Empowered Biz

If you have ever found yourself searching for that lost document on your computer system or in a stack on your desk you are in good company, and it may be costing you more time and money than you think.

According to research firm IDC, the average knowledge worker spends 3.7 hours per week searching for information or recreating content that can’t be found, and this can cost the average company with 1000 knowledge workers $6 million annually.

Streamlining business processes and document work flows is an increasing trend, and one that imaging company Ricoh says can be helped only with a comprehensive approach to managing documents and devices on a network.

TC Chao, of Ricoh Hong Kong, said in one actual case example with a major Hong Kong conglomerate Ricoh was able to actually reduce the number of end use devices such as printers and photocopiers by 51 % from 852 units to 433 units. This saved the company 36 % under a ‘pay as you go’ 5 year outsourcing contract.

“Companies appreciate the flexibility of not having to worry about their devices, storage and technical support as we offer all of that, which frees them up to focus on doing their business,” Chao told Hong Kong Business.

And for the CFO it means the cost can go to operational expenditure rather than capital expenditure, which has positive implications for the balance sheet and budget. Plus the new machines are also much greener which helps many companies meet their CSR goals, added Chao. Consolidating and monitoring printing equipment in an office under a managed services agreement is popular for many companies now looking to reduce costs, he added.