On October 22, 1938, inventor Chester Carlson took a handkerchief, some light, and dry powder, added static electricity and made the first “copy.” The business copy machine itself did not make its official appearance until more than 20 years later, in 1959. The size of two modern day washing machines (and prone to spontaneous combustion) to say it wasn’t portable is an understatement—it weighed nearly 650 pounds! Today you can walk out of your local office supply store carrying a personal copier in each hand.
Business Copy Machines and the Modern Office
Copy machines are now found in offices of every size and most of us take them for granted. But while the core technology in business copy machines has remained the same since the 1930s, the role they play continues to evolve in exciting and helpful ways.
Early photocopiers were specialized devices, engineered to do one thing—copy—and they did it very well. Fast forward, and decades of technology and engineering talent have resulted in multi-purpose business copy machines that do so much more. Most are familiar with how they now print, scan, and fax documents. But they also do a whole lot more, with finishers that can give your office a number of time-saving capabilities.
- Staple and hole-punch documents using an automated process that delivers documents with a highly professional appearance. All Konica Minolta bizhub copiers we offer can automatically staple up to 100 documents before they land in the output tray.
- Create booklets using a saddle stitch finisher that places centered staples in batches of documents and folds them into brochures, flyers, or other handouts.
- Eliminate manual folding of image-heavy business flyers that require consistent folds for a professional look. You can also create custom folds for inserting documents or promotional materials into different sized envelopes.
- Integrate with cloud services, mobile, and more. You can now easily scan documents to store, print, or mail. They can even be converted into editable PDFs.
- Jazz up your envelopes by including images, offers, or other personalized printed messages.
It’s amazing what a few simple clicks from your desktop, laptop, mobile device, or the built-in panel can help you do!
Reasons to Upgrade Your Business Copy Machines
Most companies rely heavily on their business copy machines to function efficiently. But they often delay upgrading to new machines because the ones they have work “just fine.” Not investing in the latest technology could, however, be costing you in terms of productivity and marketing capabilities.
Progressive businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition know that optimizing workflows while boosting the bottom line is what will help keep them ahead of the pack.
Here are just a few reasons companies should consider upgrading their business copy machines.
- Modern equipment is more efficient, which lowers your costs.
- More tasks can be completed in a shorter amount of time, increasing productivity.
- You get higher-quality materials printed at faster speeds which can help you cut back on outsourcing expenses.
- One MFP can eliminate multiple devices that take up precious office space.
- The latest software offers greater efficiency and collaboration.
- Modern business copy machines are easier to maintain.
Analytics, Automation, and AI
SMBs that embrace innovative technologies will always have an edge on their competitors. Analytics, automation, and AI are three tools that are picking up speed in the copier world. If your business hasn’t yet adopted these time-saving technologies, there’s no better time than now to make the switch to an upgraded machine.
- Automation. If you choose only one innovative technology, make it automating your business processes. Connectivity technology integrates your business copy machine with apps and software that your business uses on a daily basis. You can access files, scan to multiple programs, and easily and safely store electronic documents.
- Analytics. Want to streamline your office processes? Data analytics can help you measure ink levels, usage, and perhaps most importantly, waste. By collecting real-time data from your business copy machine you can learn which departments use the most paper, what jobs might be eliminated, and whether your efforts to reduce print usage are effective. You can then implement better print strategies to streamline your print process and, in turn, your entire office.
- Artificial intelligence. No longer just for large companies, AI can offer small and medium sized businesses a wealth of benefits, including managing information flows in newly-formed digital workplaces. AI can help companies improve collaboration and enable better team working.
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Business copy machines are definitely more advanced, but they still meet the same business needs, including producing documents for use in your day-to-day operations. The evolution from a paper-focused machine to one built around software will continue to bring exciting changes to the modern office environment. From new apps to remote troubleshooting, it’s an exciting time for copying machines!
Common Sense Business Solutions is dedicated to helping you make each successive year your most productive one. That’s why we often recommend upgrading your office equipment.
We firmly believe investing in the latest technologies will have an overall positive impact on your company’s productivity and bottom line. And the Konica Minolta bizhub solutions we offer give you a streamlined copying process within a user-friendly design. There’s simply no easier way to connect and collaborate with employees, clients, and customers.
The core function of a copier will always be in one form or another, communication. Except today, instead of just helping you share paperwork, your business copy machine can be your company’s central hub for digital distribution of documents and more.
How CSBS Can Help
Updating your copier to a newer MFP is a smart choice. It reduces costs, improves print efficiency, and increase productivity. Still unsure that an upgrade to your business copy machine makes sense? Let CSBS help!
For nearly thirty years, we’ve leased and sold state-of-the-art business copy machines from industry leader Konica Minolta to companies throughout Sonoma County. We’d love to show you how to find the right business copy machine that supports all your efforts. Contact us today to learn more.
