For most enterprises of any size, the copier is an indispensable piece of machinery. The device facilitates the mass production of marketing materials and employee documents, as well as the copying of originals for filing purposes. To get the best value out of your copier investment, you should let your unique copying requirements guide your buying decisions.
To ensure a smooth workflow in your office, a business copier will likely be one of your largest purchases. Whether you're purchasing a single copier for a home office or a fleet of copiers for a large corporation, it's important to shop carefully to find a solution that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Some machines require regular maintenance, so it's important to research and compare different models, service plans, and warranty terms before making a final decision.
Purchasing a new commercial copier is a massive undertaking for any business owner or manager, no matter how small or large the company is. You can't just look at the price tag to determine which new photocopier is within your budget. Even though price should factor into your final decision, it shouldn't be the only factor. The following list of considerations will aid you in finding the print device that is best suited to the needs of your business.
Tips for Choosing a New Photocopier
Options Upgrade
Modern photocopiers typically have a wide range of built-in features. Your company's printing needs may evolve over the course of your ownership, but there is always room for enhancement. Therefore, give serious thought to any supplementary tools that not only increase the copier's utility but also facilitate greater productivity in the office. Common add-ons to electronic devices are:
- Choices for securing tri-folded documents like pamphlets and booklets
- Card readers used for controlling electronic access
- With the increased paper capacity, you can copy at high speeds without interruption.
- Hard drive encryption and complete data deletion are two ways to make information more secure.
Office automation can cost a considerable amount of money, so it makes sense that businesses would want to get the most out of their investment. As a result, multi-function commercial printers rely heavily on their ability to connect to a client's LAN. When connected to a network, a standard office printer gains the ability to print, scan, and even act as a fax server. Think about the operating systems you use and the device's intended role in the network as you assess its capabilities. Most modern office printers also have built-in network connectivity.
Print Volume
Consider your anticipated print volume when looking for a new copier. Your office's daily printing, copying, and faxing needs will dictate the best type and size of copier for your business. Larger copiers with more paper trays and higher page-per-minute (ppm) rates are ideal for large businesses with many users and high print volumes.
You should know your office's typical print volume before settling on a copier, and you can do this with either auditing software or by looking at old print shop service agreements. This will guide you towards the photocopiers in the appropriate workgroup.
This is the maximum number of pages per month that can be printed on the office printer. When a commercial printer's copy speed is lower, it's usually because the machine is designed to handle fewer pages per month. Commercial printers are typically categorised into broad groups based on expected monthly output, rather than the actual numbers. There are four major categories for the application of office automation tools: occasional use in a small office or at home (SOHO), low volume, medium volume, high volume, and commercial use. When looking for a printer for your business, it's important to take into account how often you anticipate printing.
Colour Printing
When money is tight, it can be tempting to opt for black and white or grayscale copies rather than full colour printing. The ability to print in colour, however, is extremely useful for things like colour photographs, presentations, and official documents. A colour copier may cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to outsource printing.
A black-and-white copier may be less expensive up front, but it will restrict your creative options. Think about how often your business prints and how much money you have to spend before settling on a colour copier.
Mobile Printing
Mobile printing is rapidly becoming a standard feature in today's workplaces as more and more companies adopt the "Bring Your Phone" trend to increase employee productivity. As a result, nearly all contemporary photocopiers support wireless printing from a wide range of mobile devices. This feature allows mobile device users to save time and increase productivity by eliminating the need for a desktop computer during the document creation process.
Equipment Integration
Finally, you should think about how well your new copier will work with the rest of your document-creation software. Seamless integration's many benefits include minimal disruption to ongoing tasks, worker output, or the underlying information technology infrastructure. However, new user interfaces typically call for extensive user retraining, which can have a major impact on print volume or overall productivity, which can have a significant bearing on integration efforts.
Budget
The available budget is one of the most crucial factors to think about when choosing a photocopier. A copier's list price can be used as a standard against which other models are evaluated. Consider the cost of the toner as well as the number of copies it will produce. The cost of maintenance and repairs may also have an impact on the allocated funds. More time and effort may be needed to fix and maintain a multipurpose, high-performance copier. Every time you need maintenance, you'll have to pay for both the labour and the supplies. You should also allocate resources towards training employees on how to make efficient use of the system's many features. Copier rental may be preferable to purchase if the rental fee already includes the cost of maintenance and repairs.
A copy machine's features and size should be selected with the expected daily copy volume in mind. Knowing the average monthly page volume will help you choose a copier that won't necessitate frequent toner replacements. Copier deals often include service contracts and monthly page limits that should be taken into account before making a purchase. If you have access to a copier, you can use the machine's metre to keep track of how many pages are copied each week to generate an estimate of your volume needs. Keep track of how much paper you've used by keeping your copy shop receipts.
Use this critical metric to determine how quickly your office printer can produce copies and prints. The desired print speed, typically expressed in pages per minute, is one of the primary considerations when shopping for new office automation. Faster business printers also produce more copies, as the output of a copier is directly proportional to its copy rate. Mid-volume office printers have a page-per-minute (ppm) output range of 25 to 45, making them ideal for businesses with 3 to 10 employees.
Paper Work
The price of your duplicates will also change based on the quality of the originals you use. A standard copier may not be able to accommodate the larger paper sizes. Before deciding if this function is essential, think about how often you print large pages for your business. The copy machine's CPM (copying pages per minute) rating is important to consider if you need to print a large number of pages quickly. Duplex printing, paper collation, image scaling, and the ability to staple documents together are just some of the features found in today's photocopiers.
Different Uses
The machine's adaptability allows you to quickly narrow down your options. Small businesses may prefer to use a multi-function printer that also scans and faxes documents. This is more space-efficient and less expensive than most computers. Consider whether or not the printer can be connected to a network and used from multiple devices. This is crucial if several workers will be sharing a single computer. Standard photocopiers occasionally have their scanning abilities enhanced.
Efficient Use of Energy
The machine maintains its own internal temperature so that it does not increase the ambient temperature in your workplace.
Controls
The controls of the copier determine how easy it is to use. Pick a gadget that everyone in the office can understand and use with ease. Take a look at the displays and test out the various functions of the photocopier. Try out different functions to see how easily you can toggle between them.
Consider the reasons you need one. Where do you envision this device fitting into your plans? These days, most photocopiers also have the ability to print, scan, and send a fax. If these types of tasks come up frequently in the course of doing business, it may be worthwhile to invest in a multi-function copier.
Investigate the most copied and printed files at your company. Depending on your needs, you can use this information to choose between a black-and-white and a colour copier. Do you intend to duplicate full-color photos or advertisements, for instance? If this is the case, look for a template with illustrations.
Establish the minimum and maximum speeds at which the copier can operate. A less-than-effective photocopier can slow down work. Therefore, you should consider your printing needs and deadlines before making a copier purchase (in pages per minute or copies per minute). The current range of copy machine speeds is anywhere from 25 to 65 pages per minute (ppm). To accommodate the volume of printing required, your business should invest in a high-speed copier. In addition, high-end photocopiers are more able than their low-end counterparts to handle large print runs.
After Sales Service
When investing in a business printing that will play a significant role in the digital document workflow, it is important to consider backup options. A mechanical failure in a modern office printer is virtually inevitable due to the large number of moving parts contained therein. As a result, the best suppliers of office automation will typically offer their clients comprehensive service contracts for support long after the sale has been made. All labour and parts required to fix the machine are included in the standard service contract's per-print or per-development fee. Therefore, it is important to know whether the supplier provides in-house or outsourced maintenance of the equipment, as well as the costs and availability of each option.
Think about the standard dimensions and types of paper you use. If you only need to print on standard-sized paper, then a basic copy machine will do. On the other hand, photo Sprinter ADVANCE C3330I, one of Canon's copiers, may be your best bet when it comes to printing on extra-large sheets.
Add any deluxe features or extras you like to make your PC more appealing to potential buyers. Some photocopiers have optional finishing features like stapling, folding, and hole punching. Some even offer secure data transmission and wireless connectivity. Some people may not feel they absolutely need these supplementary choices. If you have the funds available, purchasing a copier with these features, especially wireless access with encryption techniques capability, could simplify and secure your workday.
Think about the workplace conditions where you are now. Some photocopiers require a lot of desk space, which can be an issue for offices with limited space. The location could be made inconvenient for the staff. Be sure you have enough room for a large copier before making the purchase.
Consider how much buying a copier would set you back overall. Consider the upfront investment, ongoing supplies (such as toner), and repair costs. Find out the prices of these supplies by making some enquiries. Talk to the dealer about service contracts for your copiers as well. Learn the ins and outs, including what is and isn't covered by the service maintenance of your copier.
Complete Production
Check to see if the office copier can handle the number of copies you expect to need to make. A larger copier with printing and faxing capabilities may be a good investment for a busy office or team. Examining service agreements with regional print shops or utilising auditing software can help you get a sense of your office's typical print volume. Find a copier that can handle your office's printing needs with the help of this.
Colour vs. Black & White
Let's pretend you're not duplicating colour slideshows or artwork for marketing purposes. If that's the case, you could save money by investing in a black-and-white copier. Think about your price range and needs carefully as you evaluate various models. If you're looking for a multifunction printer that can also scan and copy, for instance, you might need a colour copier.
You Should Think About Buying Multipurpose Items (MFPs)
A multi-function copier is one that can also scan, print, and make and receive faxes in addition to photocopying. Investing in a multi-function solution with a wide range of features and capabilities can help you save both money and desk space. It may be worthwhile to make such an investment if multiple departments frequently borrow and use each other's tools.
For instance, marketing groups may have pressing needs for quick printing, copying, and scanning. The accounting and finance departments could benefit from using a scanner/photocopier more frequently. A fax machine and printer may be used frequently by a sales team. If you have a large workforce or if different departments in your company need to share resources, a multi-function device may be more cost-effective than a standard office copier.
Hard Drive
Some photocopiers have a hard drive that can store copies, send documents digitally, and act as a virtual copy queue. Some of your users may need easy access to documents like forms and checklists, in which case a hard drive-equipped business copier would be a good investment. A sizable hard drive is required for large print jobs and long wait times. To make sure the copier can keep up with your company's copying needs, you should compare the copier's hard drive specifications with those needs.
Printing and Safety with Wireless Technology
Most current photocopier models automatically include wireless printing from a distance. Cybersecurity authentication is crucial for ensuring that only authorised users can access the network and copy machine. Wireless printing can increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Consider investing in a multi-user copier that allows for secure wireless printing from multiple users.
Purchasing a new copier for your business is a sizable financial commitment, so it's important to do your homework before making a purchase. Consider purchasing a multi-function device, for instance, if you're trying to save money and make better use of office space.
Once you have decided on the aforementioned factors, you can begin evaluating the various business printer models that made the cut. If you have any questions about which printing solution would be best for your needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new commercial copier is a major undertaking for any business owner or manager, so it is important to research and compare different models, service plans, and warranty terms before making a final decision. To get the best value out of your copier investment, you should let your unique copying requirements guide your buying decisions. Options upgrade include securing tri-folded documents, card readers, hard drive encryption and complete data deletion, and increased paper capacity. These add-ons can increase the copier's utility and facilitate greater productivity in the office. Office automation can cost a lot of money, so businesses want to get the most out of their investment.
To determine the best type and size of copier for their business, it is important to consider their anticipated print volume, the maximum number of pages per month that can be printed on the office printer, and the ability to print in colour. Colour printing is especially useful for things like colour photographs, presentations, and official documents, and it will save money in the long run by eliminating the need to outsource printing.
Mobile printing is becoming a standard feature in today's workplaces, allowing mobile device users to save time and increase productivity. When choosing a photocopier, it is important to consider the available budget, the cost of the toner, the number of copies it will produce, and the integration of the copier with the rest of the document-creation software. Copier features and size should be selected with the expected daily copy volume in mind, and service contracts and monthly page limits should be taken into account.
If you have access to a copier, keep track of how many pages are copied each week to generate an estimate of your volume needs. The desired print speed, typically expressed in pages per minute, is one of the primary considerations when shopping for new office automation. Mid-volume office printers have a page-per-minute (ppm) output range of 25 to 45, making them ideal for businesses with 3 to 10 employees. The copy machine's CPM (copying pages per minute) rating is important to consider if you need to print a large number of pages quickly. Different uses include Duplex printing, paper collation, image scaling, and the ability to staple documents together.
Standard photocopiers occasionally have their scanning abilities enhanced. The machine maintains its own internal temperature so that it does not increase the ambient temperature in your workplace. The controls of the copier determine how easy it is to use. Investigate the most copied and printed files at your company to choose between a black-and-white and a colour copier. Establish the minimum and maximum speeds at which the copier can operate and consider the printing needs and deadlines before making a purchase.
Consider the standard dimensions and types of paper you use and add any deluxe features or extras you like to make your PC more appealing to potential buyers. After sales service is important to consider backup options. Buy a copier that can handle the number of copies you expect to need to make and has printing and faxing capabilities. Consider the upfront investment, ongoing supplies, and repair costs, and talk to the dealer about service contracts. Multipurpose items (MFPs) can help save both money and desk space, and multi-function solutions may be more cost-effective than single-function solutions.
Purchasing a new copier for your business is a major financial commitment, so it is important to compare the copier's hard drive specifications with your company's copying needs. Wireless printing can increase efficiency and productivity, so consider investing in a multi-user copier that allows for secure wireless printing from multiple users. Once you have decided on the aforementioned factors, you can begin evaluating the various business printer models.
Content Summary
- For most enterprises of any size, the copier is an indispensable piece of machinery.
- To get the best value out of your copier investment, you should let your unique copying requirements guide your buying decisions.
- To ensure a smooth workflow in your office, a business copier will likely be one of your largest purchases.
- Purchasing a new commercial copier is a massive undertaking for any business owner or manager, no matter how small or large the company is.
- You can't just look at the price tag to determine which new photocopier is within your budget.
- The following list of considerations will aid you in finding the print device that is best suited to the needs of your business.
- Modern photocopiers typically have a wide range of built-in features.
- When connected to a network, a standard office printer gains the ability to print, scan, and even act as a fax server.
- Consider your anticipated print volume when looking for a new copier.
- When looking for a printer for your business, it's important to take into account how often you anticipate printing.
- As a result, nearly all contemporary photocopiers support wireless printing from a wide range of mobile devices.
- Finally, you should think about how well your new copier will work with the rest of your document-creation software.
- Consider the cost of the toner as well as the number of copies it will produce.
- Use this critical metric to determine how quickly your office printer can produce copies and prints.
- The copy machine's CPM (copying pages per minute) rating is important to consider if you need to print a large number of pages quickly.
- Small businesses may prefer to use a multi-function printer that also scans and faxes documents.
- Pick a gadget that everyone in the office can understand and use with ease.
- Take a look at the displays and test out the various functions of the photocopier.
- Consider the reasons you need one.
- Investigate the most copied and printed files at your company.
- Therefore, you should consider your printing needs and deadlines before making a copier purchase (in pages per minute or copies per minute).
- To accommodate the volume of printing required, your business should invest in a high-speed copier.
- Think about the standard dimensions and types of paper you use.
- Be sure you have enough room for a large copier before making the purchase.
- Talk to the dealer about service contracts for your copiers as well.
- Find a copier that can handle your office's printing needs with the help of this.
- Investing in a multi-function solution with a wide range of features and capabilities can help you save both money and desk space.
- Some of your users may need easy access to documents like forms and checklists, in which case a hard drive-equipped business copier would be a good investment.
- A sizable hard drive is required for large print jobs and long wait times.
- To make sure the copier can keep up with your company's copying needs, you should compare the copier's hard drive specifications with those needs.
- Consider investing in a multi-user copier that allows for secure wireless printing from multiple users.
- Purchasing a new copier for your business is a sizable financial commitment, so it's important to do your homework before making a purchase.
FAQs About Buying Photocopiers
xerography, Image-forming process that relies on a photoconductive substance whose electrical resistance decreases when light falls on it. ... As a sheet of paper is passed close to the drum, a positive electric charge under the sheet attracts the negatively charged ink particles, transferring the image to the copy paper.
He is best known for inventing electrophotography, the process performed today by millions of photocopiers worldwide. Carlson's process produced a dry copy, as contrasted with the wet copies then produced by the mimeograph process.
Photocopying is the process of photographically reproducing a document of text, illustrations, or other graphic matter. The most common photocopying method used today is called xerography (from the Greek words for "dry" and "writing").
Probably the minimum value for reasonable print quality is 180 ppi. For a better image, you can go to 240ppi, and for the best quality, you may have to go to 300ppi. An important factor in print quality is the number of pixels per inch (ppi) (sometimes erroneously called pixels inch for print) used to make the print.
If many copies are to be published, then copiers are usually a cheaper option. However, if only a few pages need to be printed, printing becomes much cheaper. Another major difference between the printer and the copier is quality.