Since printing is at the center of daily operations for many businesses, choosing the right type of multifunction printer (MFP) is essential.
But how can businesses choose an MFP model that best fits their printing needs if they don’t have a basic understanding of the options available to them?
To ensure businesses invest in a model that aligns with their printing needs, let’s review what a multifunction printer is, why your business needs one, and the three main types of multifunction printers.
What is a Multifunction Printer (MFP)?
A multifunction printer (MFP) is a piece of office equipment that serves as the centralized hub where all printing, copying, faxing, and scanning occurs. Most MFPs also provide finishing options including, stapling, folding, hole punching, and booklet making. Similar to a computer, advanced MFPs can also browse the internet and print straight from an intuitive, user-friendly display panel.
Today’s multifunction printers have additional features to further workplace efficiency, productivity, and security, including but not limited to:
- Proactive service notifications
- Cost-effective automatic duplexing
- Customizable user interface
- Secure pull printing
- Secure password protection
- Hard drive encryption
- Automatic data cleanup
- Temporary image removal
- Connectivity to cloud applications such as OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive
Why Your Business Needs a Multifunction Printer
Reoccurring printer problems, while they might seem like minor hassles at the time, create serious roadblocks that prevent companies from maximizing productivity and revenue. Some examples of printer problems that commonly plague businesses include:
- Long lines at the office printer affect employee productivity
- Continuous printer malfunctions lead to increased maintenance costs
- Degradation of print quality impacts readability
While a multifunction printer is a significant investment for any business, the benefits quickly outweigh the initial cost as they mitigate common printer problems and provide several advantages. These advantages include:
- Improves usability
- Increases energy efficiency
- Reduces overall maintenance
- Provides better document management
- Enables document access from anywhere
- Conserves office space
What are the Three Main Types of Multifunction Printers?
There are three main types of multifunction printers: color multifunction, black and white multifunction, and compact multifunction. While the primary functions are similar across all categories, each MFP type and model vary in size and offer unique advantages.
Color Multifunction
Color multifunction printers provide high-volume print offices and in-house printing departments with all of the aforementioned MFP benefits with the added capability of printing in high-resolution color. Businesses can rely on advanced color MFPs to deliver high-impact color and image quality and the flexibility needed to handle various output needs, such as printing color-intensive documents like financial charts, graphs, and marketing materials. Advanced full-color MFPs will have color-specific tools, including unique Pantone colors and color scanning capabilities as well as powerful finishing options for all types of media.
Businesses should compare color multifunction printers based on several factors, including monthly print volume, print speed, and paper capacity. Here are a few high-performing color MFP models to consider:
Black and White Multifunction
Black and white or monochrome multifunction printers provide businesses with a cost-effective way to print high-resolution B&W documents. Black and white MFPs are typically less expensive than color MFPs since they only use one cartridge, black. Black and white MFPs are best suited for applications that are text and data-intensive. Here are a few high-performing black and white MFP models to consider:
Compact Multifunction
For start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), every inch of office space is essential. Whether it is brilliant color quality, heightened productivity, or faster print speeds, compact multifunction printers enable businesses to maximize their space and receive the same benefits traditional MFPs offer. There are various models of compact MFPs available today, each with its unique capabilities to ensure businesses can meet their printing needs. Some compact MFPs can print both in color and B&W, while others focus on high-speed monochrome only printing. Here are a few high-performing compact MFP models to consider:
Discover the Best Multifunction Printer for Your Office
There are a plethora of multifunction printers available on the market, but every printer isn’t an ideal fit for every business. Businesses should consult MFP specialists for assistance in finding the best multifunction printer for their office.
Businesses that invest in an MFP model that best fits their business’s printing needs will streamline their print environment, ensuring speed, efficiency, volume, and quality printing at a cost-effective price.
