The average office requires more than just a regular printer when it comes to resource solutions. Most enterprises opt for networked printers that have a range of options when it comes to functionality and output. As there are so many choices for office printing solutions today it’s important to work out what you’re actually looking for before you start the search. These are some of the key factors to consider.
What type of printer are you looking for?
Today, the two main choices are likely to be Inkjet or LED.
- Inkjet. This type of printer essentially forces ink through a pinhead in order to create your corporate report for instance. It can be an economical option and is a good choice if you’re looking for high quality image output at a low cost.
- LED/Laser. An image is projected onto a rotating drum via a light source and the drum transfers toner onto the paper to create the image. Although the up front investment can be high LED printers are high quality and reliable and may have more networking and high volume printing capability than an Inkjet.
Is colour important?
If the printer is going to be used solely for creating business documents, such as an agenda or emails, monochrome printers are cheaper and often a better choice. However, if there is an element of presentation – for example printing anything with a colour logo or a letterhead – a colour printer might be the better option.
Do you need wireless?
Wireless printers are easier to situate in an office because, as long as they are connected, to a WiFi network they can go anywhere. Wired connections will need a specific spot next to the right plug sockets but may be more reliable and more secure.
What features do you need other than printing?
For many offices, a single-function printer that produces only printed documents will meet specific needs. However, if you’re also looking for a printer that can scan, copy or email then a multi-function printer will be the way forward. Make sure you look into print speed – anything less than 20 pages per minute will normally be too slow for an office – and consider what other features you might need, from additional memory to automatic double sided printing and touch screen controls.
In-built networking capabilities are often simpler
Most offices will require printers to be networked and buying a printer with networking capability built in is often the more effective solution. However, it also tends to increase the price so the other option is to buy a printer without inbuilt networking and attach it to a dedicated print server.
Should you lease or buy?
This will usually depend on the amount of capital you have available up front to invest and whether you want to handle ongoing maintenance, upgrade and repair costs within the business.
Finding the right printer can make life a lot easier for your employees. These are just some of the factors that you need to consider if you want to ensure that you make the best choice.
