- It all starts at the wall outlet. We recommend that all Copiers/MFP’s are connected to a suitable electric outlet. Make sure that the outlet has been properly installed with a proper ground and is compliant with all local building codes. Whenever possible a “Dedicated Grounded” outlet will prove to be your best investment. This is always best left to the professionals.
- Use a power filtration device! Let’s face it, you have no control over the power coming into your business and blackouts, brownouts, voltage spikes and sags are going to happen. These types of events are detrimental to the wellbeing of any electronic device and your Copier/MFP is not immune. Although there are some internal safeguards that each manufacturer incorporates into the design, they are never enough to protect against the hazards of poor electricity. We recommend this power protection device.
- Using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) branded supplies or a good quality compatible will extend the life and overall performance of your machine. There are so many choices when it comes to supplies and consumables, we like to always recommend that you stay away from cheap refills or poorly constructed “rebrands”. How do you know? That is certainly the tricky part! Ultimately, staying with a company you know and trust is the safest bet. If they truly want to earn your business and remain a trusted source, they should NEVER steer you wrong.
- Do regular maintenance. When the machine requires that something be replaced, then replace it! All too often we hear customers refer to the maintenance light as nonsense. Often, by not replacing the recommended parts on their periodic schedule will only cause further complications with the parts that are directly related to the part that requires replacement. This will only lead to more costs down the road. It would also be wise to keep the machine as neat and tidy as possible. Clean up those toner spill mishaps or run a dust rag over the unit once a week that stray dust will only end up inside the machine in a place you won’t be able to get to.
- Finally, make sure you have the phone number to a reliable service provider. You won’t be able to “fix” everything on your own. There will come a time when a professional will need to get involved. Being able to pick up the phone and know that the company on the other side is ready and willing to assist is priceless. At the point at which you need to call, the machine is usually no longer working; therefore time is of the utmost importance.
Keeping these simple objectives in mind will put you on the road to a healthy operating machine. There will always be bumps in the road, but having a well laid out plan for your office equipment will minimize the pain when something does go awry. Don’t forget Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” – being prepared for that place in time will make it far less of an inconvenience.
