Friday, 15 September 2017

Do 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 type of device has evolved with technology. Aside from combining multiple functions, it can even connect to the Internet for input, or to save output. Most even come with touch screens that people in this generation are familiar with.

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.

Different companies in this industry have developed a lot of MFP machines, that gave birth to various types. These are the all-in-one, SOHO, Office, and Production Printing. Further differentiation is available depending on usage. Machines are designed for family or individual use, small business, commercial, and enterprise. The price, features and usability, output quality, and throughput, would naturally be dependent on these considerations.

An all-in-one machine or AIO is typically small. It is best used in the office or at home. The core functionality of this type would be limited to scanning, printing, and copying. Users can connect to the device using WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. They also have an added option of choosing between an ink jet or laser printer. While laser printers produce better text output, ink jet printers produce better pictures.

Primarily designed for Small and Home Office spaces, a SOHO MFP can be large or small, desktop-sized. Aside from the usual features of scanning, faxing, and copying, some offer storage of documents for easier retrieval. Like AIOs, users can manage input through USB, Ethernet cable, or WiFi. Their bulk or size is normally due to extra features like paper feeders or trays, document 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.

Production Printing devices are normally not as technologically capable as the other types. However, what they lack in features, they make up with high-speed, advanced finishing functions like book binding, and high-quality. This is best used in businesses that primarily focus on the volume of printouts.




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