Print in the Channel – Issue #34

MFPs FOR EDUCATION

CONTINUED

MFPs support lower overall running costs through simplified fleet management and reduced energy consumption.” Gary adds that MFPs are the hub of an organisation, giving it the ability to control and manage not only print and copy processes but kick off any process related to paper-based documents, scanning or archiving. “This can enable automation and process improvements, saving time and money,” he says. “As a school governor of a MAT [multi academy trust], I know only too well the importance of maintaining security in educational budgets. Reliability is also key; laser MFP technology is established and reliable, which gives schools the reassurance that they have a long-term solution.” Trends But while MFPs remain popular among education providers, what customers want from them is changing. “Requirements are shifting from ‘hardware’ to outcomes across security, sustainability and digitisation,” says Deyon. This includes cloud MPS and integrated scan-to-workflow, he adds. “Schools want simpler deployment, identity based secure release and automated capture and intelligent document processing into content/records systems.” Security and compliance by design are also sought. “With the DfE’s security and cyber standards push, leaders expect secure release, user authentication, logging and auditable scanning/retention that aligns to the Data Protection in Schools toolkit and ICO guidance,” Deyon says. Sustainability is also a scored criteria, he adds. “Buyers increasingly probe energy use, device longevity, remanufacture/ refurb and recycled materials.” Analytics, policy control and resilience – especially for exam season – are also requisites. “Fleet data to reduce colour/one-off jobs, enforce duplex, and evidence savings/environmental impact is now expected, not ‘nice to have’,” Deyon

says. “Centres also need predictable throughput, finishing/label printing and secure workflows that map to JCQ/Ofqual processes.” Gary notes that the Fujifilm is working with a lot of educational organisations about the benefits of quality in print. “High- quality images and output can have a huge impact on communication, especially between educational establishments and students or parents,” he says. “At the same time, security has become a bigger priority; we are seeing even more customers looking to lock down the MFP and ensure that it is treated like any other IT asset on the network.

Contributors

Rick Dove

“Alongside that, sustainability is increasingly part of procurement

epson.co.uk

conversations, as well as the push for smart, adaptive features that reduce admin and help teams handle mixed digital/print requirements across campus environments.”

Deyon Antoine

toshibatec.co.uk

Gary Organ

Reseller approach When taking to customers in the education sector, there are various things resellers should be highlighting. Deyon says resellers should lead with outcomes, not ‘speeds and feeds’ and that security and compliance come first. “Highlight secure print release (ID-based), encrypted storage/transport, audit trails, and data loss prevention controls; how