Know its Bi-Directional Communication Capabilities
Want to have your IT department babysit that new multifunction printer you installed in your office? Get a device without adequate bi-directional communication.
An often under-rated feature of multifunction printers, bi-directional communication refers to the ability of the device to exchange information with the user’s PC.
Bi-directional communication, at its most basic level, will allow the printing device to report back to the user, notifying them when print jobs are completed and when it is ready for the next job. While nice to have, basic functionality isn’t good enough today. You want users to know why their job didn’t copy or print or fax and what to do about it; all without draining IT resources. So look for a device with more advanced bi-directional communication capabilities.
The device with this capability will report its status back to the user’s workstation thru the print driver, notifying them of toner low, paper out, paper size mismatch or other error conditions. The best devices will give step-by-step instructions simultaneously on the users screen and at the device telling them what they need to do. Some devices go further, if needed, by opening up a service ticket through the internet, then running a diagnostic on the machine which will then report back to the user with resources for how to correct error conditions.
Typically, advanced bi-directional reporting is not an option and doesn’t cost you anything. It just automatically comes with good equipment. So, give your IT guys a break. Understand your device’s bi-directional communication features and make sure you purchase a machine that helps users help themselves.
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Previous articles:
1. Know your requirements
2. Know the Total Cost of Ownership
3. Know what third parties have to say
4. Know how easy it is to connect to an existing network
5. Know how easy it is to use
6. Know its multitasking abilities
Upcoming articles:
8. Know the available device management, remote intelligence, and support
9. Know whether it provides the level of security and confidentiality you need
10. Know what software and solutions are available
Multifunction printers can help you streamline duplicated and cumbersome document processes and electronically organize, edit and archive your paper documents. With an MFP and a simple software application you can turn paper documents into electronic format and send to multiple destinations – email, document repositories, network folders, even remote printers – with a single scan.
Once you’re armed with the knowledge you’ve gathered by asking these questions, you’ll be prepared to make the right decision for your business.
Please contact us with any questions. DocuSense 1-800-422-0080