Although many companies have gone partially digital, paper documents are still a mainstay for running a business. Employees need to print contracts, scan in and copy receipts, fax purchase orders, and create eye-catching brochures and advertising materials.

Multifunction printers, or MFPs, are sophisticated devices that can handle all of these tasks with ease. They come at a variety of price points and have different capabilities. These devices boost productivity, streamline workflows, and step up to the challenge during busy times with upcoming deadlines.

What Multifunction Printers Bring to the Table

Multifunction printers can handle your business’s scanning, copying, printing, and faxing needs. All of these vital functions come from one easy-to-use device that’s compact enough to be set up in any central area of the office. Many MFPs can also go the extra mile with finishing options like hole punching or folding booklets. With this busy work taken care of, your employees are freed up for better use of their time.

Scanning

The cornerstone of a paper-light business model is being able to transition smoothly from paper to e-documents and back as needed. Scanning in completed pages allows you to back up important information. You can re-access it with a few keystrokes and instantly transfer material between computers or office branches.

Copying

Even in the digital age, specific files need to be kept in paper form. Copying those documents lets you store backups in a separate, secure location. If bad weather floods the area, you’ll still be able to access copies vital to your business.

Printing

Printing is one of the most important functions of an MFP. Even a small business prints a tremendous number of documents. Some sources suggest the average employee prints off about 10,000 pages per year. These need to be printed accurately, with high quality for colorwork, and without lots of downtime due to paper jams or other issues. A good printer may also be able to handle printing on other media such as card stock or plastics.

Faxing

Someone who doesn’t own a company is probably wondering, “Do people still send faxes?” Business owners know the answer is “Yes, absolutely!” You may also be working with older businesses that haven’t yet caught up to the digital age and rely more on faxes than email. It’s best to be prepared by having this option.

Finishing Options

MFPs can finish off documents neatly by:

• Stapling pages
• Folding papers into brochures or booklets
• Hole punching
• Cover binding
• And more

Multifunction printers need accessories for each of these options, adding to the price tag. However, if your business produces many documents that need finishing, a printer with these capabilities is a real time saver. It may also be more accurate than a harried employee who’s hole-punching papers moments before a big meeting. Printers can give documents a more professional look and reduce paper waste.

Why Multifunction Printers Are So Valuable

MFPs are an office powerhouse. They’re affordable, handle many functions, and are easy to use. Let’s take a look at some of the business-specific benefits:

1. Space- and Time-Savers

An MFP offers considerable savings over buying multiple separate devices. Companies can enjoy cheaper initial expenses and lower operating costs like maintenance and ink or toner resupply. They also save space. The office will need to accommodate just one device instead of four or more cluttering up the place. Finally, multifunction printers save time by creating a convenient, on-the-spot workstation. This leads to a smoother overall workflow.

2. Feature-Packed Functionality

These printers create documents, faxes, etc., with a high level of accuracy and efficiency. Many are designed for high-volume work. They have deep paper drawers and are compatible with XL ink cartridges.

Some MFPs offer a great deal of versatility, printing on multiple surfaces, paperweights, and page sizes. This, alongside their wireless capability, lets employees access the printer from virtually anywhere and process any document the moment it’s needed.

3. User-Friendly Design

Multifunction printers may be able to handle a wide range of complicated office tasks, but they’re straightforward to set up and use. Employees will only need to learn how to operate one device. If there’s a minor issue like a paper jam, they’ll only need to consult one manual for troubleshooting.

4. Quality Color Prints

Color printing has become more affordable than ever in recent years. Even inexpensive MFPs can create crisp images with fine detail and accurate color. Meanwhile, ink cartridges have dropped dramatically in price, especially when bought in bulk. This is good news because color prints are vital for many businesses. In a competitive marketplace, eye-catching images and slick, professionally produced flyers are a must to draw in customers. Vivid color prints are a great way to catch attention, improve message retention, and build brand recognition.

5. Bold Black and White

Despite what we just said above, much of your printing will likely be in black and white. It is the most readable form of text with minimal eye strain. The printing itself will be more affordable, and the MFP uses less electricity. Black and white printing also produces documents faster. It’s a solid option for businesses that primarily produce text media.

Finally, you can create striking, dramatic, or nostalgic graphic images in greyscale. The right black and white photo can stand out in a field of candy-bright competition.

Productivity, Convenience, and Performance

Multifunction printers are compact, cost-efficient, and easy to operate. These machines smoothly perform everyday office tasks and create professional, eye-catching advertising copy. Working with just one highly capable device improves workflow when dealing with a business’s paperwork needs.

Are you interested in what a multifunction printer can do for your Mill Creek office? Give Copiers Etcetera a call today. One of our printer experts will be happy to talk about your options.