For years, I have looked into the possibility of having LASIK surgery. I have struggled with my eyesight since kindergarten and felt like I never could achieve optimal clarity with my contacts or glasses. Having both farsightedness and a strong astigmatism in both eyes made me dependent upon corrective lenses. It wasn’t until a friend of mine mentioned she was having LASIK and the affordable financing option available that I pursued a consultation. While my specific case was unique, I was deemed a candidate (after several tests) and my procedure was scheduled. Thanks to Dr. Leone and her team at Wilmington Eye, I now have the freedom to live without corrective lenses and the ability to notice the intimate details of my every day.
 
I use my experience with LASIK to show that new technologies can be used to bridge a gap between what we are accustomed to and where we would like to be. I never longed for a procedure, but I did long for clearer vision with less restrictions. In the same way, many organizations today are not looking for office equipment or document management solutions, but rather desire better collaboration with their co-workers, faster documentation processes, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their organization has addressed security risks involving communications. Knowing what you want to gain is the first step to achieving operational clarity.
 
Consultation
 
It is important when considering a new technology or initiative, that you first consult with advisors and experts in the field regarding your desires and current infrastructure. Much like I was tested for compatibility for LASIK, you should be tested by vendors for your fitness for particular solutions. An example could be a company wanting to consolidate their printing fleet to a copy room instead of individual printers. By examining in detail the printing behaviors of each employee through a print analysis and user defined explanations of what they print, you may discover that certain roles rely heavily on their desktop printer for a variety of reasons ranging from confidentiality to ease of use.
 
When you accumulate this additional information you are then able to further strategize and evaluate sensible options. For instance, you may decide to merge most employees to the main copier in the copy room but keep specific printers in place in certain locations due to their specific role. Another option you may go with is the original plan of a single copier but with additional protocols such as releasing print jobs at the device with a pin code or badge authentication process. The key is to investigate and pursue the option that best works for you.
 
Investment
 
Making sure that you can stay within your budget is key for any initiative you investigate. Doing a cost analysis of what the new technology can bring you versus continuing with the same processes you have in place is a good strategy to utilize. Often times there are ongoing costs you currently have that could be eradicated by a switch to a new strategy. One example of this is faxing. Though faxing is still used in most businesses to some degree, it is not a requirement to pay a phone company for a fax line or add a fax board to your copier. There are ways to achieve the same end results as you have had previously by investing in a new age solution rather than additional hardware and endlessly increasing phone line charges. You can’t always achieve savings and gain clarity in your technology landscape but there are often opportunities that can be brought to light if you take the time to question your current processes and proactively seek information regarding new solutions.
 
Implementation
 
Change is scary. When I walked into the operating room for my procedure I wasn’t exactly ecstatic to see all the heavy machinery. What got me through the process was the knowledgeable and caring staff that walked me through each step of the surgery. When looking into a technology solution to bring into your workplace, it is important that you choose a vendor that is right for you. It is one thing to be able to offer a solution, but it is another thing to be able to create and maintain a relationship. Having someone by your side from concept to installation and beyond brings with it a buy in from staff. When your staff sees proactive measures being taken and a vendor that professionally executes their duties, they feel invested in rather than burdened by another change to their day.
 
At Copiers Plus we work hard to bring viable office technology solutions to workplaces across North Carolina. No business is the same as they all have their unique challenges. We would love to have a conversation with you about how you envision doing business in the future and how we can make it a reality, by your side the entire way. Give us a call at 800-648-7081 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today!
 
 
Drew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus. The company specializes in modernizing office equipment and increasing efficiencies in workplace communications throughout the state of North Carolina. To learn more about how Copiers Plus is providing their customers with innovative document solutions and enhanced printing transparency, visit www.copiers-plus.com. Drew would love to hear from you at [email protected].