Why Copiers Are Called MFPs or MFDS

Posted by Doing Better Business on May 15, 2023 1:43:39 PM

Have you ever wondered why copiers are now commonly referred to as MFPs or MFDs? MFP stands for "multifunction printer," MFD stands for "multifunctional device" and are terms that have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind this shift in terminology and what it means for the world of office technology.

First, let's take a step back and look at the history of copiers. The first copiers were invented in the early 1900s and were primarily used for making copies of documents. Over time, copiers became more advanced and were able to perform additional functions, such as scanning and faxing. However, these functions were often performed by separate machines, which could be cumbersome and expensive.

In the 1990s, a new type of machine emerged that combined the functions of a copier, scanner, and fax machine into a single device. These machines were called "multifunction printers" or MFPs for short. The term "printer" was added to the name because these machines are also capable of printing documents, making them even more versatile.

So why the shift from "copier" to "MFP"or even "MFD"? One reason is that the term "copier" no longer accurately describes what these machines are capable of. While they still make copies of documents, they can also perform a wide range of other functions, such as scanning, faxing, and printing. The term "MFP" or "MFD" reflects this versatility and better describes what these machines can do.

Another reason for the shift in terminology is that the lines between different types of office technology have become increasingly blurred. In the past, copiers, printers, scanners, and fax machines were all separate devices. However, with the rise of MFPs, these functions are now often combined into a single machine. As a result, it made more sense to refer to these machines as "multifunction printers" rather than by their individual functions.  Now, we are seeing an increase in digital document workflow, processes and management.  This has caused a shift from the primary function being a printer to the primary function being a scanner, which is why the term MFD or Multifunctional Device is becoming more popular.

In conclusion, the shift from "copier" to "MFP" to "MFD" reflects the increasing versatility of office technology and the blurring of lines between different types of machines. While the term "copier" may still be used in some contexts, "MFP" has become the preferred term for describing a "printing device" and "MFD" for more versatile and multifunctional devices. So the next time you're in the market for a new office machine, remember to look for an MFP or an MFD that can handle all your document needs in one convenient package.

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Topics: Document Management, #MoreThanCopiers, #ManagedPrintServices, digital documents, print management, print technology

The Difference Between Scanning and Copying and Why It’s Important

Posted by Doing Better Business on Feb 1, 2022 8:00:00 AM

The words copying and scanning often get used interchangeably in office environments. Generally speaking, this isn’t really a big deal. Most people understand what others mean based on the context of what they say. Plus, most people don’t need to be printing, copying, and scanning experts for their job. They just need the right tools in place to get their job done.

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Topics: Copier Service, #MoreThanCopiers, color copiers, scanning

Understanding Paper Weights

Posted by Dan Grove on Sep 29, 2021 7:32:00 PM

If you are looking for an article about collectible paper weights, this is not it.  This article is about understanding the terminology behind copier and printer paper weights.   In researching this article, I did find the Paperweight Collector's Association at paperweight.org.

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Topics: Customer Service, Copier Service, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Service Excellence, Printer Service, Copier Paper, Printer Paper, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanCopiers, copiers, printers, paper, paper weights

Little Things Do Go A Long Way

Posted by Debra J Dellaposta on Sep 7, 2021 8:57:38 AM

In the moment, you never really know the impact you can have on people by what you may think is a simple or small gesture of kindness.

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Topics: Customer Service, Giving Back, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanCopiers, #inthistogether, #dbbfamily, professionalism, Difference Makers, making a difference

3 Reasons Why You Should Use Print Management Software

Posted by Dan Grove on Aug 25, 2021 7:21:00 AM

There is a wide array of print management software available today. The functionality of each varies somewhat, so you need to know what to look for to best serve your organization’s needs.

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Topics: #SecureYourBusiness, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanPrint, #MoreThanCopiers, #ManagedPrintServices, #IntelligentBusinessInformationServers

Printing Saddle Bound Booklets

Posted by Dan Grove on Jun 16, 2021 7:27:00 PM

If you have access to a multi-functional copier/printer, which I will refer to as a device, you can most likely produce professional looking booklets. Like any project, a little planning can make a big difference. For optimum quality and ease of production, utilizing a device with a booklet finisher is strongly advised but not absolutely necessary. A booklet finisher is a great asset if you want to produce medium to large quantities of booklets.

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Topics: Customer Service, Copier Service, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Service Excellence, Printer Service, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanCopiers, copiers, printers, saddle bound, saddle stitch, saddle bound booklets, saddle stitch booklets

5 Tools To Cut Waste In The Office

Posted by Dan Grove on May 19, 2021 7:18:00 PM

There are a number of built-in features in your office copier, printer or multi-functional printer, which can help you eliminate waste.

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Topics: Customer Service, Copier Service, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Service Excellence, Printer Service, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanCopiers, copiers, printers, Business Technology, office waste, business process improvement, office efficiencies

Working from home still? Here are some helpful tips to stay secure.

Posted by Doing Better Business on Aug 6, 2020 4:10:41 PM

If your business is like ours, you and your co-workers are still working remotely as much as possible.  Whether you enjoy working remotely or not, the Coronavirus Pandemic is certainly changing the way we work and how we deal with protecting our assets and data.  Here are a few useful tips and statistics for you to consider.

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Topics: #SecureYourBusiness, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanPrint, #MoreThanCopiers, #ManagedPrintServices, #IntelligentBusinessInformationServers

Working in the Cloud from Home

Posted by Dan Grove on May 20, 2020 8:46:21 AM

Two of the many challenges when working at home are keeping organized and collaborating with others in and outside of your organization. The cloud offers many opportunities to solve these challenges allowing you to become more secure and efficient in your business processes.

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Topics: #SecureYourBusiness, #MoreThanCopiers, #homeoffice, #remoteworking

A Key Component for Faith-Based Organizations

Posted by Dan Grove on Apr 22, 2020 1:28:10 PM

With nationwide lockdowns and social distancing changing many aspects of our daily life, we are still sorting out what the future may look like. Faith-based organizations have certainly seen major challenges in how they will serve the congregation without congregating, at least physically. Many organizations are trying creative ideas and utilizing technology to continue their missions.

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Topics: #SecureYourBusiness, #CustomerServiceExcellence, #MoreThanPrint, #MoreThanCopiers, #ManagedPrintServices, #IntelligentBusinessInformationServers, faithbasedorganizations

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