With the release of every new generation of intelligent multi-function printers, the devices become less like copiers and more like the computers they actually are. Take apps, for instance. We use them all the time on phones and tablets. Now innovation brings more apps into the world of MFP devices, documents and workflow. Lots more. “Currently, the MFP-embedded app market is diversifying by taking on more specialized tasks” notes BPO Media senior analyst, Patricia Ames in this article.

Next-gen device vendors have introduced apps to MFPs in ways that reflect how we like to work for convenience, and how we need to work to be successful. Now apps can be embedded in or downloaded to devices for purposes as diverse as:

Last week we looked at the new Xerox® VersaLink® C400 and B400 Printers.  This week let’s look at the Xerox® VersaLink® C405 and B405 Multifunction Printers.  So what is the difference? Well the Xerox VersaLink C405 and B405 are multifunction printers that include not only printing but copying, faxing, scanning and emailing. The multifunction printers include all the features we discussed in last week’s article and more.

The multifunction printers bring you the features you have come to expect.

We often hear about Managed Print Services as an example of the Internet of Things. We discuss how analytics drive the MPS roadmap, and how document security reduces breaches in digital workflows. These sophisticated topics we now associate with MPS, but let’s not forget what started it all — the devices themselves.

In your job, you may never have to pay much attention to the printers, scanners and MFPs that share the office space. And that’s as it should be, but don’t underestimate those devices. They’ve come a long way, and now they contribute to many corporate initiatives:

When you’re running a busy print shop, it’s easy to be so focused on getting the work out that you don’t have the time to look at the bigger picture and ask some important questions.

How has the market changed? Are you keeping up or falling behind? How do you stack up against the competition? Does your business model still make sense? Where will you be in a year – or five years?

Often, the answers to these and other questions come down to the technology you’re using. After all, you’re only as productive, efficient and competitive as your press(es). And if you haven’t upgraded in the last few years, you may be missing out on new business, or new opportunities with existing clients.

Let’s look at four signs indicating it may be time to upgrade your print technology.

1. You’re selling on price

You may have seen coverage like this of another printer hack job. The hacker’s program scoured the Internet for printers that were online, but didn’t have basic security controls enabled. Over 150,000 networked printers were compromised, but this hacker appeared to want to alert people to the risks, rather than do actual harm.

Still, it’s a wake-up call for organizations to be responsible for the security of their endpoints. If you have Managed Print Services, your MPS partner should offer specialized support to protect your devices and the information and processes they touch.

Checklist for MPS Security Capabilities
When you have device fleets, paper and digital workflow, and employees who use both, it’s essential to work with an MPS professional who understands how to secure information in a complex workplace. Here are some things to consider as you evaluate the security skills of an MPS provider: