Key features to prioritize and applications to consider
A printer is more than a machine that applies toner to pieces of paper. It is a device that creates essential records. It is a piece of technology that enables speedy interactions between departments and the public. It is a technological lynchpin of an office’s daily operations. In other words, it’s always worth taking the time to ensure you find the best possible office printer for your business’s unique needs.
There are many options on the market, but not all are equally suited to each task. With that in mind, we’ll break down some of the most common uses for office printers and what to look for among them. But first, let’s establish a few key features that we’ll revisit across categories.
Find everything you need to pick the perfect printer in Business Printers: The Complete Guide.
5 common office printer features to prioritize
As we said before, there’s a lot more to a printer than its ability to put letters and images on paper. Here are some of the finer details to consider as you plan for your next purchase, whether that’s a large office printer, a small one, or anywhere in between.
- Printing speed: Does your business often print more than a few pages at a time? Prioritize an office printer with high printing speeds so employees and customers spend less time waiting. Twenty pages per minute is a good minimum benchmark when speed is a concern.
- Printing style: Printing both sides of a sheet of paper saves space and time. Given that it uses less paper, it saves money, too. Printers that are capable of duplex printing are able to print both sides of a document without the need for manual retrieval or flipping. They can also print in simplex mode when only one side per sheet is desired.
- Connectivity: Don’t let access via a single computer become a bottleneck to your office printer. Look for models that allow connection via USB as well as networked printing over ethernet and Wi-Fi when used with supported equipment.
- Additional uses: An office printer and scanner combines multiple important devices into one. This can save both cost and space. However, if an office rarely needs to scan or copy documents, it may be better to opt for a single-purpose device.
- Footprint: Depending on the size of your office or the particular department where it’s used, space may be at a premium. Make sure you factor the dimensions of the printer into which model you choose.
Did You Know?:RICOH Printers are built on a legacy of quality and dependability. Explore our range of options here.
Front office printer: Space and speed
The front office is where the customer onboarding process begins. There’s no second chance to make a good first impression. It’s important to keep new customers engaged in higher-value activities than just waiting for their forms to print. With that in mind, speed should be one of the foremost considerations for a front office printer.
That said, allowing space for customers to wait comfortably means the “office” side of the front office is often small. Look for a printer with smaller dimensions to ensure it doesn’t become a stumbling block in this limited space. The RICOH 132 P Black and White Laser Printer is an ideal place to start your search for this category. Its 34-page-per-minute speed and compact, space-saving design will help it meet the needs of both customers and staff.
Records department printer: Multipurpose design
The records department likely handles the most documents of any part of the business. That work includes creating, receiving, storing, processing, and destroying documents. That means high-speed printing is a paramount concern, but it isn’t the only one. Records employees need to deliver high-quality documents with clean, clear text.
However, we are in the midst of a rapid move toward business digitization. Those records aren’t likely to stay on paper alone. Opt for an office printer copier scanner that allows employees to digitize paper documents on the same device they use to create them. This will save both space and time while simplifying workflows. The high-speed, high-quality printing and scanning capabilities of the RICOH 132 MF Black and White Multifunction Laser Printer make it a great pick for records departments.
Did You Know?:Color printers come with special considerations of their own. Read our guide to color laser printers to ensure you make the right choice.
Retail services printer: Color and size
Service-oriented retail businesses need to be able to deliver whatever their customers need. This means the black-and-white standard used in many business documents may not suffice. Fortunately, opting for a color printer does not mean sacrificing print speed or quality.
Balance customer needs with the realities of your retail department. Choose an office printer with a small footprint and straightforward operation. This will reduce staff education time and workday interruptions. The same goes for easy maintenance and connectivity. The RICOH C125 P Color Laser Printer's speed, size, and intuitive operation make it an ideal printer for retail environments.
Our overall recommendation: RICOH C125 MF Color Multifunction Laser Printer
Do your needs for an office printer go beyond what we’ve outlined? Do you prefer to maximize the value of a single business device, no matter where it’s used?
If so, we’re pleased to give the RICOH C125 MF Color Multifunction Laser Printer our overall recommendation. Its office printer all-in-one design includes high-speed, high-quality duplex color printing. It also boasts fast and accurate scanning and copying. All of these features are packed into a space-saving design. For these reasons and more, the C125 is a great choice for nearly any office printer application.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as legal or financial advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.
