What is Print Management?

Streamlining your printing process should be a top priority for all companies. Whether you’re implementing print management software in-house or outsourcing to a print management company, you’ll see more than just financial benefits. Printing costs can add up quickly, and poor printing habits can also negatively impact the environment. By improving your print process, you can reduce both costs and your company’s environmental footprint.
Benefits of Print Management
Effective print management goes beyond saving money—it brings efficiency, reduces waste, and ensures consistency. Let’s break down the benefits:
Cost Efficiency
Outsourcing your print management helps eliminate the need to invest in expensive printers, toner cartridges, and regular maintenance. Print management companies offer trade pricing and bulk discounts, further reducing costs.
Time Savings
When you outsource your printing, you free up valuable staff resources. This allows employees to focus on strategic priorities rather than managing complex print logistics and troubleshooting equipment.
Consistent Professional Quality
Partnering with a print management provider ensures your printing needs are handled with the highest level of expertise. From the initial design to the final print, you’ll get superior quality every time, no matter the job size.
Access to the Latest Printing Technologies
Print management companies have access to cutting-edge technology. By outsourcing, you ensure your business stays ahead of the curve with the latest printing systems, improving workflow and efficiency.
Customisation Options for Tailored Solutions
Whether you need custom brochures, personalised print materials, or branded designs, a print management company offers bespoke services that are designed to meet your unique business needs.
Environmental Advantages
Sustainability is at the heart of print management. From recycling paper to using energy-efficient printers, outsourcing your print needs can help reduce your environmental impact.
Who Uses Print Management?
Print management services benefit various industries, especially those that have high-volume printing needs or require specialised documents. Common sectors that benefit include:
- Education: Schools and universities with printing needs like brochures, reports, and textbooks.
- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics that print prescriptions, patient records, and insurance forms.
- Retail & Marketing: Companies that need high-volume printing for flyers, catalogues, and loyalty cards.
- Finance: Banks and financial institutions that need to print account statements, invoices, and contracts.
How to Assess Your Current Printing Needs
Before considering print management solutions, it’s crucial to assess your current print setup. Here are a few steps to evaluate:
- Assess Printer Usage: Identify which printers are used the most and the least, and determine if any are inefficient.
- Monitor Downtime: Track how much downtime your printers experience, and the impact that has on operations.
- Evaluate Wasteful Practices: Look for areas where paper, ink, and time are being wasted—such as excessive print volumes or outdated equipment.
Practical Steps to Improve Your Printing Process
To optimise your printing, consider these practical steps:
Rotating Printers to Extend Lifespan
Distribute printer workloads by rotating devices to prevent overuse and extend equipment life.
Upgrading Outdated Hardware
Replace inefficient printers with modern models to improve efficiency and save on repair costs.
Research New Technologies
Keep up with cloud-based printing systems, secure print release, and print tracking software to streamline operations.
Empowering End Users to Handle Printing Tasks
Reduce reliance on IT support by empowering staff to manage their own printing tasks through user-friendly systems.
Why Outsourcing Print Management Makes Sense
Outsourcing print management can deliver considerable benefits for businesses. Here’s why:
Expertise Without In-House Investments
Outsourcing gives you access to expert knowledge and specialised infrastructure without the need to invest in expensive equipment or additional staff.
Streamlined Processes and Better Accountability
A print management company handles everything from design to delivery, ensuring a seamless operation and quick resolution of any issues.
Consistent Quality and Timely Deliveries
When you outsource your printing needs, you ensure high-quality prints and timely delivery every time, no matter how tight the deadlines.
Hague Group’s Managed Print Solutions
If this all sounds like a lot of work and well out of your comfort zone, a print management company like Hague could be the perfect solution. We are a leading UK print solutions provider and can use our expertise to manage your end-to-end print process and save you both time and money (as well as plenty of stress).
Find out more about the print solutions we can provide your company with. Just fill in our online enquiry form and we’ll contact you shortly to arrange a free consultation.