Through the implementation of Sharp’s advanced multifunction printers (MFPs) and software solutions such as PaperCut and Secure Follow Me printing, Sharp successfully provided secure and resource-conscious printing solutions to a private research university in southern Florida, aligning with the institution’s commitment to innovation, integrity and leadership in education.
Challenges
Colleges and universities across the United States face mounting pressure to safeguard sensitive information and minimize their environmental impact. With large campus populations and extensive print and scan needs, higher education institutions must balance security, operational efficiency and resources. These priorities are particularly critical for universities with healthcare divisions or research initiatives, where data protection and resource management are essential. This institution faced significant challenges related to both security and environmental sustainability in its printing and scanning practices. With a large healthcare division, stringent security measures were essential to protect sensitive information. However, secure printing was only implemented for students, leaving staff and faculty without adequate protections. This left personal documents, such as those containing Social Security numbers, vulnerable to exposure on shared printers. Additionally, the university aimed to reduce its environmental impact, but the extensive use of over 1,500 desktop printers contributed to high energy consumption and inefficiencies. Reports from PaperCut highlighted the need for better management of print resources and reduction in paper waste, further underscoring the necessity for improved printing practices.
Technology Solutions
Sharp deployed a comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions to address the university’s challenges. Secure Follow Me printing was implemented across the campus, ensuring that print jobs could only be released by authorized users, thus enhancing document security. The transition to electronic faxing was facilitated with Sharp devices integrated with RightFax, further securing faxed documents. To support the university’s environmental goals, Sharp standardized the printer fleet with 423 new MFPs, significantly reducing the number of desktop printers and their associated energy consumption. Additionally, MFP panels were customized to match the university’s branding, creating a cohesive and integrated environment. PaperCut software was leveraged to enforce double-sided printing and provide detailed reports on environmental savings, such as reductions in paper usage and conservation of natural resources.
Proven Results
The implementation of Sharp’s solutions resulted in significant improvements for the university. The secure printing environment protected sensitive information for all users, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. The transition to electronic faxing enhanced document security, preventing confidential information from being exposed. Environmentally, the shift to shared MFPs and reduction of desktop printers led to considerable energy savings. PaperCut reports demonstrated tangible environmental benefits, including reductions in paper waste and conservation of natural resources. Additionally, the custom branding of MFP panels fostered a sense of ownership and alignment with the university’s identity, enhancing the user experience.
Overall, these measures improved operational efficiency and security, aligning with the university’s mission and vision for the future as a professional-dominant, doctoral research institution committed to providing competitive career advantages to its students. As the university continues to move forward, embodying its commitment to innovation and community service, Sharp’s solutions remain integral to its efforts to advance knowledge and make a positive difference in the world.
The university aimed to reduce its environmental impact, but the extensive use of over 1,500 desktop printers contributed to high energy consumption and inefficiencies.