The humble photocopier has evolved into the multifunctional device (MFD) - a networked scanner, printer and copier in one - and emerging software applications have the capability to extend the role of the MFD way beyond its traditional functions. Their potential is wide-ranging, offering an opportunity for resellers to offer MFDs which are tailored specifically for the organisations they are selling to.

End users are already developing their own software applications to fit their business needs. The way forward is for resellers to be educated about these advances and to be one step ahead of print technology.

For example, Bluetooth technology means that it is now possible for users to send print jobs to an MFD from their mobile devices, making it feasible for them to print documents from any site - such as a café or airport lounge - that has a printer. In order to protect confidential documents, it is also possible to encrypt the data so that only authorised personnel can release the print job when they are physically standing at the MFD.

Print manufacturers already work with third party software vendors to provide swipe cards to authorise access to print devices. Biometrics and voice activation will be the next step. In a twist to secure print technologies, one end user has recently developed an application which links their CCTV system to an MFD. The application monitors the building and prints out photos of any intruders.

But, the future of printing doesn’t stop with security developments. The interface of an MFD can now be used to access emails, increasing user productivity. And with increasing pressure on businesses to become greener, java developers are using a software development kit to measure the energy that each print device within their organisation uses, allowing the IT manager to evaluate the efficiency of its fleet. Some end users are using the MFD as the environmental hub of the office by allowing it to control the office lights, while others have set automatic timers on the MFD so that it automatically switches off out of office hours.

End users are also calling for printers which are specifically tailored to their needs. For example, some are implementing larger buttons for the visually impaired, while education establishments and events organisers are developing software to allow attendees to register via the interface of the MFD. From this, a list of attendees and an ID card for each entrant can be printed. After the event information on the attendees can be uploaded onto a database and used to tap into potential sales leads.

In conclusion, print technology is evolving rapidly and it’s an opportunity for resellers to offer the tools which are out there to help their customers create software specifically for their needs.