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Streamlining Workflow for Small Businesses with HP’s Multi-function Printers
Harry Stewart
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September 13, 2023
An HP multi-function printer (MFP) offers a cost-effective, space-saving solution for small British businesses. Also known as an all-in-one, this highly versatile device performs a broad range of services from one compact box. From printing to scanning and faxes to email, the MFP is a one-stop shop for your everyday office needs.
Not only do HP MFPs save money and office space, but these sought-after devices can also streamline your company workflows.
In this article, we’ll examine how an HP MFP can enhance productivity and outline why small businesses should invest in the tech. Then, to wrap up the post, we’ll present some of the most popular MFP options on the HP UK Store.
How an HP multi-function printer can streamline your workflows
There’s a broad range of ways an HP MFP can bolster your workflow efficiency.
All-in-one functionality
Rather than using several separate devices, an MFP performs all your everyday office chores in the same place. This all-in-one-functionality negates the need to walk between the scanner and the copying machine. Also, staff only need to master one centralised system, which enhances productivity and reduces training time.
Print from anywhere
HP MFPs provide an entirely wireless solution, meaning you can print from anywhere on your premises - or even offsite via the HP Smart app. No need to link up cables or fiddle through the settings every time you print out a few pages. Plus, secured wireless networks ensure bad actors can’t infiltrate your sensitive data.
Smart printing services
HP offers a wide range of productivity-boosting services to accompany its MFPs. HP+, for example, provides exclusive support, 24/7 built-in printer security, a warranty, and advanced scanning and fax features. The ultra-convenient HP Instant Ink program automatically detects when you’re running low on fluid and delivers fresh ink directly to your door.
Rapid printing speeds
No need to stand around all day while your printer slowly churns out pages. Most HP MFPs have a zippy printing speed of 20 to 25 pages per minute (ppm) to minimise waiting time. And with options to suit teams of all sizes and requirements, there’s an HP MFP that’s perfect for your company.
Advanced features
HP MFPs come with various convenient features to streamline your business operations. Automatic document feeders facilitate hassle-free large-scale printing jobs by sliding in blank pages on your behalf. Double-sided printing lets you save paper by utilising both sides of the page. Self-healing WiFi/AirPrint analyses and resolves issues automatically.
Which small businesses should invest in a multi-function printer?
An HP MFP is a sensible business investment for most small British companies. Purchasing one is a prudent decision should your business have one or more of the following requirements:
A cost-effective solution: Even the priciest MFPs work out cheaper than purchasing a printer, fax machine, copier, and scanner separately.
A streamlined, centralised device: Your employees won’t have to move around the office to locate and operate separate devices.
A space-saving, all-in-one printer: If you’ve got limited room in the office to work with, a compact MFP is the obvious choice.
A reliable, user-friendly printing solution: HP MFPs perform exceptionally well even with heavy everyday use, meaning you’ll spend less time troubleshooting issues.
A stress-free setup process: No need to call an IT specialist to install your HP MFP. These simplified, easy-to-use devices have a foolproof installation and configuration process.
Wireless connectivity: Forget about plugging in cables and sifting through a jungle-like tangle of cords. HP MFPs offer 100% wireless functionality to make life easier for you and the team.
Which small businesses should not invest in a multi-function printer?
While MFPs offer many enticing benefits for small British businesses, they’re not always the ideal option for everyone. Consider allocating your budget elsewhere if one or more of the following apply:
You only want to print: If your business never needs to scan, copy, or fax documents, a standalone printer is the more sensible choice.
You need to print massive monthly volumes: Inkjet MFPs often use more ink and work slower than ordinary standalone printers. Consider investing in a standalone laser printer if you churn out huge monthly page volumes (20,000+) in the office.
You can’t afford any downtime: As MFPs contain multiple components, there’s a slightly higher likelihood of something going wrong. One malfunctioning part can put the whole system out of action until a solution arises.
You have a modest maintenance budget: More malfunctioning components means MFPs can be more expensive to maintain than a standard printer. However, you can offset the cost through the lower purchase price and exclusive support with HP+. Also, an MFP is much cheaper to maintain (and purchase) than a separate scanner, copier, printer, and fax machine.
You need an instant printing solution: Many MFPs will put printing, scanning, faxing, and copying requests into the same queue and work through each task one by one (though others can perform multiple tasks simultaneously). This process can lead to frustrating delays when you only need to print a quick page or two.
The best HP multi-function printers in the UK
HP offers an array of functional and reliable small business printers, including a slew of MFPs. We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best-selling options from the HP OfficeJet Pro and HP LaserJet Pro series.
HP OfficeJet 8024e: Best inkjet printer for low-use businesses
Don’t need to print thick wads of documents each day? Then investing in a low monthly page volume option like the HP OfficeJet 8024e is the economical choice. A high-capacity MFP would cost you considerably more, so aiming for the lower end entails significant savings.
Featuring a 35-page auto-feeder and a capacitive touch screen MGD, this entry-level office printer offers excellent value for money. The 20 ppm printing speed is plenty fast enough for light office use, and the device supports two-sided printing to save on paper.
As an extra incentive for small budget-conscious businesses, this unit comes with nine months of Instant Ink with a subscription to HP+.
- Recommended monthly page volume: 800 pages
- Recommended team size: Up to 5 team members
- Print speed: 20 ppm (black), 10 ppm (colour)
- Functions: Printer, copier, scanner, fax
- Dimensions: 460 x 337.5 x 233 mm
- Key features: HP+, HP Instant Ink eligible, Automatic document feeder (ADF), two-sided printing
HP OfficeJet Pro 9022e: Best inkjet printer for medium-use businesses
If 800 monthly pages aren’t enough, invest in a more heavy-duty device. While it’s certainly not the best money can buy, the cost-effective HP OfficeJet Pro 9022e boasts a considerably higher 2,000-page monthly page. That gives you an average of about 100 pages per workday, which is sufficient for most British offices and businesses.
Much like the above option, this mid-tier OfficeJet has an automatic document feeder capable of two-sided printing. HP+ subscribers get six months of Instant Ink for hassle-free deliveries direct to their premises.
It’s nice and reliable, too, thanks to its self-healing WiFi that automatically identifies and resolves many potential connection issues. Critical security features include password protection, document protection, and data encryption.
- Recommended monthly page volume: 2,000 pages
- Recommended team size: Up to 5 team members
- Print speed: 24 ppm (black), 20 ppm (colour)
- Functions: Print, copy, scan, fax
- Dimensions: 437 x 396.3 x 318.3 mm
- Key features: HP+, HP Instant Ink eligible, ADF, two-sided printing
HP LaserJet Pro MFP3102fdwe: Best budget laser printer
Small businesses with high-volume printing requirements are invariably better off investing in a laser printer over a traditional inkjet. A laser printer uses a beam to draw an electrostatic image on its drum, which then transfers toner (powdered ink) onto the page. The result of all this high-tech wizardry is laser cartridges last for much longer than their inkjet counterparts - and that means they’re significantly cheaper to run.
Coming in at a budget-friendly rate, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP3102fdwe is among the most affordable laser printers from HP. Yet it performs exceptionally well for the price. Users get a zippy 33 ppm print speed and a 2,500 recommended monthly page volume through its automatic document feeder.
Need to print even more? The more expensive HP Colour LaserJet Pro 4302fdw has a 4,000-page recommended monthly volume. Alternatively, look at the LaserJet Enterprise range instead.
- Recommended monthly page volume: up to 2,500
- Recommended team size: Up to 7 team members
- Print speed: Up to 33 ppm
- Functions: Print, copy, scan, fax
- Dimensions: 418.0 x 398.2 x 313.2 mm
- Key features: ADF, two-sided printing, front USB flash drive port, touch screen
Summary
Combining a printer, scanner, fax, and copier into one slimline box, an HP MFP offers a streamlined solution for small businesses in the UK. These capable, multi-purpose printers also provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing four separate devices.
Businesses with high-volume printing requirements are generally better off getting a laser MFP. Low-use companies, on the other hand, may find a traditional inkjet more enticing.
Whichever boat you’re in, take a moment to compare the various HP OfficeJet Pro and HP LaserJet Pro options in the UK Store.
