A multifunction printer (MFP) is the lifeblood of any business. If you need to print something out, scan it to your computer, make a copy, or even send a fax, it has you covered.

Such a critical piece of equipment needs to be up and running at all times. Therefore, it’s essential to know when you should think about replacing your printer before it actually breaks down and leaves you stranded. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your multifunction printer (MFP).

1. Slow Print Speed

If your multifunction printer prints slowly, it’s a clear sign that it’s outdated and possibly wearing down. Newer models print at an incredible page per minute (PPM) pace. By investing in the right printer, you’ll save plenty of time otherwise spent standing around and waiting for your print job to complete.

2. Diminished Quality

One of the very first signals that a printer is nearing the end of its life cycle is when the quality of printed pages start to suffer. However, you should first check to make sure your ink has been installed correctly and is full, as that also commonly causes quality issues.

3. Replacement Parts Are Expensive

Older models have costly replacement parts because they’re no longer produced and are harder to find. As products continue to evolve, toner and ink cartridges may also become obsolete. If you’re finding that it’s increasingly difficult and expensive to replace parts for your printer, it’s a surefire sign that you should be in the market for a new one.

4. Business Needs Change

Small and brand-new businesses often buy an inexpensive home printer for initial use, and it serves them just fine. When you’re growing and working with more documents than ever before, however, quality and speed become vital. Or maybe you need additional functionality that a fundamental printer cannot handle. It’s often best to invest in a quality multifunction printer sooner rather than later, or else your current printer may start impacting productivity and profitability.

If any of the following apply to you and your business, it’s time to start looking for a new high-quality multifunction printer (MFP). Don’t wait until it breaks down and you’re stuck in the weeds – contact Copylite today!