Choosing the right printer setup can impact your office’s efficiency, budget, and workflow. The main choice often comes down to a multifunction printer (MFP) that combines several capabilities in one device, or a standalone printer focused solely on printing. Understanding the advantages and limitations of each helps make the best decision.

What Does a Multifunction Printer Offer?

MFPs typically combine printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into a single machine. Many also include workflow integration features like cloud connectivity, mobile printing, and document management support. This all-in-one design can simplify office setups by reducing the number of devices, saving space, and centralizing maintenance.

Production printers are built for speed, precision, and high-volume output—but even the best machines encounter problems. Addressing issues quickly helps keep schedules on track, protects print quality, and prevents small glitches from becoming expensive repairs.

Recognizing Common Issues

Some problems occur more frequently than others. Staying alert to early signs can help you act before they impact deadlines:

• Streaking or banding that affects image clarity
• Paper misfeeds or jams disrupting workflow
• Color inconsistencies causing brand or design mismatches
• Error codes indicating hardware or software issues

Step-by-Step Checks

When something goes wrong, work methodically to isolate the cause:

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to software applications and data analytics—it’s now playing a central role in the way businesses manage their printing environments. Managed print services (MPS) equipped with AI capabilities are delivering new levels of efficiency, cost savings, and reliability. For organizations that depend on seamless document workflows, these advancements are quickly becoming essential.

Smarter Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance

Traditional MPS solutions track device usage and report errors, but AI adds a predictive layer. By learning from historical performance data, AI can detect subtle signs of wear, flagging potential issues before they become costly breakdowns. This proactive approach reduces downtime, keeps devices running smoothly, and ensures parts and supplies are ordered precisely when needed.

Production printing has always been about speed, precision, and efficiency. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking these priorities to the next level—making high-volume print environments smarter, more reliable, and increasingly personalized.

Here’s how AI is reshaping the world of production print.

Smarter Automation and Quality Control

AI-powered systems can automate complex tasks like job setup, color calibration, and error detection. This reduces the need for manual intervention and speeds up the entire printing process. For example, AI algorithms analyze color consistency across prints and make real-time adjustments to maintain quality—helping to reduce costly reprints.

Multifunction printers (MFPs) are a staple in most offices, but they’re also a potential security risk. While many organizations focus on cybersecurity, physical printer security often gets overlooked. The result? Sensitive documents sitting in trays, unauthorized access to scan or fax functions, and zero accountability for what’s been printed.

Here’s how to tighten physical security around your print environment before it becomes a liability.

The Risks of Uncollected Documents

One of the most common issues: printed pages left sitting in the output tray. It may not seem like a big deal—until someone accidentally picks up a document with sensitive financial data, HR information, or client records. For businesses handling confidential materials, this is a clear risk.