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Picture this: You have one phone number for your copier, one for your print management, and a completely different one for your service technician. Even worse, they all belong to different brands, creating confusion for you and your staff.
Additionally, budgeting each month for all these different brands has been a nightmare, to say the least.
If you had the same copier/printer technology, you wouldn’t likely be experiencing these issues. Numerous phone numbers and messy budgeting aren’t the only reasons that we recommend keeping your brands consistent.
As print vendors for nearly 40 years, we have worked with hundreds of organizations and businesses that use mixed printer fleets. We’ve seen firsthand how this can negatively affect productivity and operations.
Here are the top six reasons to choose the same brand for your copier/printer technology.
One Vendor, One Invoice
No one likes paying bills. It becomes even more unpleasant when you have a jumbled mess of invoices from different companies and have to spend valuable time sorting them to fit into your budget.
When all your printing technology is the same brand, you’ll typically receive a single invoice instead of having to keep track of multiple bills from separate vendors. This simplifies budgeting and makes managing your monthly print expenses much easier.
Better Experience for You and Your IT Staff
Your IT staff is an important part of your team. They’re likely already juggling network security, software updates, and technical support. Don't make them chase down support contacts for multiple printer brands.
Having support from a common vendor creates a better customer experience for end-users and IT support staff. If something goes wrong, you only need to call one number for help, instead of having to contact different customer service departments. This lets the IT staff focus on important projects instead of dealing with printer and copier issues.
Plus, platforms like Xerox Workplace Cloud Fleet Management (available exclusively for Xerox devices) give IT teams centralized control of the entire fleet from one dashboard. This allows you to:
- Push firmware updates and configurations
- Track usage and supply levels
- Enforce print policies
- Remotely manage a hybrid or distributed printer fleet
You get: Fewer tickets, fewer headaches, and more time for strategic IT initiatives.
Related Read: 6 Ways to Make Your Printing Processes Easier for Your IT Staff
Consistent Brand Look and Feel
There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a seamless experience with technology.
Most manufacturers design their interfaces to be consistent across all models. That means if you stick to one brand, every device will have a similar look and experience, saving time when switching between machines.
Whether you're printing from the breakroom or scanning in a conference room, a standardized interface minimizes learning curves and disruptions.
We all understand how important it is to have a team that works well together and transitions smoothly. So why wouldn’t you want the same for your technology?
Easier to Train Users
Training staff on how to use your office technology can eat up valuable time. Nonetheless, it’s important, and that’s why we do it. Why not simplify the process for both you and your new hires?
When your machines share the same interface, it speeds up onboarding and simplifies the learning process.
Instead of training your team on different devices with varying layouts and functions, they can master one interface and apply that knowledge to every machine in your fleet.
You Can Use the Same Supplies
Although it's not always true, using the same brand for your printer supplies, like toner and ink, can help ensure that they work with different printer models. This is especially useful in emergencies.
However, make sure to follow your supply guidelines, especially if you have auto-toner shipments enabled as part of a service agreement. Toners provided through this are designated for specific machines, and misusing supplies can disrupt fulfillment processes.
Want a more hands-off approach? STPT’s e-Valet service includes auto-toner shipments, proactive multivendor support, dashboard reporting, and smarter purchasing recommendations.
A Common Print Driver
Using a single brand makes managing print drivers easier for your organization. With a standard print driver, every user can access all printer features without any compatibility problems.
This consistency enhances productivity and reduces IT intervention when adding or changing devices on your network.
Bonus: Standard Fleets Mean Fewer Security Risks
According to the 2024 Quocirca Print Security Landscape report, organizations operating a standard printer fleet are less likely to report data losses (50%) than those operating a multivendor fleet (70%).
Standardizing your fleet not only improves operations but also lowers your exposure to print-related security breaches.
Related Read: Why Are Older Printers Security Threats and Should I Replace Them?
Don’t Make Your Life Harder Than It Has to Be
Having the same brand of copier/printer technology across your organization makes life easier for your team, your IT staff, and your budget. It helps streamline workflows, reduce friction, and improve long-term efficiency.
At STPT, we proudly use and recommend Xerox technology across our organization. It’s consistent, powerful, and secure.
Want to know if it’s time to switch brands? Read: Should You Switch From Your Current Copier to Xerox?
Ready to explore a simpler, standardized fleet? Use our Product Configurator to compare Xerox printers by price, print speed, paper size, and more.
Curious If STPT Is Right for You?
If you’re curious about finding a uniform interface for your office, our team is always available to answer any questions you might have regarding your current or future office equipment.
As you consider options for streamlining your office technology, it's also essential to evaluate your next printer vendor. Learn what makes an ideal STPT partner to ensure your equipment effectively supports your needs.
