Multi-functional printers offer businesses a wide range of benefits. Not only do they combine printing, scanning, copying and faxing functions in one machine, delivering cost, space and time savings, but they also allow for network integration possibilities. Here we will explain some of those possibilities to show you how you can get the most out of your multi-functional printer.

 

Active Directory

Active Directory is a directory service implemented by Microsoft. Its job is to authenticate and authorise users in a network. By integrating it with your MFP, you can enhance user security and centralise device management. When users want to send a print job to the printer they will be required to submit a password. Active Directory will then check this password and identify whether the user is an administrator or basic user, which will determine the actions they are permitted to take. Providing their password is logged with the Active Directory, they will be able to continue to carry out their printing task.

Data encryption will help to keep any files sent from computers to your MFP secure.

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Data Encryption

It is recommended that all businesses safeguard the sensitive data stored on their multi-functional printers using data encryption. Many MFPs support full disk encryption, which encrypts the entire contents of a hard drive using a secret key. This prevents malicious attacks and stops people from being able to remove the hard drive from the printer and recover its documents. You may also want to consider enabling some form of disk wiping so your MFP automatically deletes old documents.

 

IPv6 Support

Many MFPs now provide IPv6 support. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol which provides an identification and location system for computers on networks and routes traffic across the internet. By supporting IPv6 your printer can benefit from better security, including traffic encryption. IPv6 also simplifies and speeds up data transmission.

 

SNMP Support

SNMP is widely used in local area networks (LAN). It is designed to let you monitor network nodes from a management host. Using SNMP you can monitor your MFPs network performance. You will also be able to use it to find and solve network problems and plan for network expansion.

 

Making use of your MFPs wireless network capabilities will improve the efficiency of your operations and help you to reduce costs.

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Wireless Network Capability

Today it is possible to integrate your MFP with your LAN via WiFi. This means that all computers on your network will be able to print to it. Your MFP may also allow for printing directly from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets via WiFi. The benefit of having a printer with wireless network capabilities is that you can place it anywhere and provided it is within signal range, any users will be able to print to it. This means that users can share a single multi-functional printer, preventing you from having to spend money on investing in separate devices. Having one shared printer will also reduce maintenance cost and take up less space in your office.

 

Conclusion

Integrating your MFP with your network can provide a wide range of benefits for your business. For starters it can help you to gain better control over your device by allowing you to monitor employees’ use of it. You can also benefit from both IPv6 and SNMP support which will enhance the security of your print network and keep your files out of unauthorised users’ sight. The fact you can integrate your MFP with your wireless network means that employees can share the device, eliminating the need for multiple wires and helping to reduce costs significantly.

 

Image Credits: perspec_photo88 & Dana Spiegel