Office copiers and printers rarely just flat out fail. Often, they will let you know when it’s time to retire them if you take the time to listen to them. Other than just being “old”, they will expose multiple issues that were not obvious when the device was in it’s prime.
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:
The right parts are getting harder to find
Reputable manufacturers usually make sure that replacement parts for their products are available for several years after a product is discontinued. However, that does not mean that those parts will be easy to find. The vendor that you purchased the device from should be able to source them, but they don’t necessarily have the incentive to keep them on hand. And finding smaller, individual components (as opposed to larger assemblies such as copier drums or transfer belts) may become impossible at some point.
Copying costs increase
Along with the costs associated with an increased rate of repairs and part replacements, older print devices lose their efficiency and end up requiring more supplies (ink, toner, paper) than newer, efficient devices do. The prices of these supplies will always go up, so the less you need to purchase, the less impact it will have on your operating budget.
Newer devices will almost always be more energy efficient, often because government regulations require them to be. Many businesses leave their printing devices on 24/7, so they use electricity even when they’re in sleep mode. Even if they are not left on, every device uses extra energy to start up and power down. Over the course of a year, the difference between energy efficient and inefficient devices can have a sizable impact on your energy bill.
Ultimately, newer devices will help you reduce the cost per print across your entire business.
You’re missing the newest technology
Every generation of new printers and copiers takes advantage of the newest technologies. Besides improving device efficiency, the newest technologies often make the device is easier to use than the previous versions. Faster job processing, improved touch screen interfaces, enhanced document management and network connectivity are just some of the benefits you will find on today’s business printers and copiers.
Chances are that you supply your employees with up-to-date computing devices (desktops, laptops, phones, etc.), which means that they are also using the newest operating systems. Your old printer might not always work well with newer technologies and print drivers.
…and the latest security tools
Today’s business printers and copiers are part of the IoT (Internet of things), which means that they are connected to a business network. Any device – printers or otherwise – are therefor security risks. If it can be hacked, there is every chance that at some point it will be attempted.
Most of the information in your company is, at some point, probably transferred between your computer network and your printer or copier. Much of it may be confidential and private. Newer copiers include password protection and encrypted hard drives, and have the latest network protocols installed to keep that data safe. Older devices may have a few security functions available, but cyber-criminals generally don’t have much of a problem bypassing them.
If any of these issues ring a bell, please contact us today and let us help upgrade your businesses’ printing environment.
