Future trends for managed print services    by Bob Jones

in Business / Management    (submitted 2012-01-19)

For many companies around the world, managed print services (MPS) is not only a useful way to manage print-related resources, it is an essential business tool that saves thousands, if not millions in costs. While many companies have started to realise the value in MPS, the industry is still growing, with a future has only recently been defined in regards to trends, history and standards. To understand the value of managed print services, the definition first needs to be understood. As for the future of MPS, this will affect the way that companies use their resources on a local and global scale.

Some of the most important trends and benefits that hold the key to the future of MPS include:

• MPS definition and value

Until a year or two ago, the definition and core service was undefined, which made it almost impossible for any benchmarks or standards to be determined. The MPSA (Managed Print Services Association) provided a definition that is now used throughout the industry, which states that: "Managed print services is the active management and optimisation of document output devices and related business processes." This definition gave a clear outline of MPS that can be used throughout the industry to describe the core services of MPS as well as the value they offer to clients.

• Measurability, accountability and accuracy

The most important values of managed print services include: measurability, accountability and accuracy. As this industry focuses on print, telephone and fax audits and other monitoring of resources, these are crucial values that ensure that operations are conducted to the highest of standards. The nature of MPS is essentially the accurate monitoring of print resources, and without clearly defined reporting and analysis, these values cannot be instilled.

• Service range

Another important element of MPS is the service range offered by providers. A full service MPS company can offer customers services that cover every area of print management, from audits to maintenance and repair of printers, faxes and copiers. This means that services provide a management of resources rather than a single solution that could be limiting. A full service operation also means that customers can benefit from a 'one stop' solution, for all of their print management requirements.

• Experience and expertise

In a fairly new industry, it can be hard to measure expertise and experience within the MPS industry. With that said, skilled technicians with a solid working knowledge of printers, faxes, copiers and other devices, as well as training in the MPS field, are able to bring their skills to the industry. This means better levels of quality and service standards for companies. While many new MPS companies have emerged, offering huge results, not all of them may be able to offer specialised skills in areas such as maintenance, reporting or technical repairs.

• The paperless office and green printing

Another major aspect in the world of MPS is the paperless office trend. From an environmental point of view, MPS offers an effective way to reduce waste, recycle paper, ink and other resources, as well green printing approaches and initiatives that can lower company's carbon footprint and aim for a more sustainable model. The paperless office trend is therefore playing a huge role in the future of managed print services as a sustainable model for companies all over the world.

About the Author

Bob Jones offers advice for businesses seeking reliable managed print services, telephone and printer audits or green printing options.