Monday 18 September 2017

Achieve More With An MFP Machine

By Gary Ellis


Industrialization and modernization have always been partners in the evolution of society. More people now move or live in cities, reducing the space for houses and offices. This in turn, limits the space that may have otherwise been there to accommodate different equipment and furniture. There was a time when a dryer and washer were two different machines, but now they are combined into one to meet emerging needs. The same rings true for a fax machine, scanner, printer, and copier. They can now be combined into one with a multifunction peripheral, otherwise known as MFP Machine.

This machine went forward as technology evolved. It provides a combination of different functions, and even allows users to access the Internet to get the input, or to save it. Majority of these machines come equipped with touch screens, which most people are more comfortable using nowadays.

Although an MFP device comes with additional functions, they generally have a single main function. For example, you can have a copy machine that also functions as a printer and scanner. It may even provide extra functions like fax and automatic sorting capabilities.

You may also have a fax machine that can copy, print, and scan documents, allows online access to send input, saves incoming transmissions to a computer - all while retaining the traditional look and feel of a fax machine. Or, you can have a three-in-one machine capable of copying, scanning, and printing, while at the same time allows users to send and receive faxed transmissions.

Various companies in this business have created different MFP machines. As such, there are different types in existence now, which are SOHO, all-in-one, Production Printing, and Office. These can be differentiated based on their usage, as well as the customer base they were made for. Some of these devices are made for individuals, families, small businesses, commercial offices, and enterprises. As such, cost, ease of use, features, throughput, and output quality, naturally depend on the type required by the user.

An all-in-one or AIO is a smaller machine designed for use at home or in the office. The basic function of these machines are limited to print, scan, and copy. Users set up connection through Ethernet, WiFi, or USB. Further differentiation is on whether the user would like a laser or ink jet printer. Laser printers are better for text, while ink jet printers are better for photos.

A SOHO device could be desktop-sized or larger, but it is normally used in Small Office/Home Offices. It would normally have the options to scan, print, fax, copy, and, in some instances, allow the user to use the machine for storing documents. Like AIOs, users would connect to it through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Because of the bulk, this type of device normally have extra feeders or paper trays, and provide additional functions such as sorting and automatic paper feeding.

Office MFPs are made for networked offices. Like the others, it has printing, scanning, copying, and faxing options. The company's management team can implement protocols that require authentication, and prevent an employee from utilizing some functions based on their credentials. Input may be provided to the device through the use of USB, or through FTP and email because of the network capability.

The least technologically capable type are the Production Printing devices. However, the excellent output quality, advanced functionality for finishing prints like book binding, and fast speed in producing output, more than make up for the lack of the usual features. This is best used in companies where the number of printouts are priority.




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