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Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples Inc., announced the launch of Staples Technology Solutions Managed Print Services (MPS), an offering designed to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) control their print network. In addition to cost savings, the platform is also aimed at reducing time spent on print fleet maintenance and support, automating supply replenishment and assisting in reaching sustainability goals.
Staples Technology Solutions can conduct an assessment to help businesses understand their total cost of printing. The process analyzes hardware as well as costly consumables, such as ink, toner, paper, maintenance and staff resources. Staples can also evaluate printing habits to pinpoint how the printing devices are used. The information is then used to optimize the fleet based on the customer’s unique goals and organizational requirements.
“We’ve found that the majority of businesses don’t know how much they spend on office printing each year,” said Ed Ludwigson, vice president and general manager for Staples Technology Solutions. “Our MPS experts work with customers to understand their printing costs and needs in order to create more efficient, customized printing networks. Staples experts can implement an MPS solution that effectively manages print devices, enabling IT teams to focus on more strategic IT initiatives.”
Staples Technology Solutions is also kicking off an initiative to give small businesses and startups a boost with PrintStart. Working with Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offices across the country, participating MPS customers can donate their gently used office technology to local small businesses or startups in need. Under PrintStart, local SBDC offices will help Staples Technology Solutions identify deserving startups and small businesses to receive working printers, print supplies and other materials no longer needed by participating MPS customers. PrintStart allows big business to help small business at the local level and offers a way to reuse machines and supplies, the company said.
“With organizations spending nearly 10 percent of their annual budget on printed materials and services and the growing priority to improve all facets of modern print management, it is critical for companies to enhance processes and drive visibility into their spending within this category,” said Christopher Dwyer, senior analyst for Aberdeen Group. “MPS offerings, like Staples Managed Print Services solution, have helped organizations improve their cost savings on printed materials and services as well as drive a higher level of accuracy to custom print specifications.”