With many offices downsizing and workforces increasingly working in disparate locations, the appetite for small mono laser printers is increasing – and Brother UK’s latest product launches look to address this market.
While some employers are now mandating that employees return to the office full-time, many are happy to maintain hybrid arrangements and have even downsized their offices as a result.
This means that demand for compact printers that maintain high quality output is increasing. Into this market, Brother UK has recently launched a compact range of mono laser printers for businesses, helping resellers to support customers with downsized offices and decentralised workforces.
Quality in compact format
The professional desktop range of mono laser printers includes the HL-L2865DW, MFC-L2960DW and MFC-L2980DW. The three new devices are designed to offer businesses the quality and performance of a large enterprise model, in a compact unit.
The HL-L2865DW weighs 7.1kg, and the MFC-L2960DW and MFC-L2980DW both weigh 12.4kg, with every component optimised to reduce overall machine size, helping businesses make the most of their office space without compromising on performance.
Other features include fast print speeds of 34ppm, 5GHz WiFi, Ethernet and USB connectivity and a 250-sheet paper tray. The MFC devices also have 50-sheet ADF with two-sided scanning of up to 22.5ipm, 8.8cm colour touchscreen, and feature a Planar Heating Element, reducing energy consumption and resulting in a first page out time that is half that of the predecessor models.
All three devices come equipped with the latest industry-standard security features, including firmware encryption and BLI security validation. They also comply with the latest legislation on privacy and data security laid out by the new PSTI regulations. For instance, the MFC models also have AD and LDAP user authentication, with the flagship MFC-L2980DW including a built-in NFC reader to ensure only authorised individuals can print sensitive documents.
Brother Cloud Solutions
The MFC-L2960DW and MFC-L2980DW are compatible with Brother Cloud Solutions, which includes products such as Tungsten Automation’s ControlSuite and cloud based Printix, to enable document workflow authentication, access controls and activity management.
“Businesses want to access benefits like automatic supplies replenishment, greater oversight of devices and software solutions that help strengthen security and optimise document management,” says Terry Caulfield, chief commercial officer at Brother UK. “For example, Brother Cloud Solutions is our suite of software tools that helps businesses to improve workflows and increase productivity as they accelerate their digital transformation.
“Brother Cloud Solutions also help bolster security across what has become an increasingly decentralised network of devices. Secure print and scan are essential for businesses and its important resellers can assure customers that reducing product size doesn’t mean compromising security. Our new devices are also equipped with the latest industry-standard firmware encryption, BLI security validation and comply with the latest PSTI regulations, with a commitment to ongoing software security updates for at least five years after the product’s production ends.”
Sustainability
With sustainability a top priority for businesses, Brother UK has taken that into account with its new printers. “Recycling is playing a greater role in helping customers cut their waste and emissions,” says Terry.
“Businesses can return their used toner and ink cartridges to us free-of-charge for remanufacturing at our specialist facility in Ruabon, North Wales, where our operations are helping save 5,300 tonnes of CO2 each year through this process.”
Growing demand
Terry says that demand for compact printers is growing as firms remodel their offices to retain and attract talent in a competitive labour market. “For some, this means freeing-up more space for breakout and lounge areas, for example, and so many are looking at how they can downsize their devices without compromising on quality,” he says.
“Our new professional desktop range of mono laser printers are quiet, compact and cost-effective, but still deliver the benefits of the high-performance business model with high image quality, speed and connectivity. This makes them a perfect fit in professional services firms such as law firms and accountancy practices. They’re also a great fit in education and healthcare, where document management, workflow automation and security are essential, and space is often at a premium.”
Support for resellers
Terry adds that resellers will play a key role in supporting businesses as they remodel their workspaces by continuing to offer high-quality, professional devices. “This is where our new mono laser line comes in,” he says. “They offer all the benefits of our market-leading SOHO devices – quiet, compact and cost-effective – with the unrivalled quality, speed and connectivity of a high-performance business model.
“Minimal maintenance and a robust and durable design enable businesses to be confident the new range meets the demands of a busy workplace. We’re also seeing firms refreshing how they procure and manage technology, with an increasing demand for subscription and contractual printing. Having the new range available with MPS options, will help partners to maximise their customers’ productivity, efficiency and sustainability.”
Terry adds that with Brother UK’s dedicated nationwide channel sales teams, the company can support resellers every step of the way when targeting new opportunities for print. “From working with them to identify their customers’ needs and wants, installing devices and providing ongoing maintenance support,” he says. “Plus, our BrotherZone partner portal offers specialist training guides, videos and toolkits so that partners are equipped with all the expertise to support customers’ every need.
MPS savings
Channel partners can also offer customers cost savings, with the new devices available under a managed print service (MPS) agreement. “We’re also seeing customers increasingly turning to MPS, and it’s through MPS that firms can maximise the benefits to productivity and cost-efficiency,” says Terry.
“We recently launched three distinct offerings – Essential, Professional and Enterprise – that are available across the new range and tailored to businesses of different sizes to help resellers tap into this demand.”
