'd love to hear from you.