TECHNOLOGY
workplace technology . Acting as ‘ on ramps and off ramps to the cloud ,’ IDC makes the case that they are much more powerful and capable than the printing devices of the past .
This extends the role of the smart MFP from printing and copying ( or ‘ dumb device ’) to a customisable digital transformation tool , paving the way for offices that are less cluttered with filing cabinets and making organisations much better equipped to move towards more productive workflows and increased document digitisation .
The deployment of smart MFPs is transforming working practices for the better in many fields , including healthcare , education and retail .
In healthcare , hospitals , laboratories and pharmacies require integrated , patient-focused solutions to improve efficiency and overcome key challenges such as preserving data confidentiality . Smart MFPs enable simple search and secure sharing of patient data with relevant healthcare professionals , cutting out time wasted on paper-based processes and ensuring delivery is not hindered by poor quality printing of medical images , for example . In addition patients can avoid wasting time queuing to see a receptionist to obtain their medical test results , by printing them on demand , with complete confidentiality , using their patient number directly from a smart MFP .
Like the healthcare sector , schools and universities face tough budget constraints . Yet they must also allow teachers and students to adopt new technology . Innovative smart MFP technology involving cloud and mobile solutions has a significant role to play here , enabling the use of costeffective digital printing and document management , while reducing carbon
20 May 2016