What is Optimization?
Print Environment Optimization is the process of transforming a typical print environment into an environment where each device has been strategically placed to optimize costs while properly addressing end-user needs. It's the process of analyzing your printer fleet to ensure you have:
Right devices in the Right position to produce the Right number of pages at the Lowest cost.
Typical Results
The goal of an Optimization Assessment is to further reduce the costs of general office printing.
- Managed Print Services can save you 10% to 30% of your print costs.
- Managed Print Services AND implementing the recommendations of an Optimization Assessment can save you an additional 20% to 50% of your print costs.
Common Problems
Implementing a Managed Print Solution can expose common problems, such as:
- Improperly placed devices resulting in over/under utilization
- Devices with high total cost of ownership producing high page volume
- Abuse of color printing
- Multiple print devices residing side-by side resulting in redundant print devices and an over capitalized fleet
- Proliferation of high cost devices on desktops with no consideration of high cost of print or total cost of ownership
Optimization Results
Optimization recommendations will result in the following:
- Repositioning devices according to total cost of ownership
- Repositioning devices to push highest print volume to lowest cost devices
- Consolidating single function devices (print, copy, scan and fax) into multifunction printers (all functions in one single device)
- Introduction of affordable color printer device replacement
- Controlling color printing
- Replacement of high cost personal print devices with workgroup devices
Two Methods
Printelligent has two methods for conducting an Optimization Assessment:
-
Replacement Optimization:
This method is used when considering a one-to-one print device replacement strategy, completely refreshing the print environment. -
Consolidation Optimization:
This method is used when needing to consider optimum use of print devices perhaps in several different locations with an overall objective of reducing the number of print devices within your business.
The objectives of each type of assessment are the same:
- Secure a complete list of print devices
- Learn the brands, makes, models and page volumes produced on each device
- Approximate the location of each device to its users
- Assess end-user print needs
Printer data is collected in two ways – either through the use of remote monitoring software conducting a sweep of your network and collecting print device data, or by walking around your business and collecting the data manually from each device. Obviously, the size and number of locations of printers plays a big role in determining which method is used to conduct an Optimization Assessment.
The Four R's
Once the printer data is collected, each device undergoes a review of The Four R's:
- Retain
- Reposition
- Replace
- Retire
Printelligent's recommendations are presented by the Account Manager in a proposal format, which may consist of a simple spreadsheet or be as complicated as an itemized map of each floor of each building or geographic location. The end result of either approach is the same – recommendations for you to consider to Optimize your Print Environment.