Many businesses engage managed print services to manage their company’s document output. Here is more information about what managed print services are.

Managed Print Services

Print providers usually offer managed services in order to optimize a company’s document output. This service helps to manage all the printing devices in the company, including scanners, printers, copiers and faxes. Print providers also track how the copier, printer and fax is being used, and monitor the level of customer’s satisfaction. If there are any hardware issues or problems that arise from printing, the print provider will usually take care of it as well.

Benefits of Managed Print Services

  • Analyze the company’s printing needs: Providers of managed print services help analyze the print fleet, and implements appropriate equipment at competitive prices. The analysis will cover all aspects of a company’s printing needs like copying, scanning, faxing and printing.
  • Eliminate inefficient devices: Providers can also help analyze data and pinpoint underperforming devices. These devices can then be replaced with devices that are more efficient.
  • Minimize the number of local printers needed: Local printers are inefficient and costly. They usually only service one user which is not practical. With managed print services, the number of local printers in the office can be reduced.
  • Never run low on supply: With an MPS program, you do not need to order toner cartridges by yourself. These services monitor your printers and will automatically deliver toner to your business when the toner levels in the machines are low.
   
It can be incredibly frustrating when your color printer just won’t print in color. There are several reasons why your printer may not be printing in color. Here are some ways you can try to resolve the issue:

  • Ensure you have set device to print in color: Once you have installed the driver, ensure that your printer is able to produce documents in color. You can do so by clicking the ‘Print’ button and then checking if the printing option is able to set to ‘color’.
  • Check that there is no problem with the cartridge: Many printing issues occur due to a cartridge malfunction. Ensure that your printer still has ink, and that a color cartridge is installed in it. When you have installed your color cartridge, try printing again to see if the problem still persists.
  • Confirm you are using the right driver: Ensure the driver you have installed for your device is the right one. You can search on the web by typing “driver” into the search bar and check if the results are the same as the driver from your computer. If the results do not match, make the necessary changes and try again.
  • Clean the printheads: Sometimes the issue why you are unable to print in color is because our printheads are clogged with ink. Clean the printheads and then print a document to check if color printing works. Some printers also have in-built programs that can clean themselves so remember to check for that.
All printers require regular maintenance to prolong their service lifespan. Here are some handy tips you can follow to keep your printer running for longer through routine maintenance:

  • Read the user manual carefully: After purchasing your printer and whenever you encounter problems of any sort, always read the user manual to find relevant troubleshooting guidelines. It can provide valuable solutions to the printer issues you may be facing and save you a trip to the printer repair technician.
  • Place your printer strategically: Printers should be positioned away from sources of heat emanating from computers. In addition, it may be useful to place your printer away from areas with high human traffic to prevent accidental damage.
  • Clean the inside of your printer: It is insufficient to simply clean the external components of your printer. After all, it is the inner bits that keep it running, and they can get coated with a layer of dust over time. If you are ready to clean the inner components, do clean it with a lint-free cloth to avoid damage.
  • Replace cartridges timely: When purchasing printer cartridges, always go for authentic cartridges. Placing generic cartridges in your printer can cause damage and end up costing you more down the road. Furthermore, do not wait for ink to run out completely before replacing ink cartridges. You should do this as soon as the alert flashes on the printer, and always follow the instructions in the user manual.
VOIP Phone Services are becoming increasingly popular especially since not many people make use of wired telephones anymore. VOIP phone services can help to simplify telecommunications and bring many benefits to users. Here are some signs you should look out for to decide whether you need a VOIP phone service:

  • You are paying unnecessarily: Landline systems are expensive as you need to pay for both the installation and the calls you make. This can rack up a huge bill and put a strain on financial resources, thus hindering the growth of your business when the money can be used elsewhere. VOIP is a lot cheaper as they allow your business to receive and make calls via the internet. This means that calls are free of charge regardless of where you are calling to.
  • You find yourself missing many calls: There are several reasons for missing calls. For example, your company’s employees have too many calls to handle or too much time is wasted trying to connect clients to the right department. VOIP can help to enhance your employees’ productivity and the satisfaction of your clients by directly linking them to people who can help. 
  • You desire flexibility: Landlines have very limited flexibility when your employees are out of the office. This poses as a problem for modern businesses with employees who are working from home or remotely from overseas offices. With a VOIP phone service, there is a lot of flexibility as you are able to receive office calls no matter where you are.
As workforces increasingly rely on IT systems for everyday operations, security has become a top concern. The most straightforward way to ensure a secure workforce when working remotely is to engage a service provider that can help manage IT security. Here are some other ways you can ensure a secure workforce when working remotely.

  • Ensure application gateway is secure: Use an application gateway that can act as a proxy. This helps to protect the employee’s computer behind a firewall. This also allows the security team to better understand what is going on when computers are used at home, and what apps employees are using and more.
  • Use multifactor authentication: For those who are accessing the most sensitive and key information of your business, ensure that they are using multifactor authentication. However, you need to also check that enabling multifactor authentication does not prevent anyone from working remotely. This should be tested with a small group first.
  • Use HTTPS: Enforce a rule that HTTPS must be used on all sites to make sure that browsing of the internet is done securely.
  • Ensure endpoint activity is tracked: As much as possible, ensure that enterprise tools needed to detect and protect from malicious activities on the endpoint are installed on all devices issued by the company. This includes endpoint protection such as DLP and EDR.
  • Distribute home security tips to employees: Provide employees with a list of tips on how they can enhance their home network security. For example, they should install endpoint protection on their devices and use a secure DNS service for their network equipment and computers. 
When you are regularly printing documents in bulk, it may be helpful to know the printer ink levels so that you can get a rough gauge of when you need to change your ink cartridges. Are you confused about how you can check your printer ink levels? Here are some steps you can follow in order to check the level of ink left in your printer.

  • Checking from the printing device: How you are able to check the ink levels in your printer depends on what brand your printer is from and which model you own. However, most printers should be able to show or even print you a report about its supplies. This is usually a function that can be found on the device’s menu. If your printing device does not have a display, you should be able to generate a report when you press a combination of buttons. Check out the manual or machine user guide for more information about the combination of buttons you need to press.
  • Checking from the device driver: You will also be able to check the printer ink levels through the device driver. Device drivers are usually found in the ‘devices’ or ‘printer’ section of your computer. Alternatively, you can log into the web interface if your machine is connected on the network. This can be done by inputting the machine’s IP address into a web browser. From the web interface, you should be able to see the printer ink levels.
Adding a printer to your computer makes things extremely convenient as you will be able to print things straight from your device with the click of a button. Here are some ways you can add a printer to your computer and start printing from your device.

Adding a Printer via USB Cable

  • Using the USB cable, connect your printer to your computer. Turn your printer on.
  • In the ‘Start’ menu, click the settings app.
  • Then, click devices.
  • From the menu, click ‘add a printer or scanner’.
  • If your computer is able to detect the printer, click on the name of your printer. Instructions should appear on the screen. All you have to do is to follow the instructions and finish the installation and you will be done adding a local printer to your computer.
  • If your printer does not appear, click ‘the printer that I want isn’t listed’ and then follow the troubleshooting guide.

Adding a Wireless Printer

Generally, many modern, wireless printers will be able to detect your device’s network and install itself automatically.
  • Enter the wireless setup on the printer’s panel. This can usually be found under the ‘setup’ or ‘settings’ section.
  • Select your home’s wifi network. You should know the SSID of your home network. If not, hover your mouse over the wifi icon in the taskbar to find out.
  • Key in the password of your network.
  • You have successfully added your wireless printer. Under the ‘printers and scanners’ section, you should be able to find the printer automatically added.

Every business has documents, regardless of whether in physical form or online. It may be challenging to manage all the information from different sources. As such, businesses can turn to document management systems to manage these documents in order for them to stay organized. Here are some ways document management can benefit your business:

  • Less need for storage space: With the rising costs of commercial property, it can get expensive to store documents. Document management solutions that are software-based can help minimise the need for physical storage place, freeing up commercial space for other use instead. Physical documents can be stored in vaults or warehouses.
  • Easy to retrieve the documents: It is a tedious and time-consuming process to have to search for and get documents that you need. Document management systems can help to save time by retrieving files based on key words. Organized systems like index categories can also be applied to make the search easier. Furthermore, being able to retrieve documents remotely makes the process of retrieving documents very convenient.
  • Improved security features: Document management system keeps the business’s documents entirely confidential, and leaves an audit trial about who has accessed and modified the document.
  • Reliable backup system: Document management systems have data backup and emergency recovery plans. With the document management system, documents are easy to trace and track. Furthermore, since documents are stored centrally, the documents will not be misplaced. Since documents can be archived and digitized when they enter the system, they will not get lost. 
Scanning documents with a mobile device is an extremely convenient way to send documents anytime you need to. With their built-in cameras, mobile devices are able to capture scans of documents in high quality, which makes the entire process even quicker than reaching for a traditional scanner. Here is how you can scan a document from a mobile device.

  • Download a scanner app: Scanner apps are able to covert documents into pdf files. Without the scanner app, the in-built cameras in your phone are not able to convert the text into a pdf file. There are many applications available on the app store for you to download on your mobile device. Check out your app store for the scanner apps available for your phone.
  • Place the document on a flat surface: Placing the document on a flat surface will ensure the scanned file turns out well, with all the information visible. You can place the document on a table or a desk, or even the floor.
  • Open the scanner app on your mobile device: Instructions should appear on the screen when you open the app. The specifics will vary depending on the app you download. However, most apps will tell you to position the mobile device directly above the document, and to take a photo with the app’s in-built camera.
  • You have successfully scanned a document with your mobile device: The document will be saved either as a PDF file or an image, depending on what you opt for. After scanning the document, you can send it to someone who needs it, upload to your laptop or just leave it on your mobile device for future reference.
Small businesses do not have the same needs as big corporations, and that applies when it comes to setting up your computer network as well. Below are some helpful tips for small businesses looking to set up a computer network that suits their needs:

  • Decide on an Internet service provider: Most businesses find that their local provider is the best option. Bigger companies tend to go with business-focused providers.
  • Get your network set up: Once you have decided on a provider, get Internet set up in your office. This can take days or even weeks. In all likelihood, there will be a modem and router involved in your setup. A modem converts Internet signal from the cable into a signal that your network can use, whereas a router connects all the devices in your office to the signal. Depending on your needs, you can choose either a wired or wireless router or both. Some small businesses find that a wireless router is sufficient, however most businesses go for both. Wired routers come with Ethernet cables to connect to each computer, so make sure each desk has space for a hard wire if you choose this option.
  • Connect your computers: Now that your network is set up, it is time to connect your computers. If you have chosen a wireless network, the process is fairly straightforward: simply select your network and enter the password. For wired connections, you will need to connect the Ethernet cable to the router and each computer. 
  • Add printers and other devices: For wired networks, you will also need to plug in your printers and other devices to the router. To connect a wireless device, follow the instructions in the setup guide of the printer.
So, you are nearing the end of your copier lease contract and are thinking of renewing. One major concern will definitely be cost. As with any other product or service, you can expect service fees to increase every year, and the reason for this is simple: older machines have gone through heavy usage, resulting in wear down to the parts. This will require more frequent maintenance to keep the copier in tiptop condition. How much service fees will increase varies from year to year, but a 10% increase is the general rule of thumb.
You generally have three options when your copier lease contract or agreement is reaching expiry: renew the existing contract, upgrade to a more advanced copier or buy out the equipment. There are pros and cons to each option and the best one for you will largely depend on the needs of your company.

If you are pleased with the service provided and the quality of the product, the obvious option may be to renew the lease. This is even more pertinent if you do not wish to go through the trouble of learning how to use a new copier. However, you also need to consider the opportunity cost that can come with a new lease: will the copier serve your growing needs? Will it leave you tied down with an outdated piece of equipment?

On the other hand, if you are pleased with the service but would like to upgrade to a more advanced model, upgrading makes sense. The biggest concern here would be cost as well as the training involved to use the new model. Some others may consider buying out the copier if it has worked well for them, saving on monthly lease payments. Factors to consider include cost of maintenance and repair services as well as consumables, especially if they were included as a package deal before.
Today, many businesses choose to lease instead of purchasing their copiers due to the high initial costs involved and the expectation that new technology will be introduced every few years, rendering any purchase out of date. With leasing, you are not burdened with an outdated piece of equipment and can choose to upgrade every few years, when your contract expires. To determine what type of copier to lease for your new contract, take into account the following factors:

  • What are your company’s printing needs? Do you mostly print black-and-white documents, or do you require high-resolution colored printing for posters and flyers?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you require wide format printing?
If you require a quote or recommendation, please feel free to contact our friendly staff for advice.
When you first sign a copier lease agreement with us, the renewal policy will always be highlighted clearly to you. At the end of the term, you have a reply period of 90 days to express your intention towards renewing the agreement. If we do not hear from you during this time, your agreement will automatically be renewed for a period of 1 year. However, you do not need to worry about forgetting as we will send you a scheduled reminder to submit your letter of intent when your lease is expiring. If you wish to continue working with us but would like to upgrade to a different copier, you should let us know during this reply period as well.
You may find that your business’s needs have changed between the time you signed your current lease agreement and now. You may be thinking of upgrading to a better copier or leasing one from a different brand, and while it’s a fairly common occurrence, there’s your current lease agreement to think of. At Ameritechnology, we can assist businesses with the buying out of their old leases.

How this works is that we get you out of your old lease agreement by paying your service provider the amount that is due. This amount gets rolled into your lease agreement with us. One way to think about it is refinancing your equipment. Rolling out your payments over the next few years, you get the chance to upgrade to a copier that will better serve your needs.
Leasing is an excellent option for businesses that need access to wide format printers without incurring the cost of ownership. Leasing wide format printers can also be a good option for businesses that do not have the revenue to purchase a large printer outright. Unsure if you should lease a wide format printer? Check out the following pros and cons:

Pros

  • You don’t need to keep the printer forever because you have the option of upgrading to the latest technology when the lease ends.
  • Business owners deal with less ‘cost guesswork’ when it comes to wide format printer financing.
  • Leasing large format printers can help save more money for the business in the long run.
Cons

  • You can’t just cancel a lease agreement as there is an aggregate number of payments to pay if you buy out before the end of the term.
  • In some cases, leasing the printer may be more expensive than buying the equipment outright.
Yes, wide format printers can accurately distinguish between images and text when creating high-quality printed documents. Business owners typically experience few printing mistakes over the course of using large format printers. In fact, modern wide format printers deliver awesome results for businesses across the nation. Users can create eye-catching and engaging printed materials to market their businesses at trade shows, outdoor events, or in retail stores. In addition to driving brand awareness, large scale printing can help enhance the overall visibility of your services and products. Today’s popular wide format printing solutions include Canon imagePROGRAF printers and Kyocera wide format printers.
Yes, Ameritechnology offers leasing programs for wide format printers. When it comes to lease financing, we work with LEAF Capital Funding, DLL, U.S. Bank, and other top lease lenders in the United States. Business owners will be pleased to know that we also offer attractive terms, e.g., 12-60 lease periods, Fair Market value, and $1 Purchase options. Ameritechnology can develop a wide format printer lease program that’s tailored to your business needs.
First, you should assess your printing priorities, current document printing processes, and team's knowledge and experience on using large format printers. Will this be your first time at buying a wide format printer? Are you upgrading printers to improve production and output quality? Or do you actually need additional printers to meet larger printing volumes? In most cases, businesses are recommended to use wide format printers if they need to produce vehicle stickers, indoor signages, vinyl banners, fine art, and other wall coverings. Because there are a lot of factors to consider, it is important to consult with a wide format printing specialist who can help take the guesswork out of the process. At Ameritechnology, we can help you choose the correct wide format printer brand and model that suits your business.
Thanks to the technological advancements of the past year, wide format printers have become more accessible than ever. This type of printing equipment has been making inroads into the modern office. Kyocera is one of the world’s leading document solutions providers. It has partnered with KIP – a wide format printing specialist – to develop sleek and powerful printers that come with multifunction capabilities (printing, copying, and scanning) and leave a small carbon footprint. Canon's imagePROGRAF MFP is another key player in the industry. While the brand’s solutions are suited for entry-level, low-volume printing, their wide format printers are equipped with LUCIA PRO pigment inks, fast processing L-COA PRO high-speed image processing engines, a high-precision mechanical platform, and more. Business owners can create true-to-life prints with exceptional ease.

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