Hi Guys,
I have a few thoughts and questions on the role of single function lasers and A4 MFPs in MPS
Any feedback or hole-poking is welcome.
SFP vs MFP
So far in MPS deals it seems like a standard post-consolidated fleet generally consists of a central copier-based A3 MFP and strategically placed supplemental SPFs for each office or workgroup.
Based on the overall cost picture it seems to me like some of these satellite/supplemental placements could also be filled by A4 MFPs - Are you guys seeing that?
If so, any thoughts on the ratio of SFP-to-A4 MFP in terms of all satellite placements?
Any insight into the ratio of products that are pulled from the consolidated fleet? I assume they are mainly SFPs, fax machines, and inkjets..
Metered Vs. Toner-Out
Given that many of these SPFs and A4 MFPs sell with a toner-out sales model (vs. metered) , any thoughts on how these toner-out models will co-exist in the dealer channel? I know many dual-line dealers carry HP, Samsung, OKI etc, but many probably do not.
Any momentum on SFPs or A4 MFPs being offered as metered products? I know select A4 products from the standard copier vendors (MP171, WC6400, iR 1022, etc), but those are from the copier vendors and sold under the copier brands (Aficio, WorkCentre, imageRUNNER).
How have you come up with ways to sell MPS contracts that include both metered CPCs and toner-out costs?
Any major problems or added supply issues when doing this? What are the solutions?
Do you see any situations where printer vendors are finding ways to make it easier for traditional copier dealers to carry/sell/supply their products for MPS deals -like HP & Toshiba?
A4 MFP Needs
Assuming that A4 MFPs do carve out a niche in MPS, are there any key features, specs, color capability, prices, costs, that you think would make sense to properly support MPS workgroups from a functionality and cost perspective.
My thoughts are they have to provide solid functionality, and be compatible with the central MFP, but avoid redundancy with central MFP
Thanks for your insight!
Original Post
.