Managed print services comes with a lot of moving parts. As such, you've probably got a question or two--or maybe ten! Today we're answering some of those questions by starting at the very beginning: the managed print services print audit.
Managed Print Services: The "What" of a Print Audit
When you first start researching managed print services, you might see the words "print audit" and recoil in disgust. Who willingly signs up for anything even vaguely resembling a tax audit?
The good news is that these two things have very little in common. In fact, a print audit is actually great news for your business--and it doesn't take as long as a tax audit, either.
A print audit is the first step in managed print services. It's your chance to find out what's really going on in your print environment by gathering data from machines, exploring usage habits, tracking budgets, and more. Your managed print provider uses this step to create a comprehensive image of your business, identifying strengths to emulate and weaknesses to focus on. Better yet, a print audit creates a benchmark you can use to track your progress as you implement print solutions in the future.
Managed Print Services: The "Why" of a Print Audit
So, now you know what a print audit is--why is it such a big deal? Here are just a few reasons:
- It gives your provider necessary background information.
You may know the ins and outs of your business, but your provider doesn't have that information yet. A print audit gives your provider a chance to learn all about who you are, what you do, what your print needs look like, and where they can make a difference. It also gives them the data they need to help you make smart, informed choices.
- It helps you understand the source of your struggles.
You might be tempted to blame your print problems on your machines--or, worse, on yourself. The truth is that print problems often tend to start on a deeper level, and a print audit can help you see that deeper level for yourself. That way, you're treating the issue and not just the symptoms.
- It identifies next steps.
Without a print audit, you'd be relying on guesswork to make your print decisions. You'd likely see a few benefits here and there, but you'd be missing out on the real power of managed print services. Luckily, a print audit helps you avoid this fate by showing you all your options and helping your provider illuminate the best paths forward.
In conclusion, a print audit is the first step of any managed print services approach--and for a good reason. Print audits give you and your provider all the information necessary to start implementing the best, most effective solutions for your unique print environment.
Ready to experience a print audit for yourself? Contact us today to get started with managed print services!