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Appification transforms office printing

Today's printers use apps to provide essential business solutions, says Morgan Bleasdale, solutions specialist at Taropa Technologies.


Johannesburg, 02 Dec 2016
Morgan Bleasdale, solutions specialist at Taropa Technologies
Morgan Bleasdale, solutions specialist at Taropa Technologies

Phrases like 'Google it' and 'there's an app for that' have crept into everyday usage. We live in a society where people look to technology to simplify their lives - and their businesses.

However, technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that people aren't always able to keep up, which all too often results in it not being used to its full potential.

In an office environment, one of the least understood and most under-utilised pieces of equipment is, in many instances, the multifunctional printer, says Morgan Bleasdale, solutions specialist at Taropa Technologies.

"Just as we no longer use mobile phones merely to phone, text and play games on anymore, so has the office printer evolved to do so much more than just print, scan, copy and fax," he says.

"Today's sophisticated printers use the cloud to ensure shared services across the business and use apps to provide essential business solutions. In fact, with the advent of the Internet of things, your printer could conceivably order you a cup of coffee, if it was correctly configured to do so."

Bleasdale is particularly enthusiastic about Android operating systems, saying they make managing new printer functionality easier for users. "With so many interfaces now being Android, most users are accustomed to these interfaces and can easily train themselves to use new apps installed onto their MFPs. Not only that, but they also have the option to log onto their personalised profiles embedded on their multifunctional devices, for improved functionality and security."

However, before any installation should take place, it's imperative to carry out a proper analysis to match the best solutions to the customer's business needs, driving productivity and cost savings.

"We aim to enable employees in the finance department to install the device so that it displays their preferred document layout, language, finance functions and workflows. Then on the same device, a user in sales can choose their own customised background, workflows, and sales templates instantly at logon. Everything is available at one touch, rather than forcing the user to go through multiple nested screens."

With a vast range of features and functions now available in the MFP market, Bleasdale advises companies to be strategic in their procurement and use of the devices. He concludes: "With careful planning and assistance in choosing the correct device, companies can streamline their printer fleets and optimise productivity in today's technologically advanced working environment."

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