Technology is advancing daily, and you might wonder if it’s time to get rid of old, bulky office machines such as faxes, scanners, and printers. The simple answer is no because each serves a valuable function. However, you can streamline those functions into one machine. Multifunction printers are essential to every office, and their multifunctional use brings many benefits and advantages. This helpful device allows you to scan, copy, print, and fax, saving time and improving productivity, which are just some of its advantages. Read on to learn why a multifunction printer is necessary for every business, its benefits, types, and more.

Benefits of Multifunction Printers

There are many benefits of multifunction or all-in-one printers that will justify and compensate for this significant investment. Even though digital solutions are popular in the modern world, almost every office relies on their copiers. Besides the obvious multifunctional benefits, this printer allows easier usage and improves workflow. Check out which additional benefits you can get by purchasing a multifunction printer.

Accessibility and Efficiency

Standard copiers are becoming old news for many modern office environments, and multifunction printers are taking their place. One of the benefits this device offers is the simplicity of usage and accessibility to different functions. An easy-to-use touchscreen and simple instructions improve efficiency in a workspace.

Rather than walking to four different machines to scan, print, fax, or copy a document, you can do each one of these actions on one device. This way, you get a feature without additional cost. Furthermore, scanning and printing a document on the same machine saves time.

Additionally, modern multifunction copiers allow you to connect your mobile device or tablet and print from the comfort of your desk or on the move, thus further increasing efficiency.

An Economic Choice

The first benefit that comes to mind when you compare one multifunction device to three or four traditional ones is saving space. All-in-one printers are excellent options for home offices or those with limited space where you can opt for smaller and more compact models. This extra space can then be repurposed for other needs.

Besides saving space, investing in multifunction printers saves money in the long run. While this device is more expensive than a standard copier, it’s a much more affordable choice than purchasing four separate devices. Moreover, your utility and electricity bills will decrease since you only need to plug in one machine. An Energy Star-certified printer can further lower energy costs.

Another aspect where you can save money is maintenance. Suppose your multifunction printer malfunctions; fixing one device is much easier and faster than four. The tricky thing is that you can’t use any of its features while the device isn’t working. However, a reliable copier service can maintain, repair, and, if needed, replace out-of-service machines so you don’t see a costly dip in productivity.

Types of Multifunction Printers

There are three types of multifunction printers available. Each has particular uses and advantages but performs the same essential functions (scanning, faxing, printing, copying). Read about compact, color, and black-and-white multifunction printers and decide which suits your business best.

Compact Printers

As the name suggests, compact printers are excellent for small-sized companies and home offices. They can fit on a shelf or even on a desk. They are portable, providing a more efficient and productive work environment. If you’re only starting your business, a compact multifunction printer is the way to go.

Furthermore, this printer provides high printing performance and speed. Inkjet ones are recommended for home offices due to the low cost per page benefit. Opting for printers that contain high-yield ink bottles is a great choice for a more busy environment.

Lastly, some compact printers can print in both color and black and white, while others only print in the latter. This way, you can get the printer that works for your needs without paying for extras you won’t use.

Color Printers

A color printer is a must in a marketing company or similar enterprise, and so is printing speed. Look for high-tier color printers with 25 or 30 PPM (pages per minute) in color and black and white to keep up with the office’s productivity.

You can also find a variety of printers with smart panels, high DPI (dots per inch), and the option to copy up to 1,000 copies. Besides the high printing rate and volume, this type of printer offers additional color options, including various finishes.

Black and White Printers

If color prints aren’t necessary for your business’s needs, black and white printers are more affordable. This type of printer is an excellent choice if you need many documents quickly. It typically has a fast rate and high volume, allowing it to print faster than other types while saving money.

Another reason a black and white multifunction printer is its cost-effective cartridges. Black and white printers only need a black cartridge, while color ones require multiple cartridges.

Choosing the Right Printer

Many factors need to be considered before purchasing a printer. Most modern printers have features that go beyond their essential uses. Here are a few quality-of-life features that make a stand-out multifunction printer:

  • Scanning – Check whether the printer has a flat scanning bed to accommodate books or slides or just a chute for documents. Its connectivity is another factor worth considering, and based on your needs, you can pick one with network scanning or via USB cable.
  • Copying – Some multifunction printers can copy documents without a computer, while others must be connected.
  • Faxing – Multifunction printers should have a fax driver and be able to fax directly from the device without printing.
  • Printing – Choose a printer with finishing options like stapling, hole punching, and folding documents to help save time and increase productivity.

Additionally, the email feature and ADF or an “Automatic Document Feeder” are functions that should be considered during your selection process.

A Printer for Every Use

Choosing the right multifunction printer depends on the abovementioned factors and your business needs. Considering its multiple functionalities, you won’t make a mistake whichever one you choose. If you decide to switch to multifunction printers, consider contacting Copiers Etcetera. Our experts can help your Mill Creek business find the perfect solution for your printing needs.