Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Do More With An MFP Machine

By Gary Ellis


Industrialization has always brought modernization with it over the years. However, because of this, people have flocked to cities, causing housing and office spaces to become smaller. This, in turn, started to limit the space for different types of furniture and equipment that people need. But, it led to inventions like an all-in-one washer and dryer instead of having two separate ones. The same thing has led to the evolution of the MFP machine or multifunction peripheral, which combines the functions of a printer, copier, fax machine, and scanner.

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.

Usually, an MFP device has a single function, with additional functions on top of it. For instance, it could be a digital copy machine with scanning and printing functions. It may even have fax or paper 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.

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 machines are generally not as advanced technologically. However, this lack in the number of features is countered by advanced functionality like binding a book, fast printing speed, and excellent output quality. This is perfect in businesses where the main objective is to produce the highest volume of output.




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