Office printing has come a long way since the days of slow, cumbersome machines. As businesses have evolved over the years, so too has print technology – resulting in new, exciting developments that seemed all but impossible in the past. To stay competitive, businesses must understand how to leverage advanced printing technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and automation.
But first, it is essential to understand just how far office printing has come – and where it might be going in the next few years.
In the Beginning: Traditional Office Printing Techniques
For most of human history, printing was a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Some of the earliest techniques included:
- Dot matrix printers: The very first printers used a print head to strike an ink ribbon. They were noisy, slow, and produced low-quality prints.
- Offset printing: As businesses started to prioritize high-volume printing, ink was transferred from a metal plate to a rubber blanket before being applied to paper.
- Laser Printing Technology: Invented in the 1970s, as digital printing technology started to become a reality, laser beams were implemented to speed up the process. Laser printing technology quickly became the standard.
Modern Print Technology
Digital printing technology has continued to advance in the last few decades, and entirely new developments are changing the way businesses operate on a fundamental level. Some of the more notable advancements are:
Inkjet Printing
While it has existed for several decades, inkjet printing started to replace laser printing in the early 2010s. This is for several reasons: it is often cheaper, produces a more vibrant color, and can handle a wider variety of media types. Laser printing has not completely disappeared, as it is still superior at printing text at high volumes. But for businesses with diverse print needs, inkjet is often more valuable.
3D Printing Technology
Often thought of as superfluous in office environments, 3D printing technology has been surprisingly popular in law firms. It can be used to generate models of defective products, personal injuries, and even crime scenes, giving lawyers the ammunition they need to win cases. Some companies are beginning to specifically target law firms because of this.
Automation
One advanced printing technology many underestimate is automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) predicts when supplies will need to be replaced, ordering them automatically so that businesses never run out. Print jobs can also be scheduled without human intervention, reducing errors and freeing staff to work on other concerns. Automation is making printing more efficient than ever before.
The Rise of Managed Print Services
As businesses and their printing needs become more complex, keeping up with tasks is increasingly difficult. Even automation does not fully solve this problem, as it is unable to address many strategic and logistical concerns. To ease the burden on staff, many businesses are turning to managed print services or MPS.
What Are Managed Print Services?
MPS providers take over the management of a business’ printing infrastructure, offering services such as:
- Equipment monitoring and maintenance.
- Automated supply replenishment.
- Support and repairs.
- Cost reduction strategies.
By outsourcing these tasks, businesses can focus on critical operations while addressing print efficiency.
Why is MPS so Popular?
Companies that adopt MPS experience numerous benefits:
- Lower operational costs: The predictable pricing models used by managed services help control spending.
- Increased sustainability: Reduced paper waste and optimized energy consumption make printing more sustainable.
- Enhanced productivity: Employees no longer need to troubleshoot printer issues or order supplies, letting them focus on their work.
What’s Next? The Future of Print
The future of printing will be shaped by several key trends:
1. AI and Machine Learning (ML) Integration
As AI and ML technologies improve, they will be able to handle more of the workload. Improved security, optimized print quality based on each project’s needs, and self-diagnosis/repair will likely reduce disruptions and costs.
2. Sustainability
With more businesses prioritizing environmental responsibility due to perceived reputational and financial gains, future print solutions will focus on:
- Recyclable and biodegradable materials
- Energy-efficient printers
- Reduced ink and toner consumption
3. Future 3D Printing Technology
The future of 3D printing technology is bright. Offices may begin using it for equipment repairs, certain office supplies, and even custom promotional materials. The ability to create more varied printed materials in-house will likely significantly lower costs associated with buying external products, while giving businesses new avenues for profit.
Put Your Printing Needs in the Right Hands
Office printing has been a long journey from slow, resource-intensive machines to advanced technology that enables efficient, sustainable operations. But it isn’t over yet. As newer developments continue to make the impossible happen, businesses will have more options than ever to streamline their operations. And where technology cannot help, managed services can pick up the slack – making printing concerns a thing of the past as workers focus on completing their tasks.
Com Pro understands that printers shouldn’t be the focal point of your business. That’s why we provide managed services to keep your equipment working quietly in the background, without the need for constant attention. If you’re interested in learning more, explore our managed print services to get started.