The temptation is still there for many of us to print off a document on paper. It seems we are hard-wired to have something we can hold in our hands and leaf through, despite the digital age. Perhaps it’s the feel of the paper between our fingertips or maybe we feel more secure knowing that a particular document is down on hard copy. We’re less likely to lose it, aren’t we?

8 things we still like to see in hard copy include:

1. Books: Apparently, given the choice we still prefer to curl up with a book in hard copy than on an e-reader though there are a growing number of people turning to digital fiction and non-fiction. It has something to do with the feel and smell of paper, according to some traditionalists. For others the words are more important than the medium.

2. Manuals:

Anything that tells you how to do something tends to get printed rather than read digitally. People like it in hard copy so they can refer to it when they want.

3. Contracts:

Whilst they are starting to move into the digital arena, contracts are still usually printed out, mainly because they often need to be amended and signed.

4. Brochures:

Colourful and glossy, a printed brochure often has more impact than viewing it online though you get the same information at a fraction of the cost.

5. Important Information:

It seems we like to have anything important written down in hard copy.

6. Images:

Even though resolution on a tablet or pc screen is much higher than most printing systems, we still like to have those favourite pictures in hard copy.

7. Proof Reading:

You can review and change a document online but most people still choose to print out and use a pen when they are proof reading.

8. PDFs:

Perhaps because they are not quite web pages, PDF’s tend to be printed out more than your average Wiki page even though they can quite easily be read on a tablet or smartphone screen.

 

 

Whether it’s at home or in the office, the chances are we still all print out a lot more than we should or need to. All of the above can just as easily be accessed digitally.

For organisations such as schools and the NHS, reviewing how we access documents can have profound effects on the amount they spend and the impact on the environment. Whilst the latest MFPs are energy friendly and help reduce the amount of electricity businesses use, they also provide technological solutions to conventional printing. You can scan and send documents to mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones and you can access the information stored on a MFP remotely, wherever there’s a Wi-Fi connection.

Many large organisations are beginning to re-evaluate how they process and print on a daily basis, finding new ways to save on paper and reduce consumption. These can also lead to improvements in productivity and a change in how we perceive printing in the office. A lot of the time our preference for printing out one kind of document over another is simply a matter of habit – something we are used to rather than something we really need. It takes just a small amount of effort to change for the better.

To find out what your printing habits are and to save money and energy, call ISL Digital for a FREE Print Audit on 0208 911 3780 today.