Paper products comprise nearly 70% of office waste. In order to avoid contributing to this staggering statistic, companies of all sizes can enlist print management services to reduce overall paper consumption. Through the creation and implementation of printing policies, the analysis of printing usage data, and recommendations for changes to make smart printing choices, print management services can support businesses in their quest for increased sustainability.
4 Ways to Cut Down on Waste With Print Management Services
1. Establish Cross-Departmental Printing Policies
The most effective way a business can reduce paper waste is by establishing and implementing printing policies. These policies may outline for employees what documents require printing and which should remain digital, who can print a particular type of document, and which documents may be printed in color. For instance, printing policies may limit employees to a set number of copies per day or only allow for double-sided — or duplex — printing unless a particular document requires single-sided copying.
2. Implement Secure Print Release Systems
One method for enforcing printing policies is through a secure print release system. A secure print release system enables a centrally-located, multi-purpose copier to act as a personal printer by only releasing print jobs with the swipe of an ID or using a passcode. This system prevents the loss of copy jobs, secures the data on printed material, and reduces the amount of unclaimed printing. It also allows the collection of data concerning what documents are being printed, by whom, and how often.
3. Analyze Printing Usage Data
Print management systems can also allow businesses to reduce paper waste and printing costs by providing data about their company’s printing activity. For example, printing usage data will supply information about which departments or employees print the most copies, which type of documents get printed the most often, and the document formats used. This data can then lead to the formation of new recommendations for updated printing policies.
4. Make Smart Print Choices
By collecting and analyzing printing usage data, businesses can update printing policies, reducing paper waste and printing costs. For example, a new printing policy may call for shrinking document margins or font sizes on specific documents or urge grayscale printing when color printing is unnecessary.
It’s Simple to Reduce Waste and Costs
By utilizing a print management system, you can decrease the total amount of paper waste in your business. In turn, this will also lead to the reduction of ancillary costs, like toner and printer maintenance fees.
Companies can significantly reduce the amount of paper waste through print policies, a secure print release system, and the collection of company printing data. This change benefits both the company and the environment.
Ready to reduce your company’s waste? Applied Innovation offers a range of top-quality print management services that best fit your business. Contact an Applied Innovation Print Specialist in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, or Tampa, Florida to learn more.