OKI printers are durable and resilient to cope with tough construction site environments, but they offer flexibility and creativity into the bargain, says Andrew Hall, marketing manager Oki Systems UK.
When it comes to printing on construction sites, businesses across the sector have a tricky balancing act to achieve. Printers and print media need to be compact, robust, reliable and hard-wearing to cope with what are often especially harsh working conditions.
They need to be flexible and be capable of supporting print-on-demand in order to be effective in what is typically a fast-moving world. They need a small footprint, critical in an often cluttered environment, where space is at a premium, but they also need to deliver high-quality printed site plans, construction drawings and detail plans and diagrams as and when required – and that means having an A3 capability in place.
That’s where a high-quality professional A3 colour device like the OKI C931 colour printer comes in. The ability to use the C931 to deliver high-quality documents on demand during construction projects enables organisations to adapt their approach to meet changing circumstances rather than being forced to keep to rigid plans.
It is this combination of resilience and creativity that is so critical in this environment. Historically, across the industry, plans were generally output on AO sized paper, typically using large, unwieldy and extremely expensive plotter devices. Today, however, construction companies can achieve significantly enhanced levels of flexibility by using much more compact devices like the C931 onsite. Being able to email across a drawing that can be printed off there and then helps to support faster decision-making.
Many construction businesses will also have a need for multifunction devices, especially in the site office, where space is at a premium and the need for speed paramount. MFPs bring a wide range of functions such as printing, copying, scanning and faxing together into a single machine – a true four in one capability which adds a significant level of flexibility to the construction operation on-site. Not only can these high-quality devices fit comfortably in the corner of an office, but their breadth of capability also helps to cut down the paper mountain.
Document management a key consideration for all construction businesses is made much easier also by using high-quality MFPs. OKI’s new MC853 smart MFP, which incorporates both A3 and A4 capability in one compact design, for example, combines the reliability of OKI’s pioneering digital LED print technology with the added functionality and performance of more costly and complex copier-based devices ensuring outstanding print and copy quality as well as comprehensive scan and document management.
OKI’s smart Extendable Platform (sXP) ensures the MC853 can sit at the heart of any construction business’s document workflow with a simple to use, customisable 7” colour LCD touch screen that operates the device and all the document functions. The MC853 also feature SENDYS Explorer LITE, a server based software available to OKI smart MFP customers at no additional cost. It enables users to capture documents from various sources and convert, distribute, or upload them to a chosen location, providing greater flexibility to edit, access, print, retrieve, and share files.
Critically too, media flexibility and document handling is made easier. The MC853 can accommodate a wide range of paper weights (up to 256gsm) and sizes (from A6 to 1.3m banner) with a maximum paper capacity up to 2,005 sheets for added flexibility and intuitive document management technology is built into the device.
Of course, it almost goes without saying that all this capability is best delivered as part of a managed print services approach, which will help save costs by putting in place, one, all-inclusive ongoing contract which covers printers, supplies, maintenance and support and critical consultancy to help create a more streamlined document workflow.
As we have seen, it is of course key that this service delivers advice on the types of devices best suited to busy construction sites and puts in place the kind of robust, reliable, yet creative and flexible printing solutions that enable construction companies to optimise their investment in printing and document management.
For more information see http://okismartprinters.co.uk/home.aspx.
Andrew Hall
Marketing Manager
Oki Systems UK
www.linkedin.com/company/oki-uk
