lough, UK, June 28 2012 — OKI Data Corporation, an OKI Group company specializing in the printer business today announced that OKI Systems (UK) is delivering a comprehensive managed print services (MPS) solution to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in partnership with IBM UK. Adopting this new approach has enabled Defra to rationalize its printer fleet, reduce operating costs and carbon footprint and achieve tighter control over its print operations.
IBM had an existing contract with Defra, covering the provision of IT services and solutions. Tasked by Defra to help it save costs, IBM recommended a move away from the ad-hoc procurement of print devices and consumables towards the delivery of an MPS solution.
The new approach allows hardware to be provided covered by a specific service level agreement (SLA), and consumables to be delivered automatically free of charge as part of the service on a just in time basis. IBM issued a tender for a solution provider to deliver the service and after a period of consultation selected OKI Systems (UK) as its partner.
As Chris Jackson, Senior Delivery Project Executive, IBM explains, “OKI fitted the bill as an experienced printing solutions manufacturer and MPS provider with proven expertise in managing large projects. We had confidence it could provide all the required services and manage the printing solutions element of the project accordingly.”
In total, the printer fleet at Defra was rationalized from 1384 to 548 devices, representing a significant saving in hardware, consumables and running costs. There have also been significant environmental benefits, with Defra estimating that it has been able to achieve CO2 savings of 47 per cent so far.
A Defra spokesperson says, “the MPS implementation has given us a much greater level of control over and visibility of our print operations. Today, we know exactly what printers we have, where each device is located, and precisely how much printing is costing us.”
OKI is also remotely monitoring devices to provide automated consumables, a telephone helpdesk and on site engineering support when required. IBM and OKI Systems (UK) also deliver a quarterly Printer Effectiveness report to Defra.
The objective is to provide a continuous assessment of the department’s printing requirement. This includes information about how the fleet is operating and the number of pages that have been printed but also advice on whether there is a need to move devices around, to ensure best utilization of assets and, to improve the benefits Defra is receiving from MPS, ensuring that changing business needs are met.
According to Phil Scrase, Managing Director, OKI Systems UK, “ultimately the implementation is all about controlling Defra’s printing costs and making sure their printing requirements are met at the same time – not only today but also into the future as its business needs change. Together with IBM, we have helped to revolutionise the whole approach to printing at Defra and the department is reaping the rewards in terms of enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, budgetary control and environmental benefits.”