Technology is supposed to increase our productivity, but when we reach the point where our devices require as much attention and TLC as a newborn, it’s probably time to make a change (pun intended). Below are some of the signs that you are working too hard for your wide format printer.

1. YOUR PRINTER REFUSES TO “TALK” TO YOUR NEW OPERATING SYSTEM

A new operating system comes out that promises to make life easier for everyone. But, the printer does not communicate effectively with the new system and the inevitable errors and crashes ensue. If you are updating the operating system in your office, you should consider updating your wide format printers to avoid productivity delays, computer crashes and frustrated (and unproductive) employees.

2. YOUR COMPANY HAS OUTGROWN YOUR PRINTER

Sure that wide format printer capable of lightning-fast 2 Ds a minute was great when your business didn’t need anything faster, but now that the number and size of jobs has grown, you need a device capable of keeping up with your team. There are a variety of wide format printers in the market today capable of printing 4, 8, 14 or even 30 Ds a minute. If your staff is waiting on your printer to print, you are wasting your most valuable resource – time.

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3. YOUR WIDE FORMAT MACHINE IS “MATURE”,

While maturity is an admirable quality in humans, it is a definite disadvantage in technology. Chances are you are not driving a car that is 10 or more years old with over 300,000 miles on it (and if you are, you know you are driving on borrowed time). There are many factors that determine the lifespan of your wide format printer including how many square feet it has printed during its lifetime and how well it has been maintained. Wide format printers are notoriously well-built to withstand heavy usage for years, but any device over eight years in age may have reached the end of useful life. When the repair technician has his own coffee cup in your breakroom, you need to start thinking about new equipment.

4. IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND REPLACEMENT CONSUMABLES

Over time, it can become more difficult to find the ink and print heads required for your wide format printer. When you get to the point where it feels as though you are on an eternal scavenger hunt to find the parts you need, it is time to look at new equipment.

5. YOUR STAFF IS SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON TASKS THE MACHINE COULD DO

The speed of your wide format printer (as covered above) is just one aspect of the overall time spent printing. Many newer models have instant on printing which removes the tedium of waiting for the machine to warm up. Others print mixed sets – mixed in both size and color and black and white – eliminating the need for hand collating. Inks that can be changed on the fly without stopping your print job and choosing models which hold more rolls will also speed up the overall time getting those crucial prints out the door.

These are just five common indications that you may need to look at replacing your wide format equipment. Perhaps the most telling sign is if your printer has become the target of much discussion among your staff (and not in a good way). If you hear coworkers plotting on the best way to kill the printer and make it look like an accident, then too much energy is being needlessly expended. There are many options in both models of equipment and purchasing and leasing plans which can make getting a new piece of wide format equipment a painless process.

Contact Repro Products for a personal consultation to determine which printer will best meet your needs and budget.