 Villanova, like most other
institutions and businesses, finds itself in the midst of the
"digital age" with the perceived promise of the "paperless
office" delivered via computer based electronic alternatives
to paper. For the fiscal 2002-2003 year the University
community consumed approximately 31 million sheets of paper.*
To address the rising support costs of such
a large and diverse print community, the University created
a "Print Management Strategy & Roadmap",
which presents the overall vision for managing costs while
providing users with the appropriate level of printing,
copying, and faxing capabilities. The University's "VPrint Program" provides the tactical actions
necessary to meet this vision. There are three goals
detailing the program:
- manage costs
- insure academic printing needs are met
- educate the University community about alternatives
to hardcopy output
background
In 2003, the University currently had 2,319 active hardcopy devices
deployed on campus, of which 1600 represent personal
printers, 359 represent network/workgroup printers, 160
represent copier/MFP** devices, and 200+ are fax devices.
Within the 2,319 hardcopy devices were over 170 different
types and models, making maintenance an expensive endeavor.
Based on the inventory, 25% of the
current printers are less than three years old; 25% are
between the ages of three to five years old; 35% of the
devices are between five and ten years old; and 11% of
the hardcopy devices are more than ten years old. Another important factor
was the age of some of the printer
fleet.
INITIATIVES
Based on the strategy work for the VPrint Program,
the following initiatives were launched:
- Print Assessment Program to
evaluate departmental needs and properly size printing
equipment
- Copier/MFP* Replacement Program to
replace the existing Minolta copiers with newer technology
- Network/Desktop Printer
Acquisition Program to provide guidance and controls
for the purchase of printing equipment
- Consumable Model to
insure the best possible pricing for all ink, toner,
and paper supplies
- Student Print Program
* It takes one tree to make seventeen reams
of paper!
**Multi-Function Printer
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