Are you having trouble managing your print costs? Are everyday items like ink, toner, and paper eating away at your bottom line? If so, investing in managed print services might be worth a look.
Managed Print Services (MPS) are becoming increasingly popular for businesses that rely on printers and printing supplies to stay productive. By outsourcing the management of their printer fleet, companies can save money and reduce the amount of resources they need to dedicate to their overall printing infrastructure.
So, are managed print services worth it?
In this guide, we’ll explore whether MPS is worth it for businesses by evaluating its benefits against its potential drawbacks. So let’s dive right into looking at why MPS and the pros and cons of it.
Are managed print services worth it?
Managed print services can help businesses optimize, oversee, and automate their print environments, potentially saving up to 30% on total printing costs.
Whether this solution is worth the investment depends on factors such as monthly volume, number of devices, and unique needs.
Although there are pros and cons, taking a proactive approach to printing can ultimately benefit businesses by freeing up staff from print-related maintenance and supplies.
Pros and Cons of Managed Print Services
| Pros of Managed Print Services | Cons of Managed Print Services | Considerations |
| Cost savings: Managed Print Services (MPS) can help companies reduce their printing costs significantly by streamlining their printing processes and reducing wasteful printing practices. | Lack of control: With MPS, companies may have to relinquish some control over their printing processes to the MPS provider, which may be uncomfortable for some companies. | Budget: While MPS can lead to cost savings, companies must consider the initial investment required to implement the service. It’s important to evaluate the cost-benefit analysis to determine whether MPS is a financially feasible solution. |
| Increased efficiency: MPS can help improve a company’s printing processes, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace. | Dependence on the provider: Companies that opt for MPS must rely on their providers for their printing needs, which can be a disadvantage in case of a service disruption or technical issues. | Service level agreements (SLAs): It’s important to ensure that the MPS provider offers clear SLAs that outline the service quality and uptime guarantees, as well as the penalties for failing to meet those standards. |
| Environmental benefits: MPS can help reduce the environmental impact of printing by promoting eco-friendly printing practices, such as reducing paper usage and using energy-efficient devices. | Limited customization: MPS solutions may not always be fully customizable to a company’s specific needs, which may not work for some businesses. | Scalability: Companies should consider their future printing needs and evaluate whether the MPS solution can scale up or down to meet those requirements. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the MPS provider has the flexibility to accommodate any changes in the company’s printing needs. |
| Access to expert support: MPS providers can offer expert support for printing-related issues, such as device maintenance and security. | Potential security risks: Outsourcing printing needs to a third-party provider can pose potential security risks, especially if the provider doesn’t have adequate security measures in place. | Security protocols: Companies must ensure that the MPS provider has appropriate security protocols in place to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. |
| Simplified vendor management: MPS can help companies simplify vendor management by consolidating their printing needs with a single provider, reducing the need to manage multiple vendors. | Potential compatibility issues: MPS solutions may not be compatible with existing hardware or software, which can lead to compatibility issues and additional costs. | Compatibility testing: Before implementing MPS, companies should conduct compatibility testing to ensure that the solution is compatible with their existing infrastructure. |
| Reduced downtime: MPS providers can offer proactive maintenance and monitoring of printing devices, which can reduce device downtime and improve overall productivity. | Data privacy concerns: Outsourcing printing needs to a third-party provider can raise data privacy concerns, especially if the provider has access to sensitive information. | Data privacy policies: Companies must ensure that the MPS provider has clear data privacy policies in place and that they comply with applicable regulations. |
| Improved reporting and analytics: MPS providers can offer detailed reporting and analytics on printing usage, which can help companies optimize their printing processes further. | Contract terms: Companies must carefully review the contract terms offered by the MPS provider to ensure that they align with their business requirements and expectations. | Contract negotiations: Companies should negotiate contract terms with the MPS provider to ensure that they get the best possible deal and that the contract meets their unique needs. |
Final Words
Ultimately, the decision of whether to opt for managed print services comes down to a business’ unique requirements.
With the help of a managed print service provider, businesses can cost-effectively optimize and automate their printing needs. At the same time, it is important to factor in monthly volume and type of printing when considering managed print services, as the solution may end up costing more than a traditional approach over time.
Keeping these points in mind and thoroughly researching your options will help you make the right choice for your business.
If you are considering managed print services, then why not get free quotes from multiple service providers today?
Having access to different prices makes it easier to find the best package according to your budget.
