Modern small businesses face multiple operational challenges, particularly when it comes to aligning operational strategies with changing needs of digital transformation and hybrid work models. For businesses that rely on lean teams and budgets, digital transformation – and its associated investment in terms of both cost and resourcing – can be a tall order.
However, there’s a quick fix many small businesses can benefit from when optimising processes and streamlining operations in the short-term, which lets small-business owners buy time for long-term investment and upgrades: moving printing infrastructure to the cloud. Traditional print management systems are increasingly seen as relics of a bygone era, burdened by hefty initial investments, rigid licensing models, and continual maintenance costs. More importantly, they fall short in providing the necessary visibility and control for modern businesses embracing more flexible, remote, or hybrid work settings.
Cloud print management solutions have emerged as a compelling alternative, serving a dual purpose of being both a technological upgrade and strategic enabler for small-business owners to enhance operational efficiency and agility.
The core advantage of cloud print management lies in the storage of print job data and device usage. The cloud-based system tracks printing, copying, and scanning activities in real time, giving businesses a detailed overview of device usage, letting business owners easily identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency enhancements. This seamlessly facilitates remote management, which is critical for distributed teams.
Cloud print management also eliminates the need for traditional print servers and additional hardware. This simplification of infrastructure reduces the complexity and costs associated with setting up and maintaining a print environment. It can also provide direct operational savings, which liberates small businesses from the financial burdens of upfront purchases and ongoing maintenance and helps significantly reduce unnecessary IT spending for greater financial flexibility and control.
Additional features can also be instrumental in controlling usage and minimising waste, contributing to further cost savings while also aligning with environmentally sustainable practices, a growing concern for modern businesses and their stakeholders. By optimising print operations and reducing paper waste through controlled print policies, businesses can lower their environmental footprint. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on corporate responsibility and sustainability, which is increasingly important to stakeholders and customers alike.
Cloud-based print infrastructure lets small businesses significantly improve user experience and productivity as cloud solutions provide seamless access to printing resources, regardless of the user’s location. This means that employees benefit from consistent and uninterrupted access to essential printing capabilities, regardless if they’re working from the office, home, or on the move.
As small businesses grow, and their needs evolve, the scalability and flexibility afforded by cloud-based print solutions ensure businesses can effortlessly adapt to meet changing demands. This dynamic nature is a stark contrast to the rigidity of traditional print management systems, which often necessitate additional hardware investments and complex integrations to accommodate growth. By embracing cloud print solutions, small businesses can address several key challenges.
