It’s safe to say printers have always had a bit of a bad rep. Everyone thinks they’re slow, expensive, and stuck in the past. While that’s not totally off-base, things are changing. Modern printers, especially those equipped with ConnectKey® technology, are even more powerful when paired with the right apps.

Did you know that Xerox printers can scan directly into SharePoint? Or automatically redact sensitive information? Or simplify printing without needing to call IT? Most people don’t. And that’s partly because office tech still makes you jump through hoops. Even when printer manufacturers offer “apps,” they’re often clunky, limited, or too basic to make a real difference.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your business is dealing with too many scattered files, a maze of shared folders, or the constant pain of “Who has the latest version of that document?” You know your team needs a smarter way to manage documents. You need something that keeps everything organized, searchable, secure, and shareable.

If you’re weighing your options between the content management systems like DocuShare and Microsoft SharePoint, then this blog is for you.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve spent nearly 40 years helping organizations not just print smarter, but also manage the documents that follow. While we are proud partners with Xerox and experts in DocuShare, our primary focus is on educating our clients. We aim to guide you to the right tool for your needs, even if it’s not one we sell.

Regardless of your industry, there are always ways to boost your productivity. Technology has made this easier than ever.

The printer, in particular, used to be the most boring piece of equipment in the office. Print, copy, and maybe scan if you were lucky. But these days? Your Xerox printer can do a lot more than you think.

Apps designed specifically for Xerox devices are helping offices reduce manual tasks, improve document workflows, and even boost security. The best part is you can do all this from the same touchscreen where you hit “print.”

As certified Xerox partners, we’ve spent a lot of time testing these tools and helping businesses figure out which ones are actually worth the investment. In this article, we’ll share five of the most effective productivity apps from the Xerox App Gallery, especially for businesses looking to get more out of their multifunction printers.

The importance of regular upkeep cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining the health of your office equipment. Among the various printer parts, the drum lens (or LED array lens) is a critical attention-worthy element. 

It’s the heart of your printer’s imaging system, responsible for transferring your documents and images onto paper with clarity and precision. But what happens when your prints start to lose their luster, and you see white lines that streak across your colorful documents? The culprit is often a dirty drum lens, signaling that it’s time for a thorough cleaning or even a replacement.

Office printers are often the most underutilized piece of tech in the workplace. They sit there quietly, doing their one job, while your team juggles tedious workflows, document bottlenecks, and time-wasting manual tasks. Ever had to dig through your email to find a document just so you could print it, only to realize it wasn’t the latest version? Or worse, waste 10 minutes trying to fax something through a clunky analog line? Yeah, we've been there too.

As long-time Xerox partners and print technology experts, we’ve spent years helping businesses get the most out of their Xerox multifunction printers. What many people don’t realize is that these machines can do a lot more than print, scan, and copy. Thanks to the Xerox App Gallery, your MFP can become a smart assistant that automates repetitive tasks and keeps your office humming.