Part 2: How to Drive Value in Manufacturing Document Workflow

In Part 1 of this series, “The Role of Printed Documents in Manufacturing Workflow,” we looked at the role documents play in supporting manufacturing strategies. The article explained some of the problems that happen when you don’t pay enough attention to the printers and endpoints in manufacturing document workflow.

In Part 2, we highlight the benefits and value manufacturers gain by giving printers and endpoints the attention they deserve through Managed Print Services.

Manufacturers Going for Growth Despite Turbulence

Workforce shortages and supply chain instability still threaten manufacturing efficiency and margins. Undeterred by labor and supply challenges, the industry is pushing back. To keep this momentum, manufacturers must navigate constantly changing risks, while maintaining profit goals and advancing sustainability priorities.

Even attention to basic business technology like copiers and printers can help minimize the impact of problems like:

●      Cash flow affected by late payments from customers

●      Supply chain and logistics disruptions

●      Rise in raw materials prices such as metals and plastics

●      Low cash reserves make it a struggle to continue operations

●      Increased cost of borrowing for working capital

Part 1 of this series looked at these problems from the perspective of the impact on your manufacturing document workflow. Now let’s explore some of the ways Managed Print Services solve problems and bring value to your document workflow.

Manufacturer Benefits of High-Performing Printer Fleet

– Reduce Employee Frustration with Business Technology

When printers and copiers aren’t sources of frustration, employees perform duties with:

• Fewer document workflow errors
• Improved regulatory compliance
• Responsive customer service
• Fewer workflow delays and more

The right managed print program will drive consistent performance from endpoints across your operation, from Accounting’s copiers to Engineering’s wide-format printers.

– Operational Efficiencies, Consistent Uptime and Dependable Document Output

A proper Managed Print Services practice instills confidence in the performance of endpoints across your manufacturing operation. With a strategic approach to device management, manufacturers can pursue specific operational efficiencies at scale. When copiers and printers run at the same performance level across all locations, departments and divisions, device downtime won’t hold anyone back.

– Sustainability Practices for Document Output

Manufacturers, their investors and their customers increasingly consider the sustainability impact when making business decisions. With a managed print fleet, manufacturers see notable improvements in energy use and supplies consumption.

– Added Security Layers at Document Endpoints

Manufacturers of business printers and multifunction devices are not new to the game of security. Many devices come with built-in protection, and Managed Print Services providers often add their own layers of software for security and compliance.

Printers protect data in transit and provide instant notifications of suspicious activity on a network. Built-in security features can stop attackers from introducing malicious code at the endpoint level. These devices also make it easier to have uniform security settings for each device, and Managed Print Services ensure they’re all updated regularly.

– Smoother Automated Document Workflow

Manufacturers know the power of automation and “dark factories” to bring benefits like greater productivity, accuracy, and cost control. Specific software tools bring similar powers to endpoints, turning copiers and MFPs into computers capable of automating routine tasks. Intelligent devices can auto-replenish toner, send alerts when a part needs repair, or route a certain document to the next workflow step.

– IoT Insights from Smart Copier and Printer Endpoints

Predictive maintenance using sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI) helps manufacturers watch for failure patterns in equipment and components. Data is similarly collected from interconnected printer and MFP endpoints. Smart copiers and printers have actually been part of the Internet of Things (IoT) for some time.

Data collected from interconnected printer endpoints can help:

• Analyze how machines perform
• Optimize maintenance cycles
• Reduce machine downtime
• Auto-replenish toner

Your business printers and copiers aren’t old school tools. They’re smart, networked digital devices capable of delivering benefits like the ones in this article to your manufacturing business. Embrace the value of your print fleet with Managed Print Services.

We recommend starting with a complimentary assessment of your current print environment. This article goes into more detail:  What Does a Managed Print Assessment Cover?