Printers could be very useful at your next event- but there are certain common printer problems you need to know about. Very few offices require dedicated printers for all of their employees — and events, such as trade shows, it’s usually only necessary to have one or two. Most offices find it more affordable and easier to maintain one or two very expensive printers rather than a multitude of smaller ones. But this requires networking. Employees will need to be able to reliably send their jobs to their printer through the network, as well as having to maintain the printer’s resources remotely.

1. Connectivity on the Network – Master of Common printer problems

In order to be used over the network, the printer doesn’t just need a network connection. It also needs a network identification: the computers on the network need to be able to find it. On some networks, this may require a management of the printer’s DNS settings. The printer may require a static IP address rather than a dynamic IP address, and WiFi may introduce some additional challenges.

2. Unreported Resource Management

Printers need supplies to operate: toner, ink, and paper. If resource management isn’t being accurately reported over the network, the printer will often stop entirely until it is re-filled. By using the right printer drivers and applications, employees and IT support can track resources remotely. This makes it far easier to maintain consistent operations.

3. Wasteful Local Settings

Ink, quality, and color – user select all. Users who aren’t paying attention could potentially choose wasteful local settings that will quickly deplete resources and take time. Administrators should lock in some settings on the machine itself, to ensure that supplies aren’t used incorrectly.

4. Frequent Paper Jams

Paper jams are an area that printer technology will never be able to completely resolved. But if paper jams are occurring frequently… It may be down to a network issue rather than a physical issue with the paper. Some printers may begin to jam during times of high usage — so a busy network will inevitably begin introducing mechanical problems. The only way to resolve this is to introduce a delay into the printer queue.

Call BMS Computer & AV Rentals for more information about modern printer technology. Many printers today are exceptionally smart and easy to connect to an office network — they may even have additional features that you didn’t know you needed.