There are many proactive intelligent power protection options that are available today that will help increase sales and your profitability. By simply incorporating such features as microprocessor technology and cutting edge diagnostic software, office equipment dealers can easily become a respected source of knowledge for their customers, expand their portfolio, and increase profitability.
This approach is needed to accommodate the 21st century workplace. Businesses are using more power and leaving machines on longer, creating an environment that demands better power protection for ultimate efficiency. In fact, research from Lawrence Berkeley labs indicates that up to 50 percent of copiers, printers and similar devices are left in full power mode ALL the time. By providing preventive solutions that will make a difference in saving employers time and money – because today’s businesses are expecting their equipment to be ready at all times – you will guarantee yourself an edge over your competitors.
To show customers the extent of the problem, it is important to highlight why these changes are needed. There are plenty of compelling figures and studies to handle this task. For example, office equipment accounts for up to 32 percent of commercial energy consumption – and this excludes misuse of MFPs and printers. Additionally, according to BEI Services, an established data collection firm dedicated to the office machine industry, proactive power protection – or surge control – can save a company as much as 22 percent in service costs just for their copiers alone.
Several strategies can remedy this situation. One is employing new technology that monitors each outlet for electrical usage and each piece of equipment for its efficiency. As part of their function, these devices are designed to identify problematic equipment that is most vulnerable to being affected by power surges. This can help you justify selling needed upgrades and replacing these machines with newer, more efficient models.
Another option is creating partnerships with technicians who employ innovative technologies that allow them to pre-diagnose and manage power-related service calls. In some cases, this can eliminate the need for service calls or reduce the time at the customer’s site, both of which lower costs. The partnerships will build confidence between all parties involved and ensure that they are using their time to correct problems most efficiently.
Finally, assess the savings that your clients receive from equipment monitoring and/or pre-diagnosed power-related service calls, and share them with employers to see if they meet their performance indicators for surge control. If the companies see measurable results, your solutions are working and should be continued. If not, the reasons should be analyzed, the causes identified, and alternate corrections applied.
By taking these measures, you can expect to be more productive and profitable in your business and outpace your competitors. You will become an industry leader who creates customers for life, and with approximately $5 billion spent per year to power office devices in the United States, your earning potential is virtually limitless. So make a change and incorporate power saving changes into your portfolio today.
