Ricoh ChaMPS Program Helps More Dealers Take Advantage of Opportunities in Managed Print Services Association
Nov 09, 2011
Columbus, OH – A number of Ricoh dealers have joined the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) through the Ricoh ChaMPS program this year. This special initiative lets Ricoh Family Group (RFG) dealers join the MPSA for a significant reduction off the regular corporate membership. Channel members who’ve recently signed on with MPSA under the Ricoh ChaMPS program include A&B Business, Electro Imaging Systems, Meridian Imaging Solutions and Smart Technologies.
Meridian Imaging Sees Trend Towards More Customized MPS
One of the new members, Meridian Imaging Solutions, has offered printer service and supplies for over 15 years. In this brief interview, Managed Print Specialist Tara Ingels offers some background on how Meridian has approached the MPS model for its customers.
Meridian has offered managed print services for several years, however over the past two years, we have become more focused than ever on best practices and partnering approaches with our customers. We developed our first true “managed print services” program in 2005, using CarbonSix to perform assessments of customer’s print environments.
That approach evolved into us investing in our own fleet monitoring application (PrintFleet and now FM Audit) to provide a true cost-per-print approach and to provide automation of printing for the customers. These tools have equipped us with a powerful way to provide rapid assessments, pro-active fleet monitoring and management and on-demand reporting for account reviews.
MPS is booming not only throughout the industry, but also within our customer base, and organizations within every niche. It is no longer perceived as a concept, but more so a necessity, as every company has had to take a closer look at their operating expenses and make unprecedented cuts to their bottom line. It’s our goal to establish long-term relationships with our customers and to implement and develop a strategic managed print approach unique to each individual account.
Developing MPS as a Profession and a Business Model
“Meridian’s evolution as an MPS provider offers an example for other office technology companies that want to take that path. We look forward to their participation in the MPSA to help us develop managed print services as a profession and as a business model,” said MPSA President, Joe Barganier.
“Our membership with MPSA is really about growing and developing our MPS approach and strategy on an ongoing basis,” said Ingels. “Printing and copying are moving targets, and we know that MPS is also a rapidly growing trend. We want to make sure we continue to offer the best service, recommendations, and partnering approaches to our customers, and MPSA will help us do that. Being a member isn’t just about short-term benefits and enhancements to our program, is about staying informed so that we know how to create long-term partnerships with our customers so that they trust we are experts within their organization.”
About A&B Business
From one location to a multi-state regional presence, A&B is one of the fastest-growing business equipment companies in the Midwest. Art Sinkey and Bill Kominga – the “A” and “B” in the name A&B Business Equipment, Inc. – formed the company in 1981 in Sioux Falls, S.D. They earned a reputation for sound business practices, exceptional products and honest prices. After many years in the business equipment field, Dennis Aanenson purchased A&B in 1993. Thanks to a strong legacy, clear vision and self-motivated team, the company has grown at a rate of 25 percent annually. The company has also expanded to provide a wider range of service and product offerings, including other products such as office water and coffee, and network support services. For more information, visit http://abbusiness.com.
About Electro Imaging Systems
Electro Imaging Systems, Inc. offers business solutions featuring the best and most advanced office equipment, supplies and software. The company is known for providing a wide selection of multifunction devices. They also provide software solutions, scanners, copiers and fax machines to help customers run their offices efficiently. Electro Imaging Systems, Inc. is a Certified Green Business. Company sales representatives help customers with information on how to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy bills. Electro Imaging Systems, Inc. also helps customers save up to 20% with Managed Print Systems. For more information, visit http://www.eisonline.net.
About Meridian Imaging Solutions
Office technologies company Meridian Imaging Solutions is committed to educating clients on workflow best practices. Taking an in-depth look at the fully burdened costs of office devices, related maintenance and consumables, Meridian identifies ways to reduce customers’ costs, while significantly improving efficiencies in the workplace. The Washington Business Journal and Washington’s SmartCEO magazine have recognized Meridian on multiple occasions, while This Week in Imaging named Meridian an Elite Dealer. The employee-owned company has about 95 employees and approximate yearly revenues of $25 million. For additional information about Meridian, visit http://www.meridian-imaging.com.
About Smart Technologies
Document management firm Smart Technologies was rated the number one provider in the fast growing Volusia/Flagler (FL) market. Ricoh recognized the company’s leadership by naming it one of only eight partners to sit on its National Steering Committee. The company is a part of the CopyFax family with Florida offices in Daytona Beach, Gainesville and Jacksonville. Founded by Robert Doucette, Smart Technologies has expanded its market reach throughout the entire southeast and nationally. Smart Technologies provides managed print services including professional and consulting services, maintenance, supplies, leasing arrangements, technical support and training on newly installed and legacy systems. The company’s offerings include imaging products, services, supplies and business process solutions. Smart Technologies has partnered with diverse customers ranging from large enterprises like International Speedway Corporation, Florida Hospital and Homac Industries, to industrious entrepreneurs just getting started. For more information, visit http://smartmps.com/.
About the Managed Print Services Organization
The Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves the emerging MPS industry through the development of standards and industry guidelines which unite the different segments of the industry that bring value to all those participating. For more information about benefits and memberships, visit http://www.yourmpsa.org.
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