Why You Should Consider a Print Audit

With tight budgets and growing demands, managing print resources efficiently is more important than ever. For businesses like yours, a print audit can uncover significant savings, optimise workflows, and contribute to a more sustainable approach.

But firstly, what is a print audit?

A print audit is an in-depth analysis of your current printing environment. It examines your devices, printing patterns, costs, and workflows, highlighting areas where you could save. For businesses with complex printing needs, a print audit offers a clear path to optimisation.

In a print audit, at CDP we cover:

• Print volume tracking: Understanding who prints what, and when, to uncover opportunities for more efficient usage.
• Cost analysis: Detailing printing expenses and identifying savings.
• Device assessment: Evaluating how your printers perform and whether they match your needs.
• Waste reduction: Identifying where resources can be conserved or unnecessary waste avoided.

With a clear view of your current setup, a print audit can offer actionable recommendations to enhance workflows, reduce costs, and boost security.

Why Consider a Print Audit?

1. Cost Savings: Reduce Printing Expenses
   Many companies don’t realise how much they’re spending on printing until they see a detailed breakdown. A print audit exposes hidden costs and highlights areas where expenses can be trimmed. Our experience shows that, with some adjustments, businesses can cut printing costs by as much as 30%. Imagine reallocating those savings to areas that drive growth instead!
   
   
2. Increase Efficiency and Productivity
   We can go further into how a print audit affects daily workflows. For instance, if certain departments need colour printing but have to share a device with other teams, it may slow down productivity. A print audit can identify these bottlenecks and suggest solutions, such as reassigning or upgrading devices to meet team-specific needs.
   
   

Did you know? Efficient print management can improve employee productivity by reducing time spent on printing-related issues.

3. Embrace Sustainability
   At CDP, we’re committed to helping businesses meet sustainability goals. By understanding where waste occurs, a print audit allows you to reduce your paper, toner, and energy usage, all while cutting costs. In fact, moving toward digital workflows and implementing sustainable printing practices can drastically lower your environmental impact.
   
   
4. Strengthen Security and Compliance
   Data security is a top concern, especially for organisations handling sensitive information. A print audit uncovers potential security vulnerabilities in your printing setup, helping you implement best practices to protect your data. By securing print jobs, reducing the risk of documents being left on printers, and restricting access to confidential documents, a print audit helps you achieve compliance and improve security across the board.

How Does a Print Audit Work?

When you choose CDP for your print audit, you’ll benefit from our personalised, straightforward approach. Our decades of experience across sectors mean we understand the unique challenges businesses face. Here’s how we conduct a print audit:

1. Consultation: We start by getting to know your business and understanding your objectives.
2. Data Collection: Over a set period, we monitor usage patterns, device performance, and costs.
3. Analysis and Reporting: Our findings are compiled into a comprehensive report, providing insights and tailored recommendations.
4. Implementation Support: We guide you through any adjustments to help reduce costs, enhance security, and boost sustainability.

Our process is designed to be hassle-free, ensuring you get the information and support you need without disrupting daily operations.

Is a Print Audit Right for Your Business?

If you’ve never conducted a print audit or it’s been a while since your last one, now might be the perfect time. Think about the following:

• Are printing costs higher than you’d like?
• Do you have outdated equipment that impacts efficiency?
• Are you meeting your sustainability goals?
• Could your print setup benefit from improved security measures?

A print audit provides clarity on these questions and offers a tailored approach to improving your print environment.

Why Partner with CDP?

At CDP, we combine industry expertise, award-winning services, and a hands-on approach. We pride ourselves on acting as a part of your team, bringing our client-first ethos to every project. Our role as founder members of the Independent Print Industries Association and our extensive awards speak to our dedication and quality.

When you’re ready to explore the benefits of a print audit, get in touch with us today!

FAQs

Q: What types of businesses benefit the most from a print audit?
A: Businesses of all sizes can benefit, but a print audit is especially valuable for organisations with high print volumes or those in regulated industries (like finance, healthcare, and education) where security and compliance are essential. Companies looking to improve efficiency, cut costs, and enhance sustainability also see great value in print audits.

Q: How long does a print audit usually take?
A: The duration depends on the size and complexity of your organisation’s print setup. For smaller businesses, a print audit might take just a few days to a week. Larger organisations with more devices and departments may require a few weeks for thorough data collection and analysis.

Q: Is there any disruption to daily operations during a print audit?
A: At CDP, we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Most data collection is passive, meaning we can gather insights without interfering with your day-to-day operations. Our team works with you to ensure that the audit is conducted with minimal impact on productivity.

Q: What kind of data do you need to conduct a print audit?
A: For a comprehensive audit, we typically collect data on print volumes, costs per print job, device health, and workflow efficiency. Information such as department-specific printing needs and existing print policies also helps us tailor recommendations.

Q: How often should a business conduct a print audit?
A: Conducting a print audit every 1-2 years is recommended, especially as business needs evolve. Regular audits ensure that print environments stay cost-effective, secure, and sustainable. If your organisation undergoes significant changes, such as restructuring or an increase in print volume, an audit sooner may be beneficial.

Q: Can a print audit help reduce environmental impact?
A: Yes, one of the core benefits of a print audit is identifying ways to reduce waste. By pinpointing unnecessary print jobs and inefficient practices, a print audit helps organisations save on paper, toner, and energy usage, supporting eco-friendly goals.

Q: Will a print audit recommend new equipment or services?
A: While not always necessary, a print audit may identify opportunities for upgrading to more efficient equipment or implementing managed print services (MPS). If new devices or services would save you money or improve efficiency, we’ll provide these recommendations, but the final decision is always yours.

Q: Is the information collected during a print audit confidential?
A: Absolutely. At CDP, we prioritise client confidentiality and adhere to strict data protection standards. All information gathered during a print audit is securely stored and used solely for the purpose of the audit. Once the audit is complete, any sensitive data is handled according to your organisation’s security policies.