Multifunction Systems 101: The Office Standard

What is a Multifunction System?
According to the Multifunction Products Association, a multifunction system (MFP) is defined as “office equipment for paper management connected to a PC or network that handles two or more of the following functions: printing, copying, scanning or faxing.”

The All Inclusive Device
Printing: An MFP works like any other laser printer when connected to a network, however, MFPs also add the finishing functions you would expect to find on a copier such as, stapling, two-sided printing and even booklet making.
   

• Scanning: High speed scanning allows documents to be converted to common digital formats like PDF, .jpeg or.tiff.  With having these files in digital format, files can be sent to email addresses or any other folder on the network, often making an MFP a great candidate for an Electronic Document Management System.
• Printing & Copying: It is no longer an issue to have limitations on analog copiers, due to the new digital copiers producing high-resolution copies with more clarity and detail. Today’s MFP features scan-once, print-many technology has allowed users to make limitless sets of numerous documents. 
• Faxing: MFP technology has grown to sending and receiving faxes, just like fax machines, yet at a more cost efficient rate.  Some MFPs can even allow users to send and receive faxes from their computer desktops, further increasing work efficiency.

The Benefits of Multifunction Systems

Cost Savings: It often costs significantly less to maintain a single system instead of having four other machines to maintain.

Easy Scanning: Sending scanned documents as an email attachment enhances both privacy and productivity. Additionally, scanning files into an Electronic Document Management System creates a sensible disaster recovery strategy.

Color Output: Color has proven to be one of the most effective ways of written communication. External documents like marketing information, invoice stuffers, and newsletters are more professional in color, and internal documents like training materials and financial reports are more effective. MFP’s color always is fast and affordable for any office to make professionally great looking documents.

Options
Much like other devices, MFP come in a variety of sizes and configurations from large departmental systems to smaller desktop devices.  We can help you select the correct MFP for your organizations need.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can save money and enhance your productivity with multifunction systems.