The Datamax Thinking Blog

The duck dive is an essential part of being a competent surfer. But your style better be on point. Did you know its technique can also help organizations confidently dive through and conquer their mounting waves of paper documents?

Before we get started, I’ll openly admit when it comes to surfing I’m a Barney, and a bit clucked when it comes to big waves—especially when sailing on an ever-dangerous and highly-demanding ocean cruise. As a cruise is about as close as I’ve been to the really big waves, I have always admired the tenacity and fearlessness of the surfers who ride them.

The study found that seventy-four percent (74%) of employees felt they were asked to do things on the job for which they were not properly trained.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, so you say you've got advanced service training certification(s)—so what. If those certifications were worth their salt, everyone would be pursuing achievement, touting the distinction, and donning the emblems."—Naysayers International

As it stands, many service providers don’t seem interested (or perhaps capable) unless such certifications are required or mandatory by the suppliers and manufacturers they represent. Mandatory certifications may ensure compliance but not necessarily commitment to learning—which is the point. The fact is the vast majority of advanced technical training certifications in arenas like the copier industry are dealer-voluntary. So what does it say about those who don’t voluntarily participate in them? Whether cost, commitment or perceived lack of value from, oh the way, the OEM, we think that's a pretty revealing question.

Poor communication?  In the top three?  Really? That's not a misprint ... poor communication.

There are many benefits from embracing this new network management paradigm: improved uptime, enhanced customer service and end user support, more efficient operations, and improved budget management to name a few. These benefits are realistic and attainable, yet many managed service providers struggle to deliver the promised benefits. Given the advantages provided by new technology, what else is required to be successful providing managed network services? Experience in the marketplace has shown that companies will fire technology service providers primarily for one of three reasons:

When you’re looking for a copier service provider (or whatever kind of service provider) to help you run your business, you need a partner – not just someone who’s only interested in selling you something.

Reliable copier service providers and a solid relationship go together like peanut butter and chocolate. You're willing to consume the calories, but you want it to be worth it. Like a peanut butter cup. When it comes to a service provider and a relationship there's not much differenceI – if you’re going to find one, you want it to be the right one.

The Technology Tipping Point ... Avoid getting caught in the undertow of managing your documents, processes and technology.

The technology tipping point. We refer to it as that particular moment when you come to the realization that you’re expending more time and energy managing your documents, processes and technology, rather than your business. It’s an opportunity for transformation. A wake-up call to avoid the looming undertow ahead. A chance to step back and pinpoint even the minutest day-to-day operations that are preventing your core business from thriving—so you can regain balance and begin to tip the momentum back to focusing on your forte.

Introducing multiple manufacturers into a technology infrastructure increases support complexity, which means extra costs.

One of the best things about working with companies in the SMB space (small and medium-sized businesses) is that there is never a dull moment. Technical people tend to be problem solvers and the interesting business models, creative growth strategies, aggressive goals, and unique challenges presented by these firms are part of what makes working with them so rewarding.

A successful MPS roll out depends on a change management strategy and a partner who understands its value.

Change is a common word that affects everyone, and is something we're experiencing more and more every day.