The Datamax Thinking Blog

Educating, collaborating, and sparking ideas for maximizing the technology that matters.


Enterprise Print Management: 9 Tools That Offer Relief for IT Administrators

A proficient IT administrator derives satisfaction from automating tasks to enhance productivity, responsiveness ... and positivity.

In today's hypersonic-paced IT world, it's no surprise that the typical IT department is juggling a ridiculous number of tasks. From managing help ticket requests to tackling long-term projects to addressing ever-present security risks, it seems never-ending.

Topics: Office Equipment Print Management Technology Support Print Security

Going Deep: 3 Keys to a Relevant Business Technology Needs Assessment

The willingness and ability of a technology vendor to deeply explore a client’s print and workflow is a difference maker. It's the first step in streamling business processes and improving total cost of technology ownership. It also eliminates costly assumptions.

Perhaps spelunking’s greatest allure is exploring everything that's impossible to see on the surface. The thrilling discoveries lie in making the unknown known, of pursuing the depths below because, ultimately, you don't know what's there until you dive deep.

Topics: Office Equipment Document Workflow Technology Support Multifunction Copier Workflow

Section 179: A Huge Incentive for SMBs to Invest in Technology Now

Almost all types of “business equipment” new or used that your company buys or finances will qualify for the Section 179 Deduction.

Still considering an upgrade on that antiquated office equipment? For small to medium-sized businesses searching for ways to boost productivity and improve profitability through technology investment, there's a big incentive to do so now — The Section 179 Deduction. 

Topics: Office Equipment Technology Support Technology Procurement

Does Your Technology Partner Pass Your 2020 Vision Test?

Do their values reflect a commitment to maximizing your return on technology investment? Is their communication – and their approach – crystal clear?

Pardon the inevitable pun. But does your technology partner have a 2020 vision, at least for your business? Does their vision match your's?

In other words, can they:

  • Speak to the true challenges of your industry and your specific organization?
  • Identify opportunities for creating more efficient business processes, and make relevant technology recommendations that are relevant to YOU?  
  • Maintain accountability with proven results?
Topics: Office Equipment Partnering Technology Support Creating Raving Fans Technology Pain Technology Training

Tax Season is Here: Have You Audited For Social Engineered Attacks?

This is not a sophisticated scam. However, it is an effective and profitable one and it happens to an increasing number of companies across America each year around tax time.

Tax season is here. Are you safe? That seems like an odd question to ask; nevertheless, with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals it must be considered and answered.

Topics: Network Management Technology Support Network Security Social Engineering

Masters of Copier Service: Performance Metrics that Prove it on the Course

Reputable technology partners don’t just talk a big game. They measure their performance constantly. And then they prove it on the course by sharing a variety of valuable, game-changing metrics with you, the client.

Tiger Woods’ emotional victory at the Master’s Sunday was a seminal moment in American sports history.

The emotional moments following his final putt – from the family embraces to the chants of “Tiger!” from the crowd - swept the sports world with a comeback story for the ages. Perhaps lost in this dramatic vignette over the weekend were the tireless hours that went into fine-tuning his mechanics day by day, shot by shot. And using technology to his advantage.

Topics: Technology Support Canon Technology Training Copier Service

The Strategic Partnership Review — Ensuring Hyperfocus on Key Account Management

Account reviews only occur when I scream for a persistent problem to be resolved." - Bennett F., IT Director

Account Review, Quarterly Business Review (QBR), Business Review Meeting, Executive Business Review, or the periodic “Let’s Do Lunch” Corporate Schmooze; the practice of ongoing customer relationship management takes on many names, many meanings, and many forms — provided it happens at all. 

When you are a major account managing an entire fleet of copiers and printers, it must happen. And it must happen regularly to proactively review current service performance, and maintain hyperfocus on the landscape of our joint venture ahead. 

Topics: Office Equipment Technology Support Creating Raving Fans Key Acccounts Net Promoter Score

Avoid the Great Divide Between Service Level Expectations and Reality

As the landscape changes, so do business needs. It’s a technology partner’s obligation to maintain an open dialogue, to listen intently, and provide complete transparency on documented expectations and business-building strategies. 

In my time as a Solutions Sales Specialist, I played a lot of  “20 Questions.”

My steady stream of inquiries to clients had a strategic intent. The client's answers provided key nuggets of information for:

  • digging into client current (and future) needs 
  • discovering operational challenges 
  • planting new seeds of opportunity 
  • ensuring expectations were being met at all times

If there was a gap between my client's perception and reality, it was my job to stand in it.

Topics: Office Equipment Partnering Print Management Technology Support Creating Raving Fans Productivity Tips and Tools Legal Tips and Tools PrintView Copier Service Net Promoter Score

Five Network Security Questions to Consider as You Seek Peace of Mind

A Network Risk Assessment can dispel security concerns and propel your team to the ultimate goal for your organization and its network infrastructure – peace of mind.

For me, there’s perhaps no better mind-clearing, stress-relieving pastime then a jaunt along the trails at a nearby state park. The sun poking its way through the towering pine trees, coupled with the low-volume sounds of the early morning surrounding me, provides me peace of mind to empower a productive week ahead.

Isn’t peace of mind – in our homes and our workplace what we all ultimately crave? Given today’s volatile cyber security climate, fear and uncertainty of everything from downtime to network intrusion can disrupt an organization’s collective contentment.

Topics: Network Management Managed Services IT Consulting Technology Support Network Security Security

Seven Common Ground Rules for Effective Collaboration

Regular collaboration is a powerful tool in staying fresh within your organization and within your industry. After all, two – or more – heads are usually better than one.

My front yard flowerbed is perpetually on the brink of being overtaken by weeds.

Just as quickly as I can remove the Greenbrier vine, the pesky East Texas weed is already poking its way back through the soil, wrapping around my boxwood shrubs and Azaleas (whose blooms have me daydreaming about the upcoming Masters Tournament). Regular care and maintenance is a necessity if I want to achieve desired growth in my yard.

Providing Managed Services or even Copier Service can be a lot like my flowerbed.

Topics: Technology Support Productivity Tips and Tools