Peer to Peer: ILTA's Quarterly Magazine
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/1515316
53 I L T A N E T . O R G L aw Firms are increasingly embracing the advantages of cloud-based infrastructure, such as hybrid working options and cost savings. However, certain services, like printing, remain rooted in the traditional office setup. The shift towards digitization and paperless strategies, along with the impact of the pandemic, has led to a decrease in print volumes. As hybrid working becomes more prevalent, it brings new challenges in managing workflows. Law firm print environments are rapidly adapting to enable remote printing from mobile devices, with the option to collect printed documents when employees are in the office. Despite these advancements, printing remains a necessary but troublesome task for the firm's IT department. There is, however, a solution to manage the print infrastructure more effectively and address these new workflow challenges. It can reduce support calls and outages in the print environment by eliminating Windows Print Servers, ensuring a more resilient and efficient service. Investing in a print management solution enables printing from anywhere, enhances security measures, minimizes waste, and provides a seamless user experience suitable for the modern workplace. Common Challenges with Print Law Firms carefully consider their printer allocation within the office to ensure convenience and efficiency for their users. They strategically place enough printers to minimize the distance users need to walk to retrieve their print jobs. Additionally, they ensure sufficient devices in each area to prevent long waiting times during busy periods and handle print volumes if any device requires maintenance. Their printer setup is diverse, combining MFDs (Multi-Function Devices) and standalone desktop or workgroup printers. Some printers support color printing, while others are limited to black-and-white printing. Furthermore, various printers may be equipped with staplers, hole punchers, booklet finishers, or mailbox finishers, adding further complexity to the print environment. Managing this print infrastructure involves handling multiple servers and maintaining a fleet of devices to cater to the diverse needs of the user community. Each user may have specific requirements, making the print environment a multifaceted challenge for law firms. F I G U R E 1 – T H E T R A D I T I O N A L W I N D O W S P R I N T E N V I R O N M E N T