Blog
April 17th, 2023 by Kevin Box
When running a business, saving money is top priority. One of the most important investments you can make when it comes to office equipment is a printer. It is essential in providing documents and other printed materials that are needed to run a...
Posted in: Managed Print Services, IT Services, Printer Fleet
April 3rd, 2023 by Kevin Box
As businesses become increasingly reliant on their digital infrastructure, the need for efficient print management software becomes even more important. Print management software helps organizations reduce costs, improve workflow, and streamline...
Posted in: Managed Print Services
March 27th, 2023 by Kevin Box
These days, managing a fleet of printers and other IT devices within an organization can be difficult and time-consuming. A data collection agent is specialized software that can help you manage your printer fleet, providing you with valuable insights...
Posted in: Data Collection, Printer Fleet
March 10th, 2023 by Kevin Box
Managed print services (MPS) are an outsourced solution to managing an organization’s print environment. MPS is a comprehensive approach that helps organizations optimize their printing needs while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency....
Posted in: Managed Print Services
January 30th, 2023 by Kevin Box
Those little benign printers in the corner of your office are huge money pits ready to steal your organizational soul at a moment’s notice. OK, I’m sorry my post-holiday, stressed out self, went a little overboard. However, that statement...
Posted in: Managed Print Services
October 17th, 2022 by Paul Perez
For some organizations, print marketing is their primary avenue for distributing information to the public. Though digital marketing has unleashed new marketing methods such as SMS, Email, and Social-Media, print still plays a large role, and its effectiveness...
Posted in: Managed Print Services
August 24th, 2022 by Kevin Box
My father was a small-town Justice of the Peace in rural Louisiana and if you ever opened the closet in his office, you would find his black robe on the left, crammed against the side of the closet and the rest of the closet occupied by stacks of...
Posted in: Managed Print Services
August 15th, 2022 by Kevin Box
Insights in the Managed Print Services and Print Management Software Space Over the last two plus years, the Print Management industry has been hit hard by a global pandemic, supply chain issues, and a lack of hardware inventory due to chip shortages....
Posted in: Managed Print Services
August 8th, 2022 by Kevin Box
Why Buying Retail Toner Is Insane, and Other Reasons to Have a Managed Print Services Agreement in Place In past discussions with organizations, I've come across a great deal of IT Managers and Administrators who often fail to fully understand...
Posted in: Managed Print Services
October 25th, 2021 by Function4
Having the right technology is critical for any small business. You operate lean and focus on growth, so your investment in tech must be at the right time and for the right reasons. VoIP (voice over IP) adoption can deliver many advantages for you....
Posted in: Business Technology, Phone Systems
August 30th, 2021 by Kevin Box
When it comes to your printer fleet, having more visibility to performance is critical. Knowing how much volume each printer is producing is valuable. Getting automatic toner fulfillment is more productive and efficient than having an employee order...
Posted in: Document Management
August 10th, 2021 by Joan Honig
If your existing processes are well documented, it’s relatively easy to transfer them into a digital environment using a document management system. Unfortunately, many organizations have poor or inaccurate documentation, which makes creating digital...
Posted in: Document Management
July 22nd, 2021 by Paul Actics
What is Robotic Process Automation? Simply put, robotic process automation, or RPA, is the application of technology to automate rules-based business processes. It has the ability to emulate any repetitive human actions to streamline workflows and increase...
Posted in: Automation
July 6th, 2021 by Diana Eagen
In an increasingly uncertain world, getting everyone to maintain sustainability and cash flow is essential. Most companies face a wait time receiving customer payments that could range anywhere from 30 to 90 days to even longer. Payment delays...
Posted in: Automation
June 23rd, 2021 by Kirsten Barta
The modernization and digitization of communications accelerated in the last year. As companies had to shift to a remote workforce, they found that critical tools and platforms needed to be accessible from anywhere. That meant adopting cloud technology...
Posted in: Phone Systems
June 22nd, 2021 by Taylor Bucher
Business disruption prompting business innovation We’ve all heard the phrase, “Necessity is the mother of innovation”. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that this is absolutely true. In the wake of the mass business disruption our...
Posted in: Automation, Business Technology
June 15th, 2021 by Caitlyn Riedl
A few months back a client asked if we could review their order entry process. They didn’t really think there was much room for order entry improvement but had a mandate to improve the customer experience and decrease operating costs. The...
Posted in: Automation
May 6th, 2021 by Taylor Bucher
We’ve all heard the old adage, “Why fix what isn’t broken?” It’s a valid question. I mean, why change things when “business as usual” seems to be working just fine? Well, to put it in Ben Franklin’s words, “When you’re finished changing, you’re...
Posted in: Business Technology
May 5th, 2021 by M-Files
How Much Time Does Your Staff Waste on Document Management Inefficiencies? Searching, finding, and managing documents and information is a challenge for staff in most companies and lots of working hours are wasted on it every single day. 46% say they...
Posted in: Document Management
May 4th, 2021 by Brian Erlien
Many companies today are looking for ways to strengthen vendor relationships and improve liquidity and working capital. Here are three areas to focus on and three solutions that can help you do just that. Vender & Supplier Communication ...
Posted in: Automation
April 29th, 2021 by Justin Cunningham
Is your accounts payable (AP) department being tasked to better monitor, track and improve key performance indicators (KPIs)? Then you’re well aware that it can be a daunting task. Why? There are an infinite number of KPIs that you could...
Posted in: Automation
April 27th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander
As one observer noted, even large disasters like Chernobyl didn’t completely stem from a lack of documentation. This crisis caused so much damage because people failed to follow the planned and documented processes in time. While it’s important...
Posted in: Business Technology
April 13th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander
Automation in the workplace is when computers perform the types of tasks that would normally require human intervention, thus freeing up the valuable time of living, breathing employees so that they can focus on those matters that truly need them....
Posted in: Automation
April 12th, 2021 by Kevin Box
Let’s face it, managing printers isn’t glamorous, and all end-users genuinely care about is if they can print. If the answer is no, the end-user must find an alternative to fix the problem. This is a microcosm of why having a printer service organization...
Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology
April 6th, 2021 by Tom Darnall
Corporate printing costs can get expensive. These costs can amount to as much as 3% of annual revenue (some estimates even go as high as 12%). It’s important to keep those costs in check. And with print security becoming an increasingly urgent priority...
Posted in: Business Technology
April 1st, 2021 by Jason Callahan
While I don’t want to get down on employees (after all, I’m an employee myself), it’s no secret that their printing habits can be kind of, well, careless. The average worker prints about 34 pages a day, yet 17% of those pages go unused. Close to...
Posted in: Document Management
March 24th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander
What is a Document Management System (DMS)? What is a document management system? Put simply, a document management system is an automated business software solution used to organize, secure, store, capture, digitize, and tag business files....
Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology
March 23rd, 2021 by Tom Darnall
You can probably imagine how eliminating print servers also helps to end single points of failure. This means increased printer availability and more printer uptime at your organization. A welcome bonus? Fewer calls to the service desk. ...
Posted in: Business Technology
March 17th, 2021 by Jacob Eskelsen
As much as some folks like to brag about their ability to multitask, we all know by now that multitasking just isn’t efficient. Our brains prefer to focus on a single task rather than be pulled in different directions. That applies to IT departments...
Posted in: Document Management
March 16th, 2021 by Steve Kelley
In 2019, the online training platform Skillbox sent a rogue print job to unsecured network printers. To do that, they relied on a search tool called Shodan that discovers vulnerable Internet-connected devices. It was the very same tool that a prankster...
Posted in: Cybersecurity, Document Management
March 11th, 2021 by Tom Darnall
When planning their enterprise print management strategies, most organizations try to take a long-term view. They look to purchase cost-sensitive workhorse printers for their fleet and printer management solutions that will support and integrate...
Posted in: Document Management
March 5th, 2021 by Max Queen
Here are a few signs it’s time to make a change! Employees are constantly waiting. Is there a group of employees gathered around the copier waiting for their documents? If so, you have inefficient...
Posted in: Business Technology
March 2nd, 2021 by Brian Wistisen
As IT professionals look to move away from legacy print solutions, the idea of a serverless print infrastructure is becoming more widespread. That’s true even in large enterprise organizations, where print servers were a necessary evil for far too...
Posted in: Business Technology
February 26th, 2021 by Kevin Box
Contact a Solutions Expert There was a time in history where the "On-trend" method for managing copier and printer fleets was to map out the office and strategically place workgroup copiers & printers within the office space to maximize...
Posted in: Cybersecurity, Business Technology
February 23rd, 2021 by Garrett Hollander
One of the most important things to understand about a digital transformation is that ultimately, you’re talking about exactly that: a transformation from where you are today to where you hope to be tomorrow. In order to get to that point,...
Posted in: Business Technology
February 23rd, 2021 by Tom Darnall
At Function4, we have one overarching mission: to eliminate print servers. They’re a huge pain point for print environments of every shape and size, a resource vortex that devours time, money and effort with very little to show for it. IT departments...
Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology
February 16th, 2021 by Darcy Mekis
Did you know your legacy phone system could be costing you business and eating away at profits? No matter what type of business you run, communication is critical. Voice calling is instrumental in customer service, new sales, and collaboration. However,...
Posted in: Phone Systems
February 4th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta
Every business understands the importance of communication. While there are many channels in which to do this, phone systems are still the most vital. Upgrading to cloud-based phone systems can provide your company with substantial benefits. It’s time...
Posted in: Phone Systems
February 2nd, 2021 by Kirsten Barta
Communication is one of the most important aspects of any company’s operations. Often, communication tools are not fully integrated, creating challenges for your team. By leveraging cloud communications, you can assure greater mobility and accessibility....
Posted in: Business Technology, Phone Systems
January 28th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta
Communication and collaboration are critical to any business. Enabling your employees to do both of these effectively requires the right tools. Unified communications provide small businesses with everything they need. If you are considering switching...
Posted in: Phone Systems
January 27th, 2021 by Brian Wistisen
Contact a Solutions Expert As IT professionals are looking to move away from legacy print solutions, the idea of a serverless print infrastructure is becoming more widespread. That's true even in large enterprise organizations, where print servers were...
Posted in: Business Technology
January 26th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta
Host on-premise or on the cloud? This is a common consideration for many business owners and communication managers looking to upgrade their enterprise’s phone system in this digital era. To make the most suitable choice for your business, you’ll need...
Posted in: Phone Systems
January 19th, 2021 by Max Queen
As a small or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, you wear many hats. One of those responsibilities may be IT security, although you may have a nagging suspicion that your company is not adequately protected. With cyberattacks continuing to escalate,...
Posted in: Business Technology
January 14th, 2021 by Max Queen
Managed IT services provide countless benefits that help improve efficiency, budget-friendliness, and morale across any company—but what can it do for your company? Here's a quick look at just a few reasons why managed IT is right for you. A Crash-Course...
Posted in: Business Technology
January 8th, 2021 by Max Queen
If you're adding a document management strategy to your business, it's important to realize that it won't be a one-step process. You'll need to decide which department could see the most immediate benefits and also understand that company-wide deployment...
Posted in: Document Management, Automation
December 22nd, 2020 by Paul Perez
In previous blogs, we touched on new developments in Inkjet technology from a high-level macro perspective. Now that business class inkjet has had some time to carve out its niche, we felt it necessary to dive into it a little more precisely. (We will...
Posted in: Business Technology
December 10th, 2020 by Brad Yocum
In today's environment of remote workforces and shuffling of staff to different locations throughout the office, supporting employee's technology needs can be very challenging. One of the biggest ongoing challenges for the IT department is the print...
Posted in: Business Technology
December 8th, 2020 by Bri Maas
What used to be considered a back-office function has transformed into one of every organization’s largest assets: accounts receivable. Why? Because it deals with one very important asset that doesn’t appear on the balance sheet — customers. ...
Posted in: Automation
December 1st, 2020 by Taylor Bucher
Businesses know that customer experience (CX) is quickly becoming the key differentiator among brands. In fact, according to Gartner, when it comes to making a purchase, 65% of people find customer experience more important than price. So when a business...
Posted in: Business Technology
November 24th, 2020 by Kirsten Barta
Host on-premise or on the cloud? This is a common consideration for many business owners and communication managers looking to upgrade their enterprise’s phone system in this digital era. To make the most suitable choice for your business, you’ll need...
Posted in: Phone Systems
November 17th, 2020 by Daniel Reeve
There’s a big focus on digital transformation across the entire enterprise. In fact, Information Age calls out that 47% of CIO’s are seeing an increase in the pace of transformation. CFO’s are sharing that they need to protect their organizations and...
Posted in: Document Management
November 12th, 2020 by Ryan Skinner
When organizations face making purchases, they first must consider what process they need to follow. Some organizations even go as far as creating a policy requiring at least three bids. The main reason is to ensure you are getting the best price for...
Posted in: General
November 3rd, 2020 by Dave Volberding
INDEPENDENT DEALERS In business, the concept of cutting out the middleman often makes logical sense. After all, why pay someone else to get you what you need when you have the option to buy straight from the manufacturer? Fortunately, you have a choice...
Posted in: Business Technology
October 23rd, 2020 by Paul Perez
Many organizations have moved to produce graphics and marketing materials in house to save on outsourcing costs and eliminate waiting on the local print shop. Now that print jobs can be taken directly from design to print, the challenge of finishing the...
Posted in: Business Technology
October 15th, 2020 by Bill Patsouras / Ross Lasley
How to Successfully Implement a Software Project In today’s business environment, everyone is looking to increase productivity, reduce expenses, and streamline efficiencies. Many times, the answer lies in introducing more software to the environment....
Posted in: Business Technology
October 14th, 2020 by Esker
In a time like this, maintaining a strong cash flow is of utmost importance for businesses. Unfortunately for many organizations, large amounts of cash are being tied up in inefficient, back-office finance functions, and they’re quickly realizing that...
Posted in: Automation
September 23rd, 2020 by Brian Erlien
Many companies today are looking for ways to strengthen customer and vendor relationships as well as improve working capital. Here are four ideas that can do just that. Vender & Supplier Communication Do you offer your vendors...
Posted in: General
September 3rd, 2020 by Kevin Box / Trent Tate
Many who work in Corporate Procurement and Information Technology understand the differences between Toner and Ink in relation to printing, however not everyone understands the nuances between each and the impact it can have on your bottom line. Our...
Posted in: Business Technology
November 25th, 2019 by Function4
The copier you leased a few years ago was a perfect fit for your day-to-day operations—until it wasn’t. Now your company could really use an upgrade. The problem is, the leasing period for your copier isn’t complete. A lease is a non-cancelable contract....
Posted in: General
November 12th, 2019 by Function4
If you’re looking into a copier lease for your business, one of the first questions on your list might be, “How much does it cost to lease a copier?” The short answer: It depends. A copier lease is similar to leasing a fleet of cars or an office...
Posted in: General
September 23rd, 2019 by Function4
Even in an increasingly digital age, some things just work best in print. Visit any booming business, and you’ll likely see their copier humming. This points to a copier’s essential function in a successful business, and it makes copier acquiring decisions...
Posted in: Business Technology
April 3rd, 2019 by Function4
When you leave the office each evening, you probably lock the doors and set the security alarm. This seems obvious since you don’t want criminals breaking into your business. But do you treat cyberthreats with the same caution? After all, you probably...
Posted in: Cybersecurity
March 4th, 2019 by Function4
No matter what type of business you're in, managing information requires a good portion of your team's time. A robust document management solution can replace ad hoc strategies that take too much time and don't work well in today's information-saturated...
Posted in: Document Management
February 27th, 2019 by Function4
If your employees have been using mobile devices for work with no apparent consequences for your organization, should you still consider a mobile device management solution? The answer is yes, especially given the security vulnerabilities widespread...
Posted in: Document Management
February 11th, 2019 by Function4
Is your organization 20% less efficient than it could be? It is if you're tied to paper-based business processes. From losing track of critical documents to essential processes that take far longer than they should, a paper-dependent office is a productivity...
Posted in: Document Management
February 4th, 2019 by Function4
Not sure whether you should handle your IT responsibilities in-house or outsource them to a managed IT services provider? Tech researchers like IDC have run the numbers for you, and the managed approach is the clear winner. Here's a look at four financial...
Posted in: Business Technology
January 14th, 2019 by Function4
Should you outsource some or all of your IT responsibilities to a trusted provider? For many small and mid-sized companies, outsourcing to a managed services provider is an excellent way to access benefits not ordinarily available for smaller organizations....
Posted in: Business Technology
January 7th, 2019 by Function4
We've all experienced the frustration of trying to locate a lost document. Sometimes lost paperwork is just a hassle, but when a critical business document can't be found, the stakes may be much higher. Here's how a document management system can make...
Posted in: Document Management
December 31st, 2018 by Function4
Have you considered outsourcing the management of your IT infrastructure to a managed IT services partner? Small and medium-sized businesses are among a growing group of organizations recognizing the value provided by partnerships with advanced managed...
Posted in: Business Technology
November 12th, 2018 by Function4
Should you keep a technician on staff or outsource to a professional IT security company? For many companies, the latter is the most cost-effective choice. Here's a look at how an IT security company can provide you with 24-hour protection at a cost that's...
Posted in: Business Technology
October 29th, 2018 by Function4
manage [man-ij] to bring about or succeed in accomplishing, sometimes despite difficulty or hardship. (Dictionary.com) How well are you succeeding at managing your IT infrastructure on your own? Are you killing it or are ongoing issues plaguing your...
Posted in: Business Technology
August 27th, 2018 by Function4
Access to expert tech support is essential for the modern small business, and you'll need to spend some time researching your IT options. Your organization can't afford to waste money, but cutting corners in critical areas is not a good choice, either....
Posted in: Business Technology
August 20th, 2018 by Function4
How much will it cost your company to recover following a data breach? New research from the Ponemon Institute and IBM paints a sobering picture, with costs increasing by 1.8% in 2017. And here in the U.S., businesses can expect to pay even more than...
Posted in: Business Technology
August 13th, 2018 by Function4
Are rising operating costs putting a dent in your ability to grow your business? You're not alone, but a growing number of companies have found a way to reduce how much they spend on day-to-day operations. The High Cost of Storing Paper Those filing...
Posted in: Document Management
July 30th, 2018 by Function4
Developing an in-house IT solution means you'll be starting from the ground up. Here's a look at the primary considerations when deciding whether to outsource to managed IT services. The In-House Solution One of the benefits of an in-house IT solution...
Posted in: Business Technology
July 16th, 2018 by Function4
Fitting more hours into a day is impossible. However, by working smarter, we can almost always fit more tasks into the day's available hours. One of the most effective ways to get more from your day is through technology. Work Smarter By leveraging the...
Posted in: Document Management, Automation
April 30th, 2018 by Function4
Managed IT services provide countless benefits that help improve efficiency, budget-friendliness, and morale across any company--but what can it do for your company? Here's a quick look at just a few reasons why managed IT is right for you. A Crash-Course...
Posted in: Business Technology
Function4 serves Houston, Beaumont, Paris, and the surrounding areas.