Developing a Centralized Copier Management Program
The chart above (see photo tab) shows the relationship between machine output in copies per minute and historical volume for a machine. Charts like this are easily found with a simple Internet search. The volumes defining the tiers may change slightly, but the concepts are the same.
When we can identify the costs to operate a fleet, we usually find that organizations spend $0.05 to $0.10 per copy. A centralized copier management program, one that includes the cost of copiers, service and all consumables—everything except paper and staples—should cost the organization in the area of $0.0225 to $0.0275 per copy for and still allow the organization to locate fully featured copiers where people want to use them.
Ray Chambers, CGCM, MBA, has invested over 30 years managing and directing printing plants, copy centers, mail centers and award-winning document management facilities in higher education and government.
Most recently, Chambers served as vice president and chief information officer at Juniata College. Chambers is currently a doctoral candidate studying Higher Education Administration at the Pennsylvania State University (PSU). His research interests include outsourcing in higher education and its impact on support services in higher education and managing support services. He also consults (Chambers Management Group) with leaders in both the public and private sectors to help them understand and improve in-plant printing and document services operations.
