What's Next With Mps

is understanding the users behavior as it related to print. How are the print devices being utilized, what types of print jobs do users need and what is the desired workflow. This qualitative analysis can result in increased employee satisfaction and other business process improvements.

Evaluate the Flexibility to add new Services MPS

Managed Print Services is designed to be a consultative and collaborative business model. It should be simple to add, remove or adjust print device deployment based upon a client’s business needs. Many providers enhance this with workflow analysis, implementation of document management software and beyond. IT leaders should seek out an MPS partner that can provide the range or equipment and services you may need; but also a collaborative business partner to understand the users behavior and related print needs.

Best Approaches

Well, I am not a CIO first off… but I have been working in the field with MPS program design and implementation for almost ten years and have worked with many IT leaders. My advice to a CIO is to keep an open mind on software and MPS as a business model.  We still find IT departments that are resistant to installation of data collection software for the purpose of print fleet analysis and MPS proposal and pricing development. This software is secure and enables potential partners to provide the most accurate analysis and pricing quotes for you. 

Second, CIOs should not assume all MPS programs are created equally. Depending on the provider and who they partner with, you could be looking at a proposal for a glorified Cost Per Page bill for your copier fleet that is marketed as “MPS”, a proposal for proactive laser printer management, automated supply fulfillment, to document workflow and beyond. Depending on what your goals are as an organization are, all of these implementations and approached to MPS are valid and beneficial. If you are not sure, take time to compare and “shop around” to verify goals align with your provider.

Innovative Technology and Processes in MPS

As an MPS infrastructure partner, we are leading the industry in further automation of toner and print supplies fulfillment and offering enhanced software packages that examine user print behavior. These automation tools greatly reduce, and work to eliminate the need of clients to call a provider for required imaging supplies. Instead they are automatically fulfilled based on the individual print device supply levels. We have also enhanced packaging to better direct supplies to the needed device within a client’s location. Not only does this reduce staff involvement with supply orders, but also reduces the amount of toner waste within an MPS deployment.  

Another innovation to consider is how MPS programs help organizations better manage document workflow and end user behaviors. Printers are passive devices, but user behavior is what really can drive overall cost for an organization. MPS can also help organizations meet sustainability goals. We offer comprehensive recycling and have partnered with Print Releaf to provide reforestation and tree planting to offset office paper consumption. This innovative solution brings a turnkey and auditing process to MPS programs and businesses looking to enhance their sustainability programs and certifications.

Does the MPS Provide Define Managed Print as just Printers?

There is a lot of discussion about the definition of MPS and many providers refer to their programs as MDS or Managed Document Solutions. Regardless of the acronym, MPS is more than just print devices. Many providers evaluate and look at the business processes and end user behaviors related to print, copy, can, fax output along with document management. Some provider’s individual MPS programs may only include printers under contract, while others may bundle traditional copier or MFP devices. CIOs should weigh each proposal based on your organizations goals related to “print” regardless of the type of device when considering MPS providers.