If your business has heavy duty copying, scanning, printing, and faxing needs, you might want to take a look at the latest multifunction imaging centres.
A single device that can handle printing, scanning, faxing, and copying can save both money and desk space. The main question to ask, however, is how well they can handle all these tasks.
If there are compromises in quality, are they acceptable for the cost and maintenance savings?
There are two broad categories of MFDs, although there is some crossover between the two. The first category is a combined fax, printer, and scanner/copier.
These are most commonly found in small offices or branch offices. The more expensive models can be based on a laser printer engine, but inkjet printing is also common. Some of these models can be networked, so that faxes can be sent directly from each user's PC.
The second category are -imaging centres"â€"essentially print workhorses. They are mainly used for printing, copying, and scanning. They house large paper bins and some can print up to 45 pages per minute. They can be attached to a network and many can accommodate a large number of clients.
Some ship with duplexers and some offer large volume scanning and printing using optional hard disk drives. They can also help you sort your documents and staple them together. Most of the corporate MFDs we received did not feature built-in fax capabilities.
The software that comes with MFDs is also quite clever. It might, for example, let you scan to your desktop, to e-mail, or even to an ftp server. These devices are very intelligent and ensure smooth, uninterrupted printing while the modular options can enhance the productivity in your networked office.
MFDs have many advantages over buying single products. The main one is the cost and space saving associated with having a single device instead of three or four, as well as the reduction in power consumption. It can also reduce the time spent wandering around the office from printer to photocopier to scanner.
Of course there are also disadvantages. In a busy office, combining all three devices into one might lead to long queues and traffic jams.
Also, with increased complexity comes the higher probability that something will go wrong, as well as the inconvenience of being left without a printer, copier, scanner, or fax while the device is down for maintenance.
