How Manufacturers Can Benefit from Managed Print Services

Improving your bottom line

Manufacturers face many challenges today. In addition to supply chain and logistics concerns, manufacturers are experiencing an unprecedented staffing shortage. According to Deloitte’s 2023 manufacturing industry outlook, the manufacturing sector could have a shortage of 2.1 million skilled jobs by 2030.

When resources are in short supply, incorporating a managed print service can free up labor and time. For manufacturers, managed print services can assist with lowering printing costs, connecting your locations, and centralizing your printing service.

The benefits of managed print services in manufacturing

From the production plant to the front office to the loading dock, a managed print service can keep all areas of your business connected and running efficiently.

Technology Support and Security. With managed print services for manufacturing, technical support is readily available as part of the plan, reducing the burden on a company’s IT team which is already often stretched thin and trying to manage multiple buildings or company locations. Your printing equipment is also more secure with the latest firmware, encryptions, and virus protections in place to avoid hackers. Manufacturers hold intellectual property and maintain customer data, so the impacts of a cyberattack would be significant.

Print release options are also available. Instead of just printing directly and letting the material sit on the printer until someone is ready to get it, the print release places the document on hold until the person who has requested it authenticates it and releases it to the printer. This feature helps with compliance and protecting sensitive data while also alleviating the waste of printing something that never gets picked up. It’s a great addition to your sustainability plan. In addition, managed print services include mobile printing options for staff who may work in the plant, at the office, from home, or between buildings.

Upgraded Equipment and Services. As part of a managed print service program, an assessment will be done of all the equipment currently in use. A managed print provider can figure out where the workhorse machines of your company need to go, and which machines might be able to be eliminated altogether to better optimize your fleet. Often upgraded equipment will be introduced to provide the latest in equipment technology that is more secure and user-friendly.

With managed print services, you never have to worry about keeping track of toner levels or page counts again. All your equipment will be connected, accessible, and secure through platforms that allow remote monitoring of product and service needs.

Ongoing Account Management. No managed print service solution can be properly designed without a true understanding of the environment. Your provider will consult with you to understand key objectives, challenges, current technology, and budget to design and implement a long-term managed print service strategy.

Additionally, you will receive ongoing account reviews at a frequency that works best for you. This will include data and reporting on the managed print service program in your organization and a discussion of any questions you may have. Things you might expect in your account review include reporting on the amount of printing done and information on service history.

Cost-effective Printing. A managed print service doesn’t need to cost your company a lot of money. In fact, it should actually save you a considerable amount. Managing and maintaining individual devices in multiple buildings could be costing you a lot of money and time. A major benefit of managed print service is analyzing the costs of your current print environment and then finding ways to reduce this. Your employees will have the machines they need, underperforming machines are eliminated, and you only pay for the services required. And because typical add-on expenses like toner are already wrapped up in your fixed costs, managed print services are easier to incorporate into your budget.

Reduce Downtime and Improve Efficiency. Manufacturers rely on document sharing and accuracy to keep production running smoothly. Streamlining processes and reporting to key stakeholders are crucial in a manufacturing plant, but workflow and logistics can be impacted by printer downtime. Outsourcing print services can free up staff for more impactful work that can improve the customer and employee experience.

How EO Johnson can help

Staffing in the manufacturing industry remains a challenge. When managing your printing equipment is taking up valuable employee time, a managed print service can help. EO Johnson has helped many manufacturers in the Midwest through managed service programs that lower printing costs and keep your business running smoothly. Contact our team of printer and copier experts to learn more.

EO Johnson can also help secure your documents and improve your workflow with bulk document scanning and business automation programs. Many of the documents used by manufacturers, such as bills of lading or manifests, can be digitized, secured, and easily accessible online. Digitizing files and streamlining workflows ensures the right people who need documents have access to them. Let us know how we can help you get started on your digital transformation.