Factors in Choosing a Production or Network Printer for your Business

If you’re working for a business or corporation and need to choose the best printer, it is important to weigh your options from a technical aspect as well as a financial aspect. Whether you are using liquid ink or toner cartridge with a heated fuser, at the end of the day you want to choose the cost efficient solutions.  When selecting the best option for your business you need to be aware of what to look for in order to scale production over a period of time. Listed below are examples of quality components to seek information on before finalizing your decision on which product to purchase.

1. Initial Cost vs. On-Going Costs: While a printer may be a cheap investment initially, it may not be the best investment from a long-term approach. Be sure to evaluate the average cost of ink or cartridge toners, maintenance kits, and other printer parts and supplies.  For example some ink jet printers will include a starter ink set that is limited; others will not include ink upon purchase. Research the cost and amount of ink you will need to replace a month and how much that will average out in a year. It is important to research and monitor printer reviews especially production printers and network printer reviews, and learn from other businesses mistakes and advice.
2. On-going Printer Maintenance: Production printers often require businesses to continuously order printer supplies and often require printer maintenance kits, this is normal for companies utilizing production printing on a daily basis. For example supplies can include Fuser Heat Rollers, printer sensors, printer power supplies, printer oiler belts, printer tractor belts, laser printer heat lamps, fuser hub assemblies, etc.
3. Printer Speed and Productivity: If your business operates in fast pace environment with high pressure time lines and deadlines, it may be important to choose a printer that is fast and efficient. Evaluation how many pages are printed per minute may be more important to you than the image and display quality. While older refurbished printers may be cost efficient, going with a new technology and model may be time efficient and for some “time is money”. Again researching the features of each printer, the time and productivity as well as user reviews are vital in determining your decision.

Whether you decide on a Ricoh InfoPrint solutions, IBM Printers, HP, Canon color printers, Lexmark laser printers, etc., always evaluate each aspect of cost, time, and maintenance before finalizing your decision. No matter what you decide you can always be sure that the Bradshaw Group will help you along the journey after your purchase. The Bradshaw Group is a Global Supplier of Network and Production Printing Supplies, Parts, and Refurbished equipment. Bradshaw Group partners with the world’s largest OEM’s and is the only distributor with direct IBM/InfoPrint, Oce and HP relationships.