Industrialization and modernization have always been partners in the evolution of society. More people now move or live in cities, reducing the space for houses and offices. This in turn, limits the space that may have otherwise been there to accommodate different equipment and furniture. There was a time when a dryer and washer were two different machines, but now they are combined into one to meet emerging needs. The same rings true for a fax machine, scanner, printer, and copier. They can now be combined into one with a multifunction peripheral, otherwise known as MFP Machine.
Technology has helped evolve this concept. It combines multiple functions, and even allows users to send input or save output while remaining online, among others. Most machines come equipped with a touch screen, which is often used by this generation's users.
Although an MFP device comes with additional functions, they generally have a single main function. For example, you can have a copy machine that also functions as a printer and scanner. It may even provide extra functions like fax and automatic sorting capabilities.
Another example would be a fax machine that looks like a normal one, but offers Ethernet option so users can access their computer for the document they need, or to save what was faxed to them as a Word document, for instance. It may also be a device that has printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, with additional functions of sending and receiving faxed transmissions.
MFP machines come in different types, driven by how manufacturers in the industry started developing theirs. The basic types are Production Printing, Office, SOHO, and all-in-one. Usage differentiates these types. Furthermore, the customer base is also a determinant, whether it's for enterprise, commercial, small business, family, or individual use. These considerations all dictate the throughput, output quality, ease of use, features, and price of these machines.
An all-in-one or AIO is a smaller machine designed for use at home or in the office. The basic function of these machines are limited to print, scan, and copy. Users set up connection through Ethernet, WiFi, or USB. Further differentiation is on whether the user would like a laser or ink jet printer. Laser printers are better for text, while ink jet printers are better for photos.
A SOHO device could be desktop-sized or larger, but it is normally used in Small Office/Home Offices. It would normally have the options to scan, print, fax, copy, and, in some instances, allow the user to use the machine for storing documents. Like AIOs, users would connect to it through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Because of the bulk, this type of device normally have extra feeders or paper trays, and provide additional functions such as sorting and automatic paper feeding.
Networked offices, on the other hand, would benefit more from Office MFPs. Like other types, users have fax, copy, scan, and print options. Authentication protocols can be put in place by the management. As such, an employee's credentials would limit their capability to access certain functions or features. Due to the availability of networked connection, input can be managed through FTP and email, and also through USB.
The least technologically capable type are the Production Printing devices. However, the excellent output quality, advanced functionality for finishing prints like book binding, and fast speed in producing output, more than make up for the lack of the usual features. This is best used in companies where the number of printouts are priority.
Technology has helped evolve this concept. It combines multiple functions, and even allows users to send input or save output while remaining online, among others. Most machines come equipped with a touch screen, which is often used by this generation's users.
Although an MFP device comes with additional functions, they generally have a single main function. For example, you can have a copy machine that also functions as a printer and scanner. It may even provide extra functions like fax and automatic sorting capabilities.
Another example would be a fax machine that looks like a normal one, but offers Ethernet option so users can access their computer for the document they need, or to save what was faxed to them as a Word document, for instance. It may also be a device that has printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, with additional functions of sending and receiving faxed transmissions.
MFP machines come in different types, driven by how manufacturers in the industry started developing theirs. The basic types are Production Printing, Office, SOHO, and all-in-one. Usage differentiates these types. Furthermore, the customer base is also a determinant, whether it's for enterprise, commercial, small business, family, or individual use. These considerations all dictate the throughput, output quality, ease of use, features, and price of these machines.
An all-in-one or AIO is a smaller machine designed for use at home or in the office. The basic function of these machines are limited to print, scan, and copy. Users set up connection through Ethernet, WiFi, or USB. Further differentiation is on whether the user would like a laser or ink jet printer. Laser printers are better for text, while ink jet printers are better for photos.
A SOHO device could be desktop-sized or larger, but it is normally used in Small Office/Home Offices. It would normally have the options to scan, print, fax, copy, and, in some instances, allow the user to use the machine for storing documents. Like AIOs, users would connect to it through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Because of the bulk, this type of device normally have extra feeders or paper trays, and provide additional functions such as sorting and automatic paper feeding.
Networked offices, on the other hand, would benefit more from Office MFPs. Like other types, users have fax, copy, scan, and print options. Authentication protocols can be put in place by the management. As such, an employee's credentials would limit their capability to access certain functions or features. Due to the availability of networked connection, input can be managed through FTP and email, and also through USB.
The least technologically capable type are the Production Printing devices. However, the excellent output quality, advanced functionality for finishing prints like book binding, and fast speed in producing output, more than make up for the lack of the usual features. This is best used in companies where the number of printouts are priority.
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Find an overview of the factors that affect MFP machine cost and more info about Schoon Corporation products at http://www.schoon.com/sharp-mfp right now.
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