Quote of the week
“…paper consumption has doubled over 20 years even as Canadians adopt new technologies.”
— Statistics Canada 2006 report
Editor’s Corner
I can remember when technology promised the end of paper and, with it, reduced costs. Well, that dream’s faded. In fact, doesn’t it seem that technology has just led to more paper, generated faster? And with it, more costs and the destruction of more trees?
The federal government has taken steps to deal with the proliferation of paper and the ongoing expense of managing print services.
For example, by March 31, 2013, each federal department has to reach an 8:1 ratio of office employees to printing machines.
And by one year later, the internal paper consumption per employee must be cut by 20%.
Today, governments on average have 2.2 printers for every employee. That leads to unplanned costs related to everything from paper consumption to maintenance.
Managers and their organizations need to start thinking about print services (MPS or Managed Print Services) more strategically. Rather than focusing on buying that new printer or photocopier, they need to consider what outcomes they want to achieve and how they will get there.
They need to set priorities for print, and put in the right governance arrangements do that. It can be managed so that real savings can occur.
And real savings can occur: a 10,000 person organization – a medium-sized government department, perhaps? – averages $21M on print infrastructure and could save $6M over five years with a good plan for print services.
On November 21 and 12:00 EST, I will be hosting a webinar for public servants looking at how governments and your organization can save money on print services. It is FREE, but you have to register at https://networkedgovernment.ca/managingmatters/
