MPS, or managed print services, can help you optimize your printing infrastructure, reduce costs, and enhance security. But to get the most out of MPS, you need to integrate and automate it with your IT operations. How can you do that? Here are some tips to improve MPS integration and automation.
Before you can integrate and automate MPS, you need to know where you stand. You need to evaluate your current printing environment, including the number, type, and location of devices, the volume and nature of print jobs, the workflows and policies involved, and the challenges and opportunities for improvement. You can use tools like print audits, assessments, and reports to gather this information and identify gaps and inefficiencies.
Assessing the current state is essential to improving MPS (managed print service) integration and automation. Critical aspects of the assessment should include: - Documenting workflows - Map out processes around print management, supplies fulfillment, device monitoring, etc. to identify pain points, gaps. - Cataloging MPS tools and connectivity - Evaluating metrics - Surveying stakeholders - Researching best practices - Estimating costs based on spend - Considering constraints - technical, security, compliance, or service contract limitations - Prioritizing use cases This thorough current state assessment provides the necessary baseline understanding from which a detailed roadmap to improve MPS integration and automation can be developed.
Not all MPS providers are the same. You need to choose one that can offer you a comprehensive and customized solution that meets your specific needs and goals. You also need to look for a provider that can integrate and automate MPS with your existing IT systems, such as your network, your cloud, your security, and your applications. You should ask the provider about their capabilities, experience, and references, and how they can help you streamline and simplify your printing operations.
The ideal MPS partner brings the technical expertise, platforms, experience, and commitment to deliver robust, extensible enterprise print automation and system interoperability. The perfect provider offers: - Open APIs - Custom integration - Flexibility and willingness to develop custom integrations tailored to your environment - Technical expertise - Strong technical skills to deliver reliable, scalable integration. - Automation leadership - Strategic partnerships - Interoperable systems - Security capabilities - Ability to securely exchange data and integrate with IT access controls. - Ongoing development commitment - Consultative approach - IT fluency and defined roadmap
Once you have chosen the right MPS provider, you need to implement the integration and automation of MPS with your IT operations. This may involve installing and configuring software and hardware, connecting and synchronizing devices and systems, setting up and enforcing rules and policies, and monitoring and managing performance and usage. You should work closely with the provider to ensure a smooth and successful transition, and to address any issues or challenges that may arise.
MPS integration and automation can bring many benefits, but it also requires some changes in behavior and culture. You need to train and educate your staff on how to use the new MPS solution, how to follow the best practices and guidelines, and how to troubleshoot and resolve any problems. You should also communicate the benefits and value of MPS integration and automation, and how it can help them save time, money, and resources, and improve their productivity and security.
MPS integration and automation is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing process that requires constant review and optimization. You need to measure and analyze the results and outcomes of your MPS solution, such as the cost savings, the efficiency gains, the security enhancements, and the user satisfaction. You should also look for ways to improve and refine your MPS solution, such as adding new features, updating software and hardware, or adjusting rules and policies.
Continually reviewing and incrementally enhancing the existing MPS infrastructure and software portfolio lays the groundwork for taking on more impactful integration and automation projects. - Assessing contract terms - Review to ensure contracts allow for needed integration work and changes. - Evaluating technology fit - Standardizing fleet, planning phase-out - Tuning configurations - maximize automation potential - Updating workflows and improving reporting - Addressing security - Review that data protections meet integration security requirements. - Piloting changes - Test modifications on a small scale before full implementation. - Pruning metrics and reviewing alerting - Optimizing dashboards
MPS integration and automation is a dynamic and evolving field. You need to stay updated and informed on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices that can help you optimize your MPS solution. You should also keep in touch with your MPS provider, who can provide you with support, guidance, and advice on how to leverage MPS integration and automation for your business success.