Buying an office copier can be a challenging task. There are different models, features, payment programs, and supply options. Copiers have had a bad reputation for some time as energy hogging machines that create unnecessary paper waste.
This doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re shopping for a new copier machine you can take advantage of new technology by purchasing the “greenest” option, saving money in the process on the initial purchase and in the future. Choosing the right office copier can reduce your reliance on paper document storage, streamline document management, and help you conserve both space and electricity.
Copy machines came to market almost accidentally. Before an electric machine was used to make copies, they were made by hand in a labor intensive and tedious process using multiple sheets of carbon paper. A patent attorney named Chester Carlson came up with a better process as a means of accommodating his arthritis, and patented the technology immediately. He initially called the process electro photography, and shopped the patent around to companies who might be interested, like IBM and GE. Both passed on the technology. Carlson came up with a better name, “Xerography,” the roots of which are Greek for “dry” and “writing,” and sold the technology to a small company that later became Xerox. The word is now almost synonymous with document reproduction, and is even in the dictionary.
Printer copiers of today are sleeker, more efficient, and more advanced than their huge, noisy predecessors. An all in one printer scanner copier is a good example of how advances in technology can help a business reduce paper waste and save energy. Most machines have the capability to scan and store documents electronically, increasing the lifespan of the printing components and saving money on ink, toner, paper, and even repairs. Copiers can be recycled, and individual parts can be reused in other machines.
The goal of a paperless office might be out of reach for many businesses, but purchasing the right copy machine is definitely a step in the right direction. This guide walks you through the process of choosing a machine, finding a vendor, and determining which features you need. Make sure you take advantage of all the information out there before you make a purchase, so that you achieve the greatest return on your investment.