Managing printers and document workflows is a challenge many IT teams face. Between rising costs, security risks, and outdated hardware, print management often consumes more resources than it should. Managed Print Services (MPS) and Print as a Service (PraaS) solve these issues by streamlining operations and reducing expenses, giving businesses a smarter way to handle their printing needs.
What Is Managed Print Services?
MPS takes the complexity out of managing printers and document workflows by consolidating all aspects of print management under one provider. This includes monitoring devices, automating supply replenishment, optimizing workflows, and ensuring security. Businesses using MPS enjoy better uptime, less waste, and lower costs.
Providers like Marco also use data-driven strategies to optimize fleets and identify inefficiencies. For example, Marco’s approach often includes secure document handling and comprehensive support to protect against vulnerabilities while maintaining compliance.
Why Managed Print Services Make Sense
Cost Savings: Print environments are often full of inefficiencies—unmanaged fleets, high toner costs, and excessive energy use. MPS eliminates these pain points, with businesses reporting savings of up to 30%. For Pete’s Auto, Marco’s MPS delivered a 20% reduction in fleet-wide expenses by replacing outdated hardware with efficient, standardized devices and implementing automated supply ordering.
Increased IT Efficiency: When IT teams are burdened with printer issues, strategic initiatives take a back seat. MPS ensures uptime through proactive monitoring and quick support, freeing IT staff to focus on core business needs. Total Transit, a growing transportation company with 120 locations, saw dramatic improvements when they shifted their entire fleet to a single MPS provider. Their IT team gained the bandwidth to address more critical projects, while Marco handled their print needs.
Security Enhancements: Modern printers are networked devices and can be points of vulnerability. MPS providers incorporate advanced security protocols such as user authentication and encryption to protect sensitive documents. For companies in regulated industries, this is an essential component of compliance.
Environmental Impact: Reducing paper waste and implementing energy-efficient devices not only cut costs but also align with sustainability goals. MPS identifies opportunities to lower environmental footprints without compromising productivity.
Print as a Service (PraaS): A Subscription Model That Delivers Flexibility
PraaS builds on the principles of MPS with a subscription-based model. Instead of owning printers, businesses pay a monthly fee that includes access to advanced technology, supplies, and maintenance. This is ideal for organizations that want predictable costs and scalable services.
PraaS also allows businesses to stay current with technology. As part of the program, Marco offers access to devices with the latest features, such as remote management and security integrations. These features were critical for a large-scale retailer that adopted PraaS to streamline operations across hundreds of locations, enabling better oversight and control over print functions.
Real-World Success Stories
Real-World Success StoriesThe Sticker Shock Pickle: Pete’s Auto, a nationwide auto repair chain, faced skyrocketing costs and service delays due to a fragmented print environment. Marco’s MPS introduced proactive maintenance, standardized devices, and centralized support. The results? A 20% reduction in fleet-wide costs, fewer disruptions, and savings on additional software like Cisco licenses.
The Transportation Situation: Total Transit was dealing with multiple providers for their growing
fleet of printers, leading to inefficiencies and frustrated IT staff. By consolidating under Marco’s MPS, they saved 25% across their entire fleet and implemented lifecycle management to maximize their existing equipment’s value. Automated supply ordering further simplified their operations, allowing their IT team to focus on business growth.
The Risky Business: An agricultural company learned the hard way about cybersecurity gaps in their IT infrastructure, which extended to their print environment. After experiencing a data breach, Marco stepped in with a comprehensive managed IT and print solution, aligning their technology with NIST standards and reducing their overall IT spend by 10%. Their board of directors noted significant improvements in oversight and security.
Why It Matters
Print management isn’t just an operational detail—it’s a strategic opportunity. Whether through MPS or PraaS, businesses can save money, reduce risks, and simplify processes. These services allow IT teams to work smarter, not harder, focusing on initiatives that drive value instead of putting out fires.
Amanda’s Take
“Many businesses underestimate the impact that efficient print management can have on their
bottom line. With Managed Print Services and Print as a Service, we’re not just solving printer problems—we’re freeing up resources and creating opportunities for growth. At COMtuity, we tailor these solutions to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring measurable results.” — Amanda Cromar
Let COMtuity Streamline Your Print Environment
COMtuity offers a proven approach to optimizing IT ecosystems, including print management. With our expertise and vendor-agnostic approach, we help businesses design and implement solutions that simplify operations and save money. Let’s talk about what MPS or PraaS can do for you.
