Even in this fast-paced digital age we live in, office printers are absolutely still necessary for the success of your business. Today’s printers, after all, are more efficient, productive and powerful than ever before thanks to advanced printing technology.

It may not be immediately obvious but modern businesses can rely on office multifunction printers to push forward their digital transformation processes. While some might think that printers are an outcast among the online tools we have at our disposal today, there is no denying that companies and their teams will not be able to achieve their digital transformation objectives without some assistance from their multifunction printer.

In this post, we’ll discuss some of the common ways in which digital transformation initiatives and multifunction printers are coming together today to create greater business value. But first…

What is digital transformation? 

It is the integration of digital technology, processes, and skills into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate. This transition has been happening for years, however, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation initiatives. For example, as remote work became the new normal, many businesses took advantage of cloud storage and video conferencing to continue operations. The Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence are two other technologies central to achieving transformation.

Unlock digital transformation benefits with multifunction printers

1. Digital fax

Sending and receiving documents via fax is still recognised as essential for business communication, especially in the legal, real estate, and healthcare sectors. However, traditional analog fax machines and fax servers don’t always offer the most simple and cost effective ways to send documents. 

Many multifunction printers have fax capability. They make it possible to conveniently and securely send and receive faxes as electronic documents rather than a paper document that is printed out using a standard fax machine. Incoming fax documents can be automatically forwarded to an email address or be stored in a network folder and printed as hard copy when needed.

2. Document scanning

Whether there’s a need to bring offline information into the digital sphere or convert vital records to a digital format, the scanning feature of multifunction printers will digitise documents so that they are instantly retrievable and always accessible. After all, document scanning is typically where the digital transformation process begins.

The powerful and easy-to-operate scanning technology can electronically capture documents to be sent as an email or fax, or saved as PDF in network folders and cloud destinations. Being able to find/share your documents at the click of a button can increase collaboration and streamline workflows.

3. Print from the cloud

Multifunction printers utilise the cloud in a way that enables remote and secure printing to any printer, no matter where it is located. This also simplifies mobile printing from smartphones and tablets, saving employees time by removing the need for desktops to print a document. Cloud printing can be accessed from the printer’s touchscreen panel or mobile app. 

4.  Printer analytics

A common problem facing print environments is having no insights into print activity. Print management systems solve much of this by providing extensive data on any user or printer used in a business. Analysing the current environment creates visibility into how printers are used, how many prints employees make, and how often they use devices in specific areas. Multifunction printers thus become part of the bigger picture as they can help you identify opportunities for optimisation, automation and digitisation. 

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Final word

Multifunction printers are among the office equipment that have made rapid and considerable strides over the last few years. Far from being a symbol of outdated technology, multifunction printers now provide business leaders with robust and reliable features that make digital transformation and innovation possible.