The concept of managed print services can be hard for a business and IT leaders to wrap their heads around. They often think MPS sounds like a good idea, but also assume that it’s too expensive, complicated, or time-consuming to offer enough of a long-term value.
However, the reality is that a well-managed print provider will help you save significant time and money and allow you to better focus on projects that matter the most.
Over the years, we’ve heard so many assumptions and misconceptions about managed print services. So, we’ve decided to pull together the 5 most common and debunk them all!
Myth #1: Working with an MPS is time-consuming and a major disruption
We always hear about businesses believing that adding managed print services to their operations will take a ton of time to initiate while causing a major disruption. With so much already on their plates, leaders push the idea to the side saying they’ll think about it later. Too often, “later” never arrives.
The truth is that—even from day one—working with an MPS is anything but a massive undertaking. As long as you pick a reputable service, their team will make the process as simple and seamless as possible. Their mission is to save you time, costs, and print frustrations from the first phone call.
Another thing we often hear is that their current solution works well enough. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it—right? Maybe not when the alternative could save you thousands! This mindset limits the potential value that a good MPS strategy can provide for your business. In fact, it usually starts returning that value immediately.
Myth #2: MPS is just a cost-per-page payment
Another myth is that managed print services are just an extra, unnecessary cost-per-page add-on. We often find that this misconception comes from a past experience with a service that feels similar, but is actually quite different from a managed print service.
An experienced managed print services company does more than charge you fees for basic maintenance services. Instead, they also devise a holistic and customized print management program that puts the right device in the right place for the right person. With this strategy, you’ll quickly save significant costs and reduce the time that IT spends on managing print.
Myth #3: All MPS partners provide similar programs
Every MPS partner offers different skill sets, service levels, pricing models, levels of expertise, brand partnerships, document security strategies—and we could go on. Needless to say, while some might have more similarities than others, no two MPS companies are exactly alike.
In fact, the difference is often like comparing apples and oranges. Many MPS providers will tell you that the service is a commodity and all that matters is price. It’s a trap that many businesses fall for. They later get stuck with inadequate results, poor service, and assume all managed print services will be inadequate as well.
Even if you’ve been burned in the past, take a little time to research various print management services and talk to their representatives. You’ll probably be surprised at what a difference a highly-rated MPS company can make.
Myth #4: It’s going to cost me more
Some companies think that adding managed print services to their operations is going to cost more than just letting their IT team handle their printing needs in-house. This misconception usually arises from the fact that they haven’t really sat down to work through the math.
The right print management service will actually save you significant costs from the start. This is because an MPS will:
- Optimize and streamline your print environment
- Rightsize your current fleet of printers
- Reduce the IT and Help Desk workload
- Integrate devices that save on costs
- Cut down on paper and toner spend
- Introduce cost-saving software and other programs
- Revisit and rework outdated contracts
And that’s just to name a few of the many ways you’ll cut your print costs with managed print services. The savings add up big time in no time.
Myth #5: I’m going to have to buy all new devices
Finally, some companies think that contracting with a managed print services means that they will have to buy all new devices. Absolutely not!
What we will do is conduct a workplace assessment where print device and workflow experts will take an in-depth look at your office environment. From there, we’ll make recommendations that can optimize your current print workflow and save money.
We do often recommend that businesses buy new printers and copiers, but only if we believe that upgrading the current devices will ultimately give you a better long-term ROI. It’s also just a recommendation. If buying the suggested devices isn’t feasible, we’ll help you find the best option for your budget.
Managed print is often misunderstood and therefore pushed to the side in favor of the status quo. This is unfortunate as so many businesses that can benefit from MPS and miss out on the cost-savings and time efficiencies these services provide.
Don’t let this happen to you. We can help! Our managed print experts have worked with countless companies to create programs that’ll streamline their business process and save money. Set up a free, no-obligation consultation today, and let’s chat!
