Printers
Every office that has at least one working PC needs a printer to create hard copies of documents. Despite all the hopes and predictions, a 100% paperless office still remains ‘beyond 2000’ and businesses still need all sorts of files printed. Printers today are not used only to stamp invoices, packing slips, flyers, and letters, but also generate composite documents containing digital information and scanned images.
Scanners
While fax machines were once indispensable buzzing pieces of equipment, now we can send electronic copies of any document using a scanner. It is especially useful for handling photographs, print publications, cash register receipts, drawings, and hand-filled forms. Even business correspondence that was created in computer software and received in hard print needs to be scanned and stored in a storage system. Before the invention of the scanner, office workers had to photocopy materials and file them, a practice that was both laborious and space-limiting.
Copiers
Letter copying presses, copy pads and books, roller copiers, carbon paper, mimeographs, and the Ditto machine are all relics from the past. The advancements in xerography or dry writing led to the development of copiers we have today. The choice of a colour copier or black and white ‘xerox machine’ depends on the office manager or business owner and is justified if color prints are needed on a daily basis. For most businesses, it is more feasible to send color copies to an offsite print shop, although color technology is becoming more affordable, especially in combined copier/printer/scanner units.
Television sets
Having a TV in your place of business can be a customer service amenity for clients who have to wait and marketing aid for your visitors. In addition, television is an efficient and inexpensive tool for keeping your employees informed. Wall mountings are more suitable for busy areas as there is less chance that someone will accidentally damage the set. Professionals who specialize in TV wall mounting installation can place it in your office or lobby, where it will create the impression that your business is dynamic and up-to-date with the events.
Laminating machines
Although often underutilized and underestimated in many offices, laminating machines can be very useful. Important document originals can be preserved by heat sealing two thin layers of clear plastic over each side. The laminating sheet is twice the size of a standard A4 document, but it is folded in half before sealing. The plastic on the margins melts to allow for a permanent seal. Laminators can be used for creating signage, produce ID cards, preserve photos, create long-lasting business cards and reinforce pages in a flip chart or spiral-bound booklet. One thing is certain – when an office obtains a laminator, the staff will surely come up with many more creative uses for this piece of equipment.
Shredders
In a business world ridden with identity theft and all kinds of fraud, protecting sensitive information is as important as obtaining it. Ironically, sometimes the best way to protect a document is to destroy it. By cutting sheets of paper into thin strips, a shredder is absolutely necessary for any business where confidentiality is legally required, like law, medicine and education. Higher-end shredders will cut through stapled papers, as well as shred credit cards and other plastic cards with identification information on them.
A modern office can find uses for more than just these six pieces of equipment, but these are essential for every business setup. While not every item on this list is likely to be used daily, not having one at hand when needed is more than frustrating.
Author: Lillian Connors