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Articles by Function4

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Copier Company Near You

December 10th, 2021 by Function4

Black copier machine

A multifaceted and reliable office copier is a critical tool for every company that is success-oriented. However, finding the right company can feel overwhelming. Not only is office equipment like copiers pricey, but if incorrectly selected, it...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Alerting Customers About Section 179 Tax Advantage End of Year Deadline

November 30th, 2021 by Function4

Woman working remote on a laptop at a home office

Leading MTSP Reminds Business Owners to Reinvest Before December 31st SUGAR LAND, TX – Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP) is alerting local businesses about Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 179 and the deductions it affords...

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Posted in: Press Release

New Study Finds More than Half of U.S. SMB Owners Believe Working Remotely Is Here to Stay Post-Pandemic

November 15th, 2021 by Function4

Smiling Businessman with Headphones Using Laptop Computer in Home Office

Embracing remote work has been a love-hate relationship for many small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners. With new technology allowing workers to work from wherever and whenever more than ever before, employers have had to balance...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Top 12 Tips for Managing Remote Teams

November 8th, 2021 by Function4

A women working remotely on her laptop while on the phone in her kitchen.

In the past week, I heard from several former colleagues who contacted me for advice on managing remote workers. As companies around the globe grapple to address coronavirus and the workplace, managers who have never led distributed workforces...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Integrated Unified Communications: Why It’s a Smart, Cost-Effective Move

November 1st, 2021 by Function4

Smiling Businessman Holding Phone Handset

Effective communication is a key driver for business productivity across all industries. Today’s business environment makes unified communications nearly an operational necessity. Small businesses (SMBs) may feel such use of technology...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Sustaining Business in an Uncertain World

October 26th, 2021 by Function4

A woman working from her home office, videoconferencing on her laptop with other co-workers who are also working remotely

"The world of work cannot and should not look the same after this crisis." That's what the Secretary-General of the United Nations said recently. We all know the first chapter. When COVID-19 arrived, the business world had to pivot instantly and...

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Posted in: Business Technology

8 Signs Your Small Business Is Ready for VoIP

October 25th, 2021 by Function4

Close up of a man holding a phone and wireless headset in front of a tablet, showcasing the versatility of VoIP technology

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....

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Posted in: Business Technology, Phone Systems

Launching Secure WiFi-as-a-Service to Protect Customers from Cyber Attacks

September 30th, 2021 by Function4

A shield made up of line graphics protecting binary code behind it by deflecting red skulls, symbolizing how Secure WiFi-as-a-Service can protect businesses

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider (MTSP) Leverages Innovative Wireless Access Points to Secure Connections to the Internet SUGAR LAND, TX - Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today that the...

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Posted in: Press Release

6 Do-It-Yourself Best Practices for Managing Your Printers

September 1st, 2021 by Kevin Box / Glyn Morgan

A women holding her head in frustration while looking at a office printer that is jammed.

Recently, one of our more tenured consultants gave an internal lunch and learn to our Sales Team on how to help our customers understand and better manage their printer fleets. This is the sort of “inside baseball”, so to speak, that organizations...

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Posted in: Business Technology

6 Minutes Will Save Your Organization Thousands on the Cost of Toner

August 30th, 2021 by Kevin Box

Hacker using laptop

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

Our Cybersecurity Platform Deflects Recent Ransomware Attacks on Technology Companies

August 30th, 2021 by Function4

A man in a gray hoodie holding a laptop and typing on it while wearing gloves, with data being displayed over the image to represent a cyber attack

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Keeps SMBs Safe, Once Again SUGARLAND, TX Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently shared that their robust cybersecurity solutions have protected their customers...

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Posted in: Press Release

3 Tips for Moving from Paper-Based Processes to Automated Digital Workflows

August 10th, 2021 by Joan Honig

3 Tips for Moving from Paper-Based Processes to Automated Digital Workflows

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

Printer Security Vulnerabilities and What You Can Do About It!

August 10th, 2021 by Kevin Box

Cyber security word cloud

On April 29th, 2021, Cyber Criminals were able to hack the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S. because of one password floating around on the dark web, which an employee had previously used to access the organizations' network through a Virtual Private...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity in 2021

August 3rd, 2021 by Kevin Craine

Cybersecurity in 2021

Cybersecurity was a pressing concern even before COVID-19. Now, organizations everywhere must prepare for a new normal that includes increasingly sobering threats to data security. Over the past several months, cyber thieves have become skilled...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Attackers Have Successfully Hit the Nation’s Largest Corporations – Their Onslaught on SMBs Will be Worse – Are You Prepared?

August 2nd, 2021 by Bill Patsouras

Faceless hacker wearing a black hoodie

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Shares How SMBs Can Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks and Ransomware Threats SUGAR LAND, TX – July 29, 2021 – Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently shared that some...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Are you Tired of Tangled Cords? Get Your Wireless Printer Up and Running in Just 5 Easy Steps!

August 1st, 2021 by Kevin Box

How do I connect my wireless printer

Have you ever searched for this question on Google: How do I set up my wireless printer? Do you dread the tangled mess of cords that come with a traditional printer set-up? Then it's time to make the switch to a wireless printer! Wireless printers...

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Posted in: You Ask, Function4 Answers

Attackers Have Successfully Hit the Nation’s Largest Corporations – Their Onslaught on SMBs Will be Worse – Are You Prepared?

July 30th, 2021 by Function4

Two hands typing on two individual keyboards, with code and the word DATA BREACH in reddish-orange text floating above them

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Shares How SMBs Can Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks and Ransomware Threats SUGARLAND, TX Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently shared that some of the nation's...

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Posted in: Press Release

Don’t Sleep on HIPAA and Cybersecurity

July 29th, 2021 by Neville M. Bilimoria

HIPAA and Cyber Security

The recent events of the Colonial Pipeline gas shortage in the Southeast have highlighted a very real concern for our nation’s cybersecurity. Cyber criminals are still out there, and seemingly stronger than ever. But in our representation...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for healthcare systems, medical devices more critical than ever

July 27th, 2021 by Shane Keating and Stephanie Van Ness

Cybersecurity for healthcare systems

Cybercriminals have stepped up their game during the pandemic, launching ransomware attacks at a frenzied pace. In 2020, more than 90 U.S. healthcare organizations reported ransomware attacks, which affected over 600 separate clinics, hospitals and...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Robotic Process Automation: Changing the Way We Work White Paper

July 22nd, 2021 by Paul Actics

Robotic Process Automation: Changing the Way We Work White Paper

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...

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Posted in: Automation

6 Ways to Ensure Your Copier and Printer Secures Healthcare Data

July 20th, 2021 by Gabriela Garner

6 Ways to Ensure Your Copier and Printer Secures Healthcare Data

Security breaches create significant problems for any organization. They tax resources, put your reputation in danger and, most of all, cost money. Healthcare organizations are especially vulnerable to security breaches and often have the most to...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Ransomware Struck Another Pipeline Firm—and 70GB of Data Leaked

July 15th, 2021 by Wired

Ransomware Struck Another Pipeline Firm—and 70GB of Data Leaked

LineStar Integrity Services was hacked around the same time as Colonial Pipeline, but radical transparency activists have brought the attack to light. When ransomware hackers hit Colonial Pipeline last month and shut off the distribution of gas along...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Antivirus Software - Explained

July 13th, 2021 by Charlie Osborne

Antivirus software explained

Antivirus software isn’t enough to protect our devices and accounts any longer, but it still provides a key layer of defense. Over the past few years, consumers and enterprises alike have become more aware of the importance of adequate cybersecurity...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

A Tale of Two Processes

July 8th, 2021 by Chris Ellis

Automated workflow

Recently, I had an experience that illustrates the futility of partially automated processes. I was selling my car and buying another. On the selling end, I had to return an inspection form that I was able to download and file online, but I still...

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Posted in: Automation

Today’s a Good Day for AR Automation

July 6th, 2021 by Diana Eagen

Today’s a Good Day for AR Automation

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...

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Posted in: Automation

Print Server versus Service Client: What’s the Difference?

July 1st, 2021 by Tom Darnall

Eliminate print servers

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

Digital Transformation Beyond the ERP: Simplifying Multi-ERP Environments with Automation

June 29th, 2021 by Daniel Reeve

Simplifying Multi-ERP Environments with Automation.

In today’s highly competitive business environment, many organizations are expanding through mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Unfortunately, success comes at a cost. Growth via M&A activity often involves absorbing disparate ERP applications, which,...

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Posted in: Automation

Strategic Cybersecurity Partner, Sentinel One, Ranked #4 Fastest Growing Technology Company by CNBC

June 25th, 2021 by Function4

A reddish-gold metal lock on a metal dial covered in circuitry that represents cyber security

Function4's Clients to Benefit from Early-Stage Partnership With Cybersecurity Firm SUGARLAND, TX -Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently announced that one of their earlystage strategic partners, Sentinel...

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Posted in: Press Release

What is Workflow Automation? Why It Matters and Why You Need It

June 24th, 2021 by Chris Davidson

What is Workflow Automation? Why It Matters and Why You Need It

While it's absolutely true that a lot of your business processes are important, they also expose your organization to a wide range of potential issues that you may not even realize. Every manual process performed by one of your actual human...

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Posted in: Document Management, Automation

Why Cloud Phone Systems Are the Future

June 23rd, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

Why Cloud Phone Systems Are the Future

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...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

The New Accounts Payable Department & the Future of Payables

June 22nd, 2021 by Taylor Bucher

The New Accounts Payable Department

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...

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Posted in: Automation, Business Technology

Monitoring the Dark Web to Keep Customers' Information Safe

June 18th, 2021 by Function4

A eye made up of technology inspired imagery over binary to represent Dark Web Monitoring

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider (MTSP) Alerts SMBs of Compromised Data SUGARLAND, TX - Function4 a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today that the company proactively monitors the Dark Web to keep...

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Posted in: Press Release

Meals on Wheels Customer Story

June 17th, 2021 by Function4

This video tells the story of Greenville County's Meals on Wheels program—and how Microsoft products have helped the program expand and reach more people. If you would like to learn more, please contact function4. ...

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Posted in: General

Here's Where to Spend Your Money on Digital Transformation in a Post-COVID World

June 17th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

It's safe to say that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all of us — especially for organizations that were in the process of undergoing their own digital transformations as the lock downs started in March 2020. The need to use...

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Posted in: Business Technology

5 Easy Steps to Get Started with Microsoft Teams

June 16th, 2021 by Function4

This infographic shows nonprofit organizations how they can easily get set up with Microsoft Teams—in just 5 simple steps. For additional information, please contact function4 today. View: 5 Easy Steps to Get Started with Microsoft Teams ...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Think You’ve Got Your Order Management Under Control? Think Again.

June 15th, 2021 by Caitlyn Riedl

management under control

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...

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Posted in: Automation

Non-Profit Offers Guide and Eligibility Link

June 10th, 2021 by Function4

This web link provides information about some of Microsoft's special offers for nonprofits as well as details about how to register for them. If you would like more information, contact function4 today. ...

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Posted in: General

The 4 Types of Collaboration Habits That Make Information Security Breaches an Inevitability

June 10th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

The 4 Types of Collaboration Habits That Make Information Security Breaches an Inevitability

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more people are working remotely than ever before. On the one hand, productivity hasn't really suffered as there are a large number of cloud-based tools that make it possible to be just as productive outside...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Stop letting money slip away: Making Collections Management Easy

June 8th, 2021 by Jon Seaman

Positive cash flow is what keeps businesses running smoothly, leaving it up to collections management to turn money that’s owed into money in the bank. Sounds easy, right? Not so much. Many AR departments continue to rely on manual methods in the collections...

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Posted in: Automation

Ransomware and Malware Threats: The State of Cybersecurity

June 7th, 2021 by Darcy Mekis

How to Protect Against Malware and Ransomware Threats

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for organizations all over the world. A single attack can lead to thousands or even millions in losses, and cybercriminals continue to come up with more sophisticated methods of attack. Ransomware and malware...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

How to Use Phone Metrics to Make Better Business Decisions

June 3rd, 2021 by Darcy Mekis

How to Use Phone Metrics to Make Better Business Decisions

The world of business has become very data-driven. Almost every aspect of a company is improvable when you look at the metrics behind it. Your phone communications are no different. Phone metrics can deliver vital insights that, in turn, help...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

Special Olympics turns stars of youth leadership program into constellations with Microsoft Teams

June 3rd, 2021 by Function4

This blog post tells the story of the Special Olympics and how it has grown to an organization more than 6 million strong. It also details how Microsoft has helped this organization connect around the globe using technology like Teams. To learn more,...

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Posted in: General

The World of Work in 2021 and Beyond

June 1st, 2021 by Kevin Kern

World_of_Work_Blog

Like everything else in life, we all know the world of work is constantly changing. 2020 was undoubtedly a year that brought an unprecedented and unanticipated rate of change in how we work. The sudden transition from working in traditional offices...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Leveraging Microsoft Azure to Take Customers Into the Cloud Cost Effectively

May 31st, 2021 by Function4

A cloud shape drawn in a neon-blue, with multiple graphs and images inside of it, hovering above and open hand to represent Microsoft Azure

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Helps Local Companies Move From Outdated Servers With a Seamless Transition to the Cloud SUGARLAND, TX - Function4 a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP) is leveraging Microsoft Azure...

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Posted in: Press Release

The Packaging and Labels Revival

May 27th, 2021 by Ed Bokuniewicz

Print Production | Meredith

So much has changed going into this year, but with that change comes the opportunity for businesses to reinvent themselves to better meet the needs of their customers. There is an ever-increasing shift from in-store to online shopping, which is...

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Posted in: Document Management

April 2021 Healthcare Data Breach Report

May 26th, 2021 by HIPAA Journal

US healthcare breaches last 12 months

April was another particularly bad month for healthcare data breaches with 62 reported breaches of 500 or – the same number as of March 2021. That is more than 2 reported healthcare data breaches every day, and well over the 12-month average of 51...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Print and Digital Communications Are Alive and Well

May 25th, 2021 by Ed Bokuniewicz

Print is not dead

Since 2008, the digital communications industry has been publicizing “Print is Dead.” This quote is an opinion and not fact based. It reminded me of the oft-quoted line by Mark Twain, the great American humorist, when he learned that a major American...

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Posted in: Document Management

The “Finishing” Business in Industrial Printing is Just Getting Started

May 19th, 2021 by John Dembia

printer-screen-usher

I remember a TV commercial from the 1990s for a still camera that featured the great tennis player, Andre Agassi, had the accompanying tagline: “Image is Everything.” That tagline is still very applicable and valid today in the production print world...

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Posted in: General

Workspace Technologies: What to Expect in 2021

May 18th, 2021 by Nick Pegley

Workspaces are changing

The IT landscape is in a constant state of change. Whether it’s still seen as a supportive administrative function, an enabler of digital transformation, or an integral touchpoint woven within everyday interactions, it is critically important to...

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Posted in: Business Technology

21 Things Companies Have Said About Esker’s Accounts Receivable Solution

May 13th, 2021 by Graham Smith

future of accounts receivable

Despite the fact that we live and work in a digital age, accounts receivable (AR) processes at many businesses remain a very manual and antiquated affair. Whether it’s manual invoice creation and delivery, back and forth emails and phone calls...

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Posted in: Automation, Business Technology

Protecting Office Printers and MFPs from Security Risks

May 11th, 2021 by Akisa Matsuda

Protecting Office Printers and MFPs from Security Risks

It is no secret that in this age of new normality, increased security threats such as phishing or ransomware attacks, are a very real concern. Almost all devices are prone to cybersecurity threats and office printers and multifunction devices...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Waiting to Kick Off Your AP Automation Project? Here’s What to Do in the Meantime

May 11th, 2021 by Jody Derr

Open laptop with an hourglass resting on the surface

Recently I was asked by a customer what they can do right now as they wait to kick off an automation project. It forced me to think about examples of challenges that clients have faced and how they took those challenges head on as they prepared...

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Posted in: Automation

Should You Fix Processes That Aren’t Broken? Why Business as Usual Won’t Cut It Anymore

May 6th, 2021 by Taylor Bucher

Hand stacking wooden blocks with various icons on them

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Top Document Management Challenges

May 5th, 2021 by M-Files

Man sitting at a desk writing on a document

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

3 Ways to Improve Vendor Relations & Liquidity

May 4th, 2021 by Brian Erlien

Two businesspeople shaking hands, one of them outlined in lines and dots

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 ...

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Posted in: Automation

Promoting Five Employees to Key Positions to Support Expansion

April 30th, 2021 by Function4

Multiple people in business attire gathered around a crescent-shaped desk, 3 of them applauding their co-worker as he shakes another man's hand after being promoted

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Reinvests in Top Talent to Improve Customer Experience SUGARLAND, TX -Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently announced that they have promoted five employees...

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Posted in: Press Release

5 Accounts Payable KPIs Worth Tracking

April 29th, 2021 by Justin Cunningham

5 accounts payable KPIs worth tracking

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...

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Posted in: Automation

The Power of Business Process Management (in Facts and Figures)

April 27th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

What is Business Process Management (BPM) - Types, Steps & Real Benefits

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Malware is Running Rampant - Learn The 3 Moves to Stop It

April 26th, 2021 by Function4

A hooded figure wearing a face-covering holding a USB threateningly up to a laptop with binary and other icons relating to technology interposed over the image to represent cyber security and malware threats

Function4 Helps Customers Protect Their Precious Networks SUGAR LAND, TX Function4 a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), proactively helps businesses address the increased threat of malware affecting small to mid-sized...

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Posted in: Press Release

Your Business Information Should Work for You… Not Against You

April 22nd, 2021 by Elija Paajanen

Introduction to Management Information System

Information, in all its formats, is the lifeblood of business. Yet, it is an asset that’s often poorly managed, and therefore, provides less value than its potential. Let’s face it. Information only has value when it is refined and used for decision-making....

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Posted in: Business Technology

Why Metadata is as Important as the Data Itself

April 20th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

The role of metadata in a data-driven strategy | Zeenea

The sheer volume of information being created on a daily basis by the average business is staggering. In fact, it’s been estimated that more data has been created in the last two years alone than in the entirety of human history leading up to that...

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Posted in: Business Technology

How Automation in the Workplace Can Help Every Type of Business

April 13th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

How DevOps Tools Are Contributing to Automation Initiatives Across the IT Landscape - DevOps.com

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....

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Posted in: Automation

The 6 Consequences of Not having a Managed Print Services Program

April 12th, 2021 by Kevin Box

Picture2

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...

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Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology

How Long Does It Actually Take to Find a Document?

April 8th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

How Fast Does Your AdWords Data Update? Find Out

Let’s track the timeline of responses over the last twenty years… 2001 IDC reports that workers who manage, create, or edit documents for a company were spending up to 2.5 hours per day searching for what...

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Posted in: Document Management

Why You Should be Performing an Annual Audit on Your Print Environment

April 6th, 2021 by Tom Darnall

internal audit roles Archives - Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Nigeria

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

HR Process Automation with Function4

April 5th, 2021 by Function4

HR Automation

Given the amount of information human resource departments are required to manage and secure, it is reasonable that these HR processes can become difficult to organize. Information management solutions provide tools that can assist in streamlining...

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Posted in: Document Management, Automation

How to Reduce Careless Employee Printing

April 1st, 2021 by Jason Callahan

office printing statistics

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

What Features should I look for in Document Management Software?

April 1st, 2021 by Kevin Box

You ask Function4 answers

When searching for Document Management Software, there are certain features that should be included to ensure maximum efficiency. Beyond the basics such as document organization, file tagging, and version control, one unique feature to look for is resource...

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Posted in: You Ask, Function4 Answers

COVID-19 Accelerates Azure Adoption Among Customers

March 31st, 2021 by Function4

A blue 3D cloud that is connected to several laptops interposed over a globe and circuitry imagery, representing the Cloud technology like Microsoft Azure

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider (MTSP) Reports on Spike in Cloud Demand from Small to MidSized Businesses (SMBs) SUGAR LAND, TX - Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today that the COVID-19...

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Posted in: Press Release

Printing for Businesses with Multiple Locations

March 30th, 2021 by Brian Wistisen

How to Optimize for Multiple Locations

Print servers are the go-to choice when it comes to a corporate printing infrastructure. Conventional direct IP printing is different than server printing. With direct IP, printers are managed on a workstation-by-workstation basis. Print...

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Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology

What Causes Slow Network Printing?

March 25th, 2021 by Chris Summerhays

Extremely slow internet on PC, other PC's on network work fine - SuperTechman

When your network printer is slow to respond, you might find yourself wondering what causes slow network printing. This is a common scenario. Here are a few established workarounds for slow network printing. How to fix slow network printing...

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Posted in: Document Management

What is a Document Management System? And Why is it Useful?

March 24th, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

Document Management System for smart ID credentials

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....

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Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology

How to drastically reduce printer-related service desk calls

March 23rd, 2021 by Tom Darnall

Technician getting stressed over server maintenance in server room

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. ...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Be Ahead of the Game: Give Your IT Department Tools to Encourage Innovation

March 17th, 2021 by Jacob Eskelsen

Innovate Or Die: The Cost Of Not Doing Anything

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

3 Common Security Mistakes When It Comes to Printing in Federal Organizations

March 16th, 2021 by Steve Kelley

Technician getting stressed over server maintenance in server room

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...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity, Document Management

Are Your Current Print Management Practices Future Proof?

March 11th, 2021 by Tom Darnall

Print Manager for Business and Education | Print Management Solution

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...

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Posted in: Document Management

3 Signs to Upgrade Copiers and Multifunctional Printers

March 5th, 2021 by Max Queen

printer

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

A Closer Look at SaaS Print Management

March 4th, 2021 by Neil Thomas

SaaS

2020 has been a big year for organizations moving their business processes to software as a service (SaaS). Recent corporate surveys have indicated that 80% of all businesses were already using at least one SaaS solution. By the start of...

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Posted in: Business Technology

5 Reasons SaaS Software Solutions are Right For You

March 3rd, 2021 by Ross Lasley

OpenStudio - What is a Software as a Service (SaaS)?

The software industry has been rapidly changing over the last several years. The most significant change has come in adapting software as a service instead of selling perpetual licenses with maintenance agreements. Microsoft was one of the first...

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Posted in: Business Technology

What Are the Key Components of a Serverless Print Infrastructure?

March 2nd, 2021 by Brian Wistisen

Technician getting stressed over server maintenance in server room

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

3 Reasons To Consider a Managed Print Services Program

February 26th, 2021 by Kevin Box

Channeling the benefits of Managed Print Services for SMEs | Channel Pro

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...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity, Business Technology

4 Ways to Create the Best Customer Experience in Technology

February 24th, 2021 by Kevin Box

4 excellent customer services skills for 5-star support

Have you ever been in a large retail store looking for a particular product and asked an associate to help you with your search? Does it bother you if the associate just points you in the product's direction instead of walking you to its location?...

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Posted in: General

Digital Transformation Begins Where Legacy Software Ends

February 23rd, 2021 by Garrett Hollander

Companies That Failed At Digital Transformation And What We Can Learn From Them

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,...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Print Server versus Service Client: What’s the Difference?

February 23rd, 2021 by Tom Darnall

Mobile device sending images to a printer

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...

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Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology

Cloud Solutions: Cloud Backup vs. Cloud Storage vs. Cloud Synching

February 18th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

Hand holding up a piece of paper with a cut-out of a cloud

Businesses that are still relying on old-school methods such as on-site servers for file storage and an on-premises legacy phone system for communications are taking a risk. Without the flexibility and efficiency of the Cloud, you’ll be choking on...

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Posted in: Business Technology, Phone Systems

Stop Money From Slipping Through the Cracks: Making Collections Management Easy

February 17th, 2021 by Jon Seaman

automate

Positive cash flow is what keeps businesses running smoothly, leaving it up to collections management to turn money that’s owed into money in the bank. Sounds easy, right? Not so much. Many AR departments continue to rely on manual methods in the collections...

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Posted in: Automation

7 Reasons to Hang Up Legacy Phone Systems

February 16th, 2021 by Darcy Mekis

Two colleagues sitting in front of a desk with their laptops, looking at a hand written piece of paper

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,...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

What Happened to My Data? We Explain the Dangers of Insufficient Backup Procedures

February 15th, 2021 by Function4

A man in dress shirt and pants grabbing the back of his head with both hands while looking at a server room after insufficient backup procedures lead to a disaster

SUGAR LAND, TX - Today's businesses are operating at a blistering pace and IT infrastructure has become the backbone of small to mid-sized businesses across the nation. The complexity and strain placed on networks has exposed SMBs to greater security...

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Posted in: Press Release

4 Avoidable Stresses of Working with Business Documents

February 11th, 2021 by Wendy Seykens

Frustrated man

The following article is a guest post by Wendy Seykens, Marketing and Communications Coordinator with M-Files partner BMconsultants. This year has become the year of virtual meetings — where we all convene together to discuss business. An hour here,...

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Posted in: Document Management

Your Phone is Now Your Front Door

February 11th, 2021 by Adam Vervaeke

Businessman wearing a red tie sitting at desk in front of a laptop, looking at his iPhone

For many companies, in as little a few days, business models shifted from tried and true operations to everything happening over the phone. We are all in uncharted ground, where distancing has become the prime directive and in-person interactions are...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

How Can UCaaS Enable Greater Employee Mobility?

February 9th, 2021 by Darcy Mekis

UCaaS mobility

The idea of flexible work has become a competitive advantage in business. This flexibility facilitates employee mobility, supported by technology. Now, it’s likely that most of your workforce must be mobile. That’s due to not only the shift to required...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

Switch to Cloud-Based Phone Systems and Reap These Benefits

February 4th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

Finger touching a futuristic Wi-Fi button

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...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

Customer Support Response Times

February 3rd, 2021 by Glyn Morgan

call center technology

A successful business usually has an outstanding customer service department. Nothing can make or break a company faster than customer service. Your ability and response time to resolve an issue can mean keeping your customer happy and a client for many...

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Posted in: General

What Is Cloud Communications?

February 2nd, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

cloud communications

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....

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Posted in: Business Technology, Phone Systems

Unified Communications for Small Business: 6 Features to Seek Out

January 28th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

unified communications

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...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

What Are the Key Components of a Serverless Print Infrastructure?

January 27th, 2021 by Brian Wistisen

serverless print infrastructure

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

On-Premise vs. Cloud : Which Phone System is Best for Your Business?

January 26th, 2021 by Kirsten Barta

UCaaS graphic cloud

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...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

5 Reasons to Start Using Cloud Communications Today

January 21st, 2021 by Adam Vervaeke

UCaaS-graphic

Cloud communications adoption was already on the rise even before 2020. The year-over-year market growth rate for Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) from 2018 to 2019 was 17.7 percent, with global revenue reaching $10.4 billion in Q4. Today,...

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Posted in: Phone Systems

Function4 Selected as a 2020 ENX Magazine Elite Dealer

January 20th, 2021 by Max Queen

ENX Magazine elite dealer 2020

Toluca Lake, CA (Nov. 1, 2020)— ENX Magazine announced that Function4 was among the nation’s top office technology dealerships chosen this year as a 2020 Elite Dealer. Function4 provides a variety of Hardware, Software, and IT Services that focus on...

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Posted in: General

3 Reasons SMB Leaders Prefer Managed IT Services

January 19th, 2021 by Max Queen

man in glasses

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,...

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Posted in: Business Technology

3 Reasons Managed IT is Right For You

January 14th, 2021 by Max Queen

managed it services

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...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Helping Companies Transition From Old Phone Systems That Hindered Remote Worker Performance

January 13th, 2021 by Function4

A man working remotely from home holing his cellphone up to talk on speakerphone while continuing to work on his computer

Leading MTSP's Cloud Voice Solution Maximizes Communication and Productivity of Remote Workers SUGAR LAND, TX - Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today that the company is helping small to mid-sized...

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Posted in: Press Release

The Financial Burden of Inadequate IT Services and Security Data Breaches

January 12th, 2021 by Max Queen

data breach laptop

How much will it cost your company to recover following a data breach? New research from IBM Security paints a sobering picture, with costs increasing by 450,000 on average from 2019 to 2020. And here in the U.S., businesses can expect to pay even more...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

How to Approach The Future of Document Management

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...

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Posted in: Document Management, Automation

Cyber Crime is Exploding: How to Protect Your Business

January 6th, 2021 by Max Queen

hacker in the city cybersecurity

Iconic heists have made and destroyed fortunes. They make great scenes for exciting movie plots. Think of Butch Cassidy and his gang blowing up train tracks and fleeing on horseback with $50,000 in cash. Or consider a thief walking out of the Louvre...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Five Key Trends for the Display Industry during the New Normal

January 5th, 2021 by Mehryn Corrigan

Five Key Trends for the Display Industry during the New Normal

The display industry was already going through considerable changes when COVID-19 hit. Now, the pandemic has accelerated that innovation. The following are five key trends based on our new environment that companies in the display space should keep in...

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Posted in: Business Technology

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