In today’s fast-paced business environment, there is a high demand for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Both public sector and private sector businesses are adopting various technological strategies to enhance productivity, and the use of Multifunctional Devices (MFDs) is assisting with this.
What is a multifunctional device?
A multifunctional device is essentially an all-in-one unit that combines printing, copying, scanning and faxing capabilities. MFDs can significantly streamline operations and help reduce costs for a wide variety of organisations.
Multifunctional devices are versatile machines designed to perform multiple tasks traditionally handled by separate units. By integrating several functionalities into a single device, businesses can reduce their equipment footprint, lower energy consumption and simplify maintenance processes. MFDs come equipped with advanced features such as network connectivity, digital sending and cloud integration, facilitating seamless document management across various departments.
There are many benefits to using multifunctional devices in the workplace, we’ve listed a few of them below:
The benefits of using multifunctional devices
Sustainability
MFDs assist by reducing the number of machines such as printers at your premises. MFDs contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced waste, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable business practices. It is important to use suppliers of MFDs which have equipment that is all energy star rated.
Cost efficiency
If you have a high volume of printers plus several other devices and you replace them with multifunctional devices it can lower operational costs by reducing the need for multiple machines. Businesses can cut down on acquisition or rental costs, energy costs and the expenditure associated with maintaining several devices.
Enhanced productivity
With the ability to perform various functions simultaneously, MFDs allow employees to handle multiple tasks without waiting for one process to complete before starting another. This leads to significant time savings and enhances productivity.
Improved document management
MFDs support digital workflows and document management systems, enabling easy sharing, storing and retrieval of documents. This integration supports paperless initiatives and enhances collaboration across teams.
A public sector framework designed with expert knowledge
If you are looking to procure a new MFD for your organisation we have an excellent framework ready for you to use. Crescent Services’ Multifunctional Devices and Associated Products & Services (including Print & Design) framework was developed by our in-house MFD specialist, Kathleen Johnson. After having worked with MFD’s for over 17 years, Kathleen is truly knowledgeable about this technology and the supplier marketplace.
Our framework is compliant with procurement regulations and has 2 lots which offer a range of suppliers who are industry-leading and capable of delivering seamless solutions and energy star rated devices. The framework offers both direct award and mini competition call-off options so organisations can decide the best route to the market as per their own requirement.
Our MFD framework offers a range of additional, non-core services, which includes:
Cloud Services
Archiving, backup and disaster recovery and application hosting, Data warehousing, Firewall, Infrastructure and platform security Intrusion detection.
Document Storage and Distribution Services
Services that provide an end-to-end, on-site or off-site document lifecycle service inclusive of ingestion, storage, archiving, retrieval and distribution of both physical and digital documents. Secure document storage and warehousing.
Electronic Document Management Systems and Services
An Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) provides an end-to-end, on-site or off-site document lifecycle service inclusive of ingestion, storage, archiving, retrieval, distribution, and secure destruction of both physical and digital documents.
IT Support Services
Services may be required by Participating Public Sector Bodies (more typically smaller Participating Public Sector Bodies) to support the installation and ongoing management of the print service infrastructure.
Scanning and Archiving Services
Scanning and archiving solutions can be supplied either as a standalone service or part of an integrated Electronic Document Management System. Provision of a Scanning and Archiving Service requires the following: Business Systems, Records and Operations Review – it is essential that the Tenderer engages with the participating Public Sector Body to review the organisation’s scanning and archiving requirements, including current document processes and physical documents.
Mail Management Services including Mail Room Services
Mail Management Services can include both inbound and outbound services. This solution provides a service for the management of post collection and distribution, and external post provision utilising either on-premises or off-premises solutions and/or the management of mail rooms. Mail Management also includes a range of other services such as: opening, scanning, checking of postal items and either physical or electronic distribution and/or storing or archiving.