Industrialization and modernization have always been partners in the evolution of society. More people now move or live in cities, reducing the space for houses and offices. This in turn, limits the space that may have otherwise been there to accommodate different equipment and furniture. There was a time when a dryer and washer were two different machines, but now they are combined into one to meet emerging needs. The same rings true for a fax machine, scanner, printer, and copier. They can now be combined into one with a multifunction peripheral, otherwise known as MFP Machine.
Technology has helped evolve this concept. It combines multiple functions, and even allows users to send input or save output while remaining online, among others. Most machines come equipped with a touch screen, which is often used by this generation's users.
Usually, an MFP device has a single function, with additional functions on top of it. For instance, it could be a digital copy machine with scanning and printing functions. It may even have fax or paper sorting capabilities.
You may also have a fax machine that can copy, print, and scan documents, allows online access to send input, saves incoming transmissions to a computer - all while retaining the traditional look and feel of a fax machine. Or, you can have a three-in-one machine capable of copying, scanning, and printing, while at the same time allows users to send and receive faxed transmissions.
Different companies in this industry have developed a lot of MFP machines, that gave birth to various types. These are the all-in-one, SOHO, Office, and Production Printing. Further differentiation is available depending on usage. Machines are designed for family or individual use, small business, commercial, and enterprise. The price, features and usability, output quality, and throughput, would naturally be dependent on these considerations.
An all-in-one machine or AIO is typically small. It is best used in the office or at home. The core functionality of this type would be limited to scanning, printing, and copying. Users can connect to the device using WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. They also have an added option of choosing between an ink jet or laser printer. While laser printers produce better text output, ink jet printers produce better pictures.
A SOHO device could be desktop-sized or larger, but it is normally used in Small Office/Home Offices. It would normally have the options to scan, print, fax, copy, and, in some instances, allow the user to use the machine for storing documents. Like AIOs, users would connect to it through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Because of the bulk, this type of device normally have extra feeders or paper trays, and provide additional functions such as sorting and automatic paper feeding.
Networked offices, on the other hand, would benefit more from Office MFPs. Like other types, users have fax, copy, scan, and print options. Authentication protocols can be put in place by the management. As such, an employee's credentials would limit their capability to access certain functions or features. Due to the availability of networked connection, input can be managed through FTP and email, and also through USB.
Production Printing machines are generally not as advanced technologically. However, this lack in the number of features is countered by advanced functionality like binding a book, fast printing speed, and excellent output quality. This is perfect in businesses where the main objective is to produce the highest volume of output.
Technology has helped evolve this concept. It combines multiple functions, and even allows users to send input or save output while remaining online, among others. Most machines come equipped with a touch screen, which is often used by this generation's users.
Usually, an MFP device has a single function, with additional functions on top of it. For instance, it could be a digital copy machine with scanning and printing functions. It may even have fax or paper sorting capabilities.
You may also have a fax machine that can copy, print, and scan documents, allows online access to send input, saves incoming transmissions to a computer - all while retaining the traditional look and feel of a fax machine. Or, you can have a three-in-one machine capable of copying, scanning, and printing, while at the same time allows users to send and receive faxed transmissions.
Different companies in this industry have developed a lot of MFP machines, that gave birth to various types. These are the all-in-one, SOHO, Office, and Production Printing. Further differentiation is available depending on usage. Machines are designed for family or individual use, small business, commercial, and enterprise. The price, features and usability, output quality, and throughput, would naturally be dependent on these considerations.
An all-in-one machine or AIO is typically small. It is best used in the office or at home. The core functionality of this type would be limited to scanning, printing, and copying. Users can connect to the device using WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. They also have an added option of choosing between an ink jet or laser printer. While laser printers produce better text output, ink jet printers produce better pictures.
A SOHO device could be desktop-sized or larger, but it is normally used in Small Office/Home Offices. It would normally have the options to scan, print, fax, copy, and, in some instances, allow the user to use the machine for storing documents. Like AIOs, users would connect to it through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Because of the bulk, this type of device normally have extra feeders or paper trays, and provide additional functions such as sorting and automatic paper feeding.
Networked offices, on the other hand, would benefit more from Office MFPs. Like other types, users have fax, copy, scan, and print options. Authentication protocols can be put in place by the management. As such, an employee's credentials would limit their capability to access certain functions or features. Due to the availability of networked connection, input can be managed through FTP and email, and also through USB.
Production Printing machines are generally not as advanced technologically. However, this lack in the number of features is countered by advanced functionality like binding a book, fast printing speed, and excellent output quality. This is perfect in businesses where the main objective is to produce the highest volume of output.
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