IBM's Multi-Function Printers Reduce Output Costs

IBM has launched four new multi-function printers (MFPs) designed to help reduce output costs, improve productivity and enhance document security.

IBM has launched four new multi-function printers (MFPs) designed to help reduce output costs, improve productivity and enhance document security.

The devices, which print, copy, scan and fax, can enable clients to consolidate and save money on supplies, service and support, said the company.

A recent InfoTrends study found that organisations, on average, spend six per cent of their annual revenues on copying, printing, and fax-related costs, said IBM.

Doug Oathout, vice president of IBM Printing Systems Division, commented: "Our newest MFP systems are designed to help clients lower these costs and increase efficiency by equipping employees with a reliable multi-function system that enables easier, faster, smarter work.

The new models provide higher performance than previous models, integrated design, new features, enhanced security, better serviceability and improved output quality." In addition to helping improve efficiency, IBM said that the MFPs can help provide enhanced security through user sign-on features and encryption technology designed to help ensure the protection of confidential information.

For example, banks can use the MFPs as a remote image capture device at branches.

In addition, employees can send images electronically through the branch network's secure infrastructure to help eliminate the need to copy and transport documents manually and help reduce the risk of documents being lost or destroyed.

Four multi-function devices accommodate almost any size workgroup, said IBM and they include the Infoprint 1540, an A3 ledger multi-function device for small to medium work groups that prints at up to 35 pages per minute (ppm).

The Infoprint 1560 is an A3 ledger multi-function device for medium work groups that prints at up to 45ppm, added the company.

The Infoprint 1570 is an A4 letter compact multi-function device for small to medium work groups that prints at up to 50ppm, whilst the Infoprint 1580 is an A3 ledger multi-function system for large work groups that prints up to 55ppm.

All models include an integrated eight-inch colour touch screen that provides operator access to the MFP functions.

A 'scan preview' feature can verify that appropriate settings have been selected, that the document orientation is not upside down and the correct side of the page was scanned.

That can help eliminate user frustration and time spent scanning the wrong pages, added IBM.

Other print, copy, scan and fax functions can be accessed from the display, helping to improve end user productivity and satisfaction.

When used with the hard drive, 'custom job' and 'job build' features can combine multiple scanning jobs in to a single job.

The ability to adjust copy quality, reduce and enlarge, use separator sheets, margin shift, edge erase, date and time stamp and enhanced copy quality helps ensure professional results with ease of use, added the company.

The fax and e-mail function found on each model is said to allow operators to scan items and fax or e-mail them to one or more recipients directly from the MFP.

Destination shortcuts, such as the speed dial numbers on a telephone or fax machine, can help decrease training time and increase productivity.

Administrators can monitor and manage network devices via a web browser.

An optional wireless feature delivers increased flexibility for clients by giving them more choices on where to place the devices, said IBM.

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