Your Print Environment Is Part of Your Technology Stack — Whether You Treat It That Way or Not
When businesses talk about digital transformation, cybersecurity, or long-term IT planning, the conversation usually jumps to servers, cloud apps, email security, or endpoint protection. But one major piece of the technology puzzle often gets overlooked:
Your multifunction printers (MFPs).
These devices scan, store, route, print, fax, authenticate users, access the network, and interact directly with sensitive data every day. They aren’t “just printers” anymore — they’re fully networked endpoints. And like any other endpoint, they require proper configuration, monitoring, user management, and security policies to stay aligned with your business goals.
At CDS Office Technologies, we see firsthand how often print infrastructure is left out of the IT strategy conversation — and how much value businesses unlock when they integrate the two.
Why Modern MFPs Matter More Than Most Businesses Realize
1. They handle your organization’s sensitive data.
Every printed page represents a potential data leak — especially in industries like healthcare, legal, government, financial services, and education. Modern MFPs store temporary data, log user activity, and interface with cloud applications.
With the right print strategy, you can:
- Implement secure release printing
- Enforce user authentication
- Reduce abandoned or misrouted prints
- Support compliance controls (HIPAA, CJIS, FERPA, PCI-DSS)
This takes print from an operational afterthought to a vital part of your security posture.
2. They’re often one of the weakest security links.
Unsecured printers remain one of the top entry points during penetration tests. Common risks include:
- Default passwords
- Unpatched firmware
- Open ports
- Unrestricted network access
- Unsecured scans-to-email
- Local storage not being wiped between jobs
By treating your MFPs like the endpoints they are, your IT team — or your co-managed IT partner — can bring them into your security framework.
3. Your print devices impact your network performance.
Slowdowns, packet spikes, SMB scanning failures, and device conflicts can all stem from unmanaged MFP environments. When IT and print are siloed, problems bounce between vendors.
When CDS manages both the infrastructure and the print environment, issues are resolved faster and root causes are easier to uncover. No finger-pointing, no guesswork.
4. A strategic print plan reduces waste and lowers costs.
Print is often one of the top 3 operational expenses after payroll and rent — yet most organizations don’t track it closely.
A managed print approach can:
- Reduce unnecessary output
- Standardize the fleet
- Improve supply management
- Reduce downtime
- Optimize device placement
- Eliminate redundant equipment
You save more money than you expect when your print environment is intentional instead of accidental.
How CDS Office Technologies Bridges the Gap Between Print and IT
Unlike vendors who specialize in only one world — printers or IT — CDS supports both. This means:
- Your MFPs are fully aligned with your cybersecurity policies
- Your devices are monitored, patched, and maintained as part of your IT ecosystem
- Print-related issues don’t derail your helpdesk
- You get a unified support experience instead of vendor ping-pong
- Security, performance, and cost management stay under one strategic umbrella
We offer:
- Managed Print Services (MPS)
- Copier and MFP leasing & procurement
- Comprehensive print security features
- Co-managed IT services
- Helpdesk support for both IT and print
- Scanning, digitization, and workflow modernization solutions
For many of our clients, integrating print into IT operations has been one of the fastest ways to eliminate recurring bottlenecks and strengthen cybersecurity.
Print Is Part of IT. IT Is Part of Print. And Treating Them Separately Holds You Back.
As your network grows more complex, siloed technology support simply doesn’t work. Your printers touch your data, your workflows, your security stack, and your employees every day. Treating them as first-class citizens in your IT strategy isn’t just smart — it’s necessary.
If you’re ready to get more from your print environment while reducing risk and downtime, our team is here to help.
