How the GFC affected BEAR Solutions

The GFC in many ways shocked the world. Banks and institutionions collapsed . Estimates of trillion dollars losses. Difficult time for small business. I could write endless paragraphs and the cause of effect of the GFC but I think we are all aware of the current worldwide situation (if you are interested in more reading start here and following the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_crisis_of_2007–2010#Impacts_on_financial_institutions)

The GFC forced BEAR to look deeper inside our business to ensure our business model was secure. Of course we are pleased to report it is. But it was evident that many organisations around the world took the same approach. Organisations are during their business review realised that copy and print transactions can no longer go unchecked within their business. If these transactions are not regularly audited or managed significant waste of capital and resources is allowed to occur everyday within the business.

Unnecessary printing of documents, reprinting of documents or leaving documents on a printer for later collection that never occurs is significant cost to any sized organisation. Here is a simple equation.

Print and Copy Cost = (Number of staff x average number of daily prints and copies x average cost to produce*) x total number of working days per annum

* The total cost to produce each copy or print includes paper, toner and any maintenance charges

So now you have your figure. Surprised? If you don’t know your average number of prints or copies this could even be of greater concern.

Now here is the interesting bit. Typically when BEAR deploys a cost recovery or management system into a new client where a system has not existed prior, we see an immediately reduction in print and copy volumes of at least 30%. The return on investment (ROI) of a BEAR system can often be as little as 6 months. After this period business continue to see the clear and obvious benefits in cost savings.

Why such a reduction? Awareness is the key driving factor. Whether using BEAR products to inform users of their transactions or confirming that a user wishes to print the document or even the simple realisation that evey print or copy is being now recorded for reporting is enough of a incentive for staff to stop and think “Yes I do need this printed” or “I’ll check this document to ensure there are not mistakes” or, my personal favorite, no more printing of birthday invitations or full colour photos of the kids!!

BEAR printing solutions also offer and environmental report. With the ability to report on individual, group or the entire print and copy systems CO₂ output, KW hours and percentage of trees used per print and copy users are able to see how they contribute to this important issue.