When you hire commercial printing services, it's crucial to look at their list of services. Since printing has become more advanced with different software and tools used in tandem with printers, the line between print and IT services has become blurred.
For this reason, you should look for a print provider with the capability to offer you integration services. These services are higher-level than regular multifunction printer (MFP) maintenance and support. This is because they bridge the technology gap between printing and IT, troubleshooting software, and advanced connectivity issues.
What Do Integration Services Entail?
If you print often, you have likely faced the issues that integration services help with. In general, any complex issues that deal with software troubleshooting would fall under this umbrella. These issues may include:
- Scanning issues
- Printing settings & defaults
- Issues with connectivity
- Changes in the network environment that require updating printer network settings
In this way, integration services act as a liaison between your IT tools and your print environment. These skilled technicians are well-versed in common printer problems, and they act as middlemen between users and internal IT systems and administrators.
1. Scanning Problems
One of the most common issues integration technicians troubleshoot is with scanning to folders or email. A number of causes can make scanning a challenge.
Because of the increased complexity of multifunction printers (MFPs) your managed print service should come equipped with highly skilled service representatives who can quickly resolve scanning problems.
Learn more about integrated scanning in our blog: How Can Integrated Scanning Save You Time & Money?
2. Print Settings and Defaults
Many have run into issues caused by default settings on printers. Integrations specialists will be able to help you identify this as the issue and change settings to allow you to print or scan as needed.
3. Connectivity Issues
Connectivity issues are another common issue you could run into in print management. Printers must connect to your network the same way a computer would, so it's important to have adequate tech support to mitigate any high-level issues.
Connecting your MFP to other programs, your network, and other devices can get complicated, so dedicated IT specialists familiar with your print technology can vastly reduce downtime when this happens.
4. Changes to Network Environment
MFPs may need network settings updated. This might seem like a highly technical fix, but integrations specialists will have the tools and expertise to help you configure your MFP properly.
What Do You Look for in a Commercial Print Solutions Provider?
Integration services are key when you're selecting a commercial printing company. This is because the company selling or leasing out your printer to your business should be able to troubleshoot even complex software issues you my run into.
If your print provider doesn't offer integration support along with regular maintenance and hardware troubleshooting, you could run into much longer downtimes and headaches.
Some other factors to take into account when choosing a print provider include:
- The list of included services in a managed print contract
- The size of your fleet & your existing print needs
- Your print budget
- Any reviews or client testimonials
- Automatied supply refills
- Service wait times
To learn more about why managed print providers are often the best choice over relying on big-name manufacturers for support, check out our blog: Why You Shouldn't Rely on Big-Name Printer Manufacturers for Service
How to Find Professional Print Services
Whether you're on the hunt for large-format printing companies or simple solutions for everyday print capabilities, you should find a provider with a wide range of service offerings.
These offerings should be holistic, as printers have become more advanced as network endpoints. They should also help you manage details such as:
- Costs of consumables such as toner and paper
- The cost-effectiveness of refreshing your print fleet
- Whether you should lease or purchase a printer or copier
If you're ready to explore the ways print services can transform your print environment to be more cost-effective and efficient, click the button below to speak to a print expert.
