The Simply Smarter Blog

Whether you shout your resolutions from the rooftops or keep them quietly in the back of your mind, we all start the year with goals and a renewed sense of energy. As you save that new budgeting spreadsheet or map out your new running route, there is another area worth revisiting this year: your office technology. Updating your technology can make your workplace more efficient, productive, and secure.

Here is how some of the most common personal resolutions translate into smarter office technology goals.

Copiers and printers have become increasingly crucial technology in small to medium-sized business (SMB) environments, managing everything from invoices and contracts to sensitive client data. The “State of SMB Cybersecurity in 2024” by ConnectWise revealed that 94% of SMBs have experienced at least one cyberattack, with a growing number of incidents traced back to overlooked endpoints—printers included. This data point is just one of many printer security statistics that show why securing printers should be a top priority in 2025.

The demand for efficient and cost-effective printing solutions is critical in today's world. Multifunction printers (MFPs) have become necessary for offices, schools and institutions worldwide. But how do you determine which MFP is superior? Are all copiers the same and is the notion of a breakdown or inevitable paper jam an unavoidable reality? In this article, we aim to debunk some common misconceptions regarding MFPs, shedding light on the facts to help users make informed decisions and optimize their usage.

Educators and school support staff already have a tough enough job as it is. Add outdated and malfunctioning technology to the mix, and you have an academic perfect storm. This is what faced the Macon County School District, located in southwestern North Carolina near the Appalachian Trail. They were dealing with outdated printers and copiers and needed to modernize quickly in order to spend less time worrying about tech and more time focusing on their 4,400 students. As such, they turned to Sharp for updated and innovative solutions to their printing environment needs.   

Multifunctional devices and printers are essential tools for professional use, allowing us to bring digital content into the physical realm. But when it comes to choosing the right printer, it is not always clear which one is right for your organization’s needs. Two common types of printers and multifunctional devices used in printing are A3 and A4. In this blog, we will explore the difference between A3 and A4 printers to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right printer for your business’ needs.

When shopping for a new copier or multifunction printer (MFP), things can get tricky. When you look at the specification sheets of similar devices from different manufacturers, at first glance, it may not seem like there is much differentiation among the group. But just because these devices look the same on paper doesn’t mean there isn’t a difference between them. And if it’s been a while since you’ve been in the market for a piece of print hardware, you may be surprised at what today’s devices offer.

Even though inflation remains high, SMBs are feeling the pressure from rising costs, a tight labor market, and unpredictable fuel prices. Businesses are navigating these financial challenges while trying to maintain operations and growth. For most people, disposable income is shrinking. I find myself in the dairy aisle weighing the cost of organic versus regular milk or making the difficult decision to cut my Netflix subscription, but what about business owners? The weight on their shoulders is increasing, and P&L sheets are taking a hit. Tough decisions are being made, from raising the cost of goods to contemplating layoffs. Times like these call for creative measures. Readjusting departmental budgets is a start, but if you look closer, there may be wasted money hiding in plain sight. Where to begin? A workplace technology assessment is a strong starting point. It offers many benefits, with the immediate focus on recovering wasted expenses. Here are five ways a technology assessment can help businesses offset financial constraints.

Let’s face it, when most of us think of an office copier, we think of that scene from Office Space in which three office employees demolish their printer with a baseball bat. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a copier that doesn’t perform as needed – you can relate. Which is why, like a car purchase, you should really think about what you need a copier to do before you go all in. Thinking about the bells and whistles desired on your new car is easy because you’re more familiar with cars, and let’s face it – they are much racier than copiers. Herein lies the ultimate question - What should I look for in an office copier to avoid being casted in Office Space 2: Revenge of the Copier?

Drumroll…… it depends. What kind of office do you have and what are your printing habits? In general, here are the things that you should think about when selecting a copier for your office.