Making a Mark: Managed Print Services (MPS) Case Studies
In this blog we walk through five managed print services case studies that showcase the value of MPS in an ever-increasing digital world.
Blog Post
9 minute read
May 01, 2024
Every year it feels like we’re getting closer and closer to a fully immersive and digital world. However, even as technology continues to advance, the power of print is far from fading away into history. The managed print services (MPS) case studies featured in this blog demonstrate how print can enhance your campaigns and elevate your marketing in concert with digital marketing tactics.
“When print advertisements are used with email marketing, businesses average a 49% increase in sales and a 125% increase in inquiries.”
Managed print services don’t just help supplement your omnichannel marketing efforts, though. MPS addresses office equipment management, print supply inventory, maintenance, and everything involved in meeting your print needs, all at a steady cost.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your full suite of printers and copiers, or you just need to re-up on toner, paper, and other printing supplies; visit the Impact Store for all your needs!
What Are Managed Print Services?
Managed print services represent a comprehensive approach to handling an organization's printing needs. Essentially, MPS providers assume responsibility for managing all aspects of the printing environment, from assessing the current setup to optimizing workflows and maintaining equipment.
The process typically begins with an assessment of the existing printing infrastructure. This involves identifying all printing devices, such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices, and evaluating their usage patterns, costs, and efficiency. Based on this assessment, the MPS provider develops a tailored plan to address the specific needs and goals of the organization.
This may involve consolidating devices to eliminate redundancy, optimizing print workflows to minimize waste and improve efficiency, and implementing print management software to track usage and allocate costs accurately. By centralizing control over the printing environment, organizations can achieve significant cost savings while also improving productivity.
Another key aspect of MPS is proactive monitoring and management of printing devices. This includes remote monitoring of device status, performance, and supply levels, allowing for timely maintenance and inventory restocking. This proactive approach helps minimize downtime and ensures that printing operations remain smooth and uninterrupted.
Furthermore, MPS often includes services such as regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment upgrades to ensure that printing devices operate at peak performance levels. By outsourcing these tasks to MPS providers, organizations can free up internal resources and focus on their core business activities.
Overall, managed print services offer organizations a comprehensive solution to optimize their printing infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. By partnering with an MPS provider, businesses can benefit from expert guidance, proactive management, and cost-effective solutions tailored to their specific needs, ultimately leading to improved productivity and operational efficacy.
5 Managed Print Services Case Studies
With an understanding of what managed print services are and how they benefit businesses, let’s take a look at some real-world examples that showcase the value of MPS in streamlining operations and controlling annual printing costs.
The following case studies all feature different aspects of managed print services to demonstrate the wide spectrum of benefits that stem from MPS partnerships.
1. Des Moines Public School District
The Des Moines Public School District faced a printing equipment dilemma wherein over 1,200 aging printers scattered throughout needed replacing.
Seeking cost-effective, streamlined solutions, the district partnered with Marco for recommendations, implementation, and ongoing support. Marco initially updated the central print shop and was then engaged for their full suite of managed print services.
To gain clarity on spending, Marco conducted an assessment across the district's 70+ buildings, which resulted in:
A 75% reduction in the printer fleet.
Discussions on cost-efficiency improvements.
Transitioning and teaching staff on the new print shop
In the first year alone, the print shop's impressions surged from two million to 22 million, with Marco's assistance enabling round-the-clock operation during peak demand.
All-in-all, the new MPS approach yielded 12-16% monthly cost savings and enhanced transparency in spending. Additionally, the managed print services freed up staff time for higher-priority initiatives while ensuring prompt support and maintenance, reinforcing the successful partnership.
2. Crayola
PRI Graphics & Signs partnered with Crayola® starting in late 2018 to provide printing solutions for their new retail/interactive attraction, The Crayola Experience in Chandler, Arizona. This collaboration extended nationwide, encompassing all five locations across the United States.
Working closely with Crayola's key directors, leads, and designers, PRI Graphics & Signs assisted in bringing their vision to life by providing print solutions such as interior signage, vinyl wall graphics, window wraps, and floor decals.
By maintaining color accuracy, high-definition pixel quality, and precise cutting, in their printed materials, the managed print service provider was able to truly showcase the vivid colors, and in turn, enhance the brand identity of these iconic attractions.
The collaboration with Crayola® underscores the full array of activities that are included in a managed print services partnership.
From project management to meticulous file setup, and color accuracy assurance, and finally, quality production and speedy turnarounds by printing experts, every aspect of your printing process is covered.
3. Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Dorsey & Whitney LLP, a global law firm, faced printer management challenges across its offices, including fragmented reporting and compatibility issues. As such, they partnered with a managed print services provider to standardize processes across 14 offices.
Despite some initial speed bumps caused by internal resistance, the partnership successfully implemented a plan within three months.
After working with an MPS provider Dorsey & Whitney LLP is enjoying improved efficiency, reduced printer-related issues, and enhanced consistency across operations.
Standardized print models and mobile printing capabilities have streamlined operations without compromising security. Plus, comprehensive reporting metrics enable accurate cost quantification, while automated toner replenishment has improved cost management.
Ultimately, the partnership with Marco has freed up internal IT resources, standardized print workflows, and modernized printing capabilities, all allowing Dorsey & Whitney to focus on strategic initiatives.
4. Lee’s Sandwiches
Lee’s Sandwiches, a popular eatery, partnered with PRI Graphics and Ds3 Designs to completely revamp their print practices and signage. From interior graphics to directive signage and exterior graphics, the project encompassed various elements that showcased the delicious food and beautiful branding of Lee’s Sandwiches.
Beginning in February 2021, the PRI team partnered with Ds3 Designs to ensure consistency and quality throughout the design, printing, and installation of the interior and exterior graphics.
This project revolved around a variety of interior signage, including acrylic, bubble board, and vinyl graphics. Some graphics were printed direct, while others, like the directive signage, featured brushed aluminum signs with colored acrylic mounted on the surface.
Overall, the project exemplified the high-quality standards, collaboration, and passion that managed print service providers bring to every print project.
5. North American Truck and Trailer
North American Truck & Trailer (NATT), sought to address printing challenges stemming from poor management practices, including disparate purchasing and service processes across its 14 stores spread across four states.
Upon engaging with an MPS, Hofer outlined NATT's goal of achieving more with fewer resources. By implementing managed print services in all of their stores, NATT realized significant cost savings through a consolidated printing contract, eliminating overage charges and streamlining billing processes.
The unified service structure provided by the MPS ensured consistent servicing across all locations and simplified toner restocking through automatic notifications and shipments, ultimately restructuring print workflows to be more cost-effective while boosting productivity and saving employee time.
Managed Print Services Case Study Takeaways
Managed print services make sure that all your printing needs are covered in the ever-increasingly digital world. This is a huge advantage for organizations that want to focus their internal resources elsewhere, but recognize that their print needs cannot go neglected.
Additionally, by partnering with a managed print services provider, you’ll always have visibility into your annual printing costs, print volumes, and the typical workflows involved allowing you more control over your total printing investment.
Take care of all your printing supply and office equipment needs at the Impact Store!
