Seven simple hacks for smarter document workflow

1. Automate the simple steps

Most print jobs and document processes involve repetitive tasks like filing invoices, processing claims and saving files to the right folders. Today your users carry out most of these steps manually. But if you document and understand the workflows they need, you could automate them as preset digital workflows using your multi-function printers (MFPs).

All you have to do is set up an ‘app’ on your MFP to route documents to the folders and repositories your users need. And voila! You’ll have turned a dull multi-step process into a quick, one-step job.

Find out how ›

2. Move to the cloud (and stay there)

It makes sense to move large, graphic-heavy files like marketing collateral to cloud repositories. But most people share large documents using email. So they might have to download a copy before they can print these files or scan them to cloud repositories like Dropbox.

Here’s the thing: if you’ve made the switch to Dropbox or MS 365, it shouldn’t take your users twelve steps to download a big file and get it printed. Ideally, they should be able to access and print large files without download, email or thumb drive.

So set up your MFP to directly scan and print documents to and from apps like Dropbox. That way you reduce the number of steps in the process and free up valuable email server space at the same time.

Find out how ›

3. Troubleshoot remotely

When your people have a problem with document workflow, it’s only natural that they’d turn to you for help. At the same time, you shouldn’t be shuffling across the office every time someone has an issue with a printer.

The good news is that today’s MFPs are smart enough to let you fix issues remotely.

Use a remote admin interface to access and interact with your MFP and settings to troubleshoot remotely.

Find out how ›

4. Order supplies proactively

Chances are, you’ve probably got multiple people buying toner cartridges for different printer models, from different suppliers at different times. That’s bad.

Instead, set your printers to automatically notify you with an email alert when they’re running low on toner. That way, you’ll be the only one spending on supplies and you’ll only be ordering when needed.

5. Put colour in the right hands

Colour printing is more expensive than printing in black-and-white. At the same time, it’s also really important that certain documents are printed in colour.

So don’t allow everyone to print everything in colour all the time. Instead, use permissions and controls to restrict colour printing to certain people, departments, document types or even times of day.

The same device can be used to allow only salespeople to print client presentations in colour while making sure no one’s printing their latest holiday photos.

Find out how ›

6. Switch to two-sided printing

Printing on two sides is an easy way to make a big impact. Choose printers that print on both sides of paper (duplex) by default.

You’ll cut costs and paper use in half. It’s easy. It’s sensible.

7. Print-on-demand

90% of businesses have suffered security breaches because of unsecured printing^[3]. And way too often, that’s because someone left sensitive documents in a printer tray.

Not only is that a breach waiting to happen, it’s also a waste of paper and money. In fact, around 50% of printed pages get thrown away and 20% never even get picked up^[4].

Print on demand (or pull printing) makes sure the MFP only releases the document when the person who sent the print job is there for validation with a PIN code or card swipe. You’ll solve a cost and security problem with one simple move.

Find out how ›