The Advantages of Managed Print Services in the Healthcare Industry
Handling the massive volume of paperwork in the healthcare industry can be daunting. This challenge prompts the need for a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective solution: managed print services.
Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of managed print services for the healthcare industry.
Understanding Managed Print Services
Managed print services, also known as MPS, is an organized approach to print management that focuses on optimizing, controlling, and managing an organization’s print infrastructure, including printers, scanners, copiers, and faxes. This service is often provided by leading managed print service providers.
How Managed Print Services Work
Managed print services (MPS) are when a company outsources its printing machinery, maintenance, and supplies to a third-party service provider. An MPS program includes device selection, workflow automation, fleet management and optimization, and print device consumables and maintenance. This service can transform a company’s print infrastructure.
MPS programs work in a simple yet effective manner. They typically consist of assessment, proposal, implementation, management, and continuous improvement. First, the MPS provider evaluates your current print infrastructure and usage. Then, based on that, the provider customizes an MPS contract that includes a service-level agreement offer. Once the contract is agreed upon, they use management software to monitor the print environment after implementation.
Benefits of Managed Print Services in Healthcare
Managed print services play a vital role in the healthcare sector by ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing costs, enhancing security features, improving efficiency, and supporting eco-friendly operations.
Efficiency
By outsourcing print services to an MPS provider, healthcare institutions can focus on their core services rather than worry about print fleet management. MPS programs facilitate workflow automation, minimizing errors, enhancing productivity, and improving the experience for end users.
Compliance
Healthcare institutions must obey stringent regulatory frameworks like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Managed print services acknowledge this requirement, and an MPS contract ensures compliance with these privacy laws thanks to comprehensive security services, document management, and printing practices.
Data Security
Embedded security features in your print devices is vital—especially in the healthcare industry. MPS providers offer robust security features to guard your data. This includes secure user identification, cloud printing, usage auditing, and patient record protection.
Reducing Cost and Environmental Impact
Managed print services substantially reduce costs compared to conventional print management. They optimize the use of resources, driving down print volumes, waste, and energy consumption for higher sustainability.
Document Management Solutions
With managed print services, healthcare institutions get document management solutions from capture to archiving. MPS solutions also offer hybrid work capabilities, improving accessibility and reducing dependency on physical documents. As a comprehensive document management solution, MPS can streamline administrative processes, digitize patient records, and improve workflow efficiency in healthcare settings.
From patient records to medical reports, printing costs can quickly add up in a healthcare facility. Discover how MPS can help reduce your printing expenses.
How to Implement Managed Print Services in Your Healthcare Facility
Given the push for automation, digitization, and security within the healthcare industry, managed print services have gained considerable popularity. Healthcare facilities can use a comprehensive MPS program to optimize their print infrastructure, improve workflow automation, and reduce costs. But how can you implement it in your own organization?
Customizing Managed Print Services to Fit Your Needs
One size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to managed print services. Every healthcare facility has unique needs that require a flexible and customizable MPS solution. This begins with a careful assessment by the service provider of your current print fleet, including your print devices’ number, location, and functionality.
The goal is to align the print management program with your enterprise architecture. This includes efficient workflow automation that fits your team. Doing so ensures a smooth transition to secure cloud printing with minimal interruptions for the end users.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
Implementing an MPS program presents specific challenges. For instance, it may require replacing inefficient devices and adopting new security features. However, these challenges can be overcome by setting clear expectations early, training your staff to handle the new print devices, and revising workflow solutions based on feedback.
Another important consideration is the adoption of new security features and practices. Make sure the MPS contract has an explicit service-level agreement that offers security services to mitigate the risks associated with print and data security.
Choosing the Right Managed Print Service Provider
Look for a provider that offers comprehensive MPS programs tailored to your unique demands. A reliable managed print service should assess your current fleet, customize workflow solutions, and offer regular fleet management.
You’re not just choosing a service provider, but a partner to take your print infrastructure to the next level. Pay attention to their expertise in healthcare, their strategy for print transformation, and their competency in services like software management, workflows, and secure printing.
Additionally, check their references and do a deep dive into their customer support to make sure your expectations are going to be met. The quality of support is key, as a timely response to a printing issue makes all the difference in a medical context where every second counts.
Let Connected Office Technologies Manage Your Print Devices
As a managed print provider, Connected Office Technology has the knowledge and skills to enhance the printing process for organizations in the healthcare industry. We offer remote monitoring, equipment maintenance, and document management. With our MPS, healthcare experts can expect drastic cost savings, improved productivity, and efficient use of resources—all without thinking twice about their print fleet.
Ready to hand your print devices off to a professional? Reach out to our experts today to set up an assessment.