What Is Lead Time and Why Is It Important When Purchasing a Printer?

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted lead times around the world, and according to a recent survey, 57% of companies reported that the pandemic caused serious disruptions to their supply chains. 

As the pandemic ends and life returns to normal, global supply chains continue to reflect many of the shipping and stock issues that began at the height of the pandemic in 2020. 

Although supply chains continue to show improvement, deliveries still may be slow to arrive post pandemic. This can be a major issue for companies and small businesses that need to keep print production fast paced to turn a profit.

We want to make sure you have all the information you need to understand supply chain management and lead time so that you can take the right steps to receive important orders at the right time.

Our print experts at STPT have been in the business for almost 40 years. We know how to accurately calculate lead time for our products, and we can answer your lead time questions with accuracy to ensure you’re never left without working office equipment when you need it. 

We know how important it is for you to receive your new printer on time, so we have put together this article to help you figure out the ins and outs of supply chain shortages and lead times for printers post pandemic. 

In this article, we will define lead time and offer industry-specific tips to help ensure you receive your printer order on time.

What Is Lead Time?

Purchasing anything can be difficult if you don’t know the lingo, so let’s start with what lead time means.

Lead time is the estimated amount of time between order and delivery. 

A more specific lead time definition is the period in shipping between when an order is first received and when the customer ultimately receives the order. Lead time includes the time it takes to process and deliver a product. 

Whenever you make any purchase, there is an associated lead time that depends upon market availability, stock, and transportation times.

Because lead time is particular to the product you order and the date you place the order, it is always a good idea to ask your business consultant for lead time specifics.

Why Is Lead Time Important When Purchasing a Printer?

As the Covid-19 pandemic ends, supply chains are still disrupted, which affects printer lead time. 

When making a purchase, it is important to order ahead and discuss estimated lead time with your print vendor business consultant. They can explain lead time expectations for specific printer models so you know when to expect your order to arrive.

In 2023, our supply chains have seen some major improvement. However, even with supply chains almost completely recovered from the damage of the Covid-19 pandemic, some supply chain shortages are still occurring, which is why understanding the lead time for your printer delivery is so important.

For example, if printing, scanning, or copying is vital for the operation of your business, then you will want your new device installed by a specific date to make sure your company’s production flow isn’t impacted. 

If you know that your machine needs to be installed by a particular date, then there are a few steps you should take to ensure your new copier printer is installed on time.

3 Tips for Making Sure Your Machine Is Installed On Time

1.    Discuss Printer Models and Lead Times with Your Business Consultant Ahead of Time

If you know that you will need a new printer soon—either because your old model is obsolete, or you need to add a printer to your fleet to meet production demands—then reach out to your business consultant. 

Don’t wait and assume that product lead time will match your company’s timeline. 

Discuss printer model options with your business consultant and go over recent lead times and stock availability before officially placing an order. 

This way you know the exact amount of time to expect between making your order and having your new printer installed. If you have all the facts ahead of time, you won’t be surprised by any last-minute disruptions or delays.

2.    Place Your Order Based on Lead Time

Now that you know the expected lead time for your preferred printer model, you can place your order with that in mind. 

Let’s consider an example. You are opening a second office location for your business and need a printer ready for opening day in 6 months. 

You know you will need a new model in 6 months, and you talked to your STPT business consultant ahead of time, so you know that the lead time for the printer you want is approximately 3 months. 

This means you need to place your order no later than 3 months ahead of time to ensure it arrives when you need it. 

In fact, it may be a good idea to order the printer a little before 3 months ahead of time to give yourself wiggle room for installation delays or delivery issues.

3.    Consider Installation Time as Part of Lead Time and Plan Accordingly 

When calculating lead time for your printer, you should also consider the installation timeframe as well. Talk to your print vendor about installation services and make sure your IT department is ready to receive your printer and set it up.

Even if your printer is delivered on time, it won’t be ready to use if it isn’t installed properly by the right date. 

Add installation time into your lead time calculation to make sure your printer is ready for use when you need it.

Talk With a Print Expert About Lead Time

Do you need a printer for your office? 

Our print experts at STPT are always ready to explain lead time for a product or solution. Talk to one of our business consultants today about your print needs, and they can project an appropriate lead time for your order. 

For more information about printer installation and delivery timelines, check out:

•    When Will Your New Xerox Copier/Printer Be Installed?
•    Two Important Documents to Look Over Before Your Installation
•    How Supply Chain Issues Have Affected Your Printer’s Delivery Time