It’s difficult to understand what office equipment to buy or save if you’re unsure what functions each one performs. Copiers are highly debated because they may sometimes seem obsolete in a modern office environment. But is that the case? Read on to determine if a copier is right for you.
Main Functions of a Copier
Copiers make copies of documents for sharing information between departments and creating backups. A good copier can recreate entire books and manuals. This is time-consuming work that many companies don’t value enough.
Outsourcing copier jobs to copy centers means employees have to waste time on the road and wait in line to receive their documents. This time spent idling outside the office takes away from other important tasks.
Copiers are big so that they can take up a bit of floor space. But they’re generally easy to use. Moreover, modern machines are fully capable of performing additional functions.
For example, they can bind reports, collate documents, and punch holes. These extra functions can save time and money businesses might otherwise spend on manual equipment that performs the same tasks.
MFP vs. Copier
What is an MFP? An MFP is a multifunction printer. It’s a printing machine with scanning capabilities to create physical copies of digital documents.
Unlike copiers, MFPs are much smaller and don’t usually have a copy function. That’s because they can print the same document as frequently as requested.
MFPs can also create color prints, some even being capable of very high resolutions and color fidelity.
Having an MFP in the office is a lot like having two or more pieces of office equipment rolled into a single unit. Between the smaller footprint and long list of features and customization options, MFPs can seem like the better overall choice.
However, that’s not always the case. Copiers are designed for high-volume work and specific tasks. They can do jobs MFPs can’t handle, especially in a workplace that deals mainly with physical documents.
Pick the Right Machine Based on Your Needs
The first step in determining what office equipment to buy, rent, or lease is identifying your top priorities. Copiers are probably best suited for your business if you need to copy documents.
Additionally, if your company receives many paper documents and you use physical backups and storage, copiers can streamline office operations better than MFPs. Despite their prowess, the latter won’t always respond well to a high volume of requests.
Contact Golden Gate Office Solutions in San Francisco to discuss your office equipment options.
