As businesses grow, their printing needs often increase as well. Whether it’s producing marketing materials, customer invoices, training manuals, high-volume printing is an important function in many industries.

Standard office printers can handle everyday printing tasks, but when print jobs become larger and more frequent, businesses may experience slow output, rising costs, and inconsistent quality. For organizations that rely on printed materials, investing in a production print device can be a game-changer. These machines are designed for high-speed, high-quality, and cost-effective bulk printing, making them an essential asset for companies with large-scale printing needs.

This blog explores what a production print device is, the signs that indicate your business needs one, and how it can enhance productivity, quality, and cost savings.

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What Is a Production Print Device?

A production print device is a high-performance printer designed to handle large print jobs efficiently and at a lower cost per page than traditional office printers. Unlike standard printers, these machines offer advanced features that cater to businesses needing frequent, high-volume printing.

Key Characteristics of Production Printers:

  • High-Speed Printing: Can produce hundreds of pages per minute, reducing wait times.
  • Large Paper Capacity: Handles thousands of sheets at once, minimizing the need for frequent refills.
  • Advanced Finishing Options: Includes binding, folding, perforating, and stapling for professional-quality documents.
  • Superior Print Quality: Provides sharp images, vibrant colors, and precise text, which is critical for branding and marketing.

Production printers are used across many different industries, from marketing and publishing to healthcare and education, helping businesses manage their printing needs in-house without relying on third-party providers.

A vibrant digital printer releasing a burst of colors, showcasing the process of high-quality printing with vivid hues and dynamic flow.

Signs Your Business Needs a Production Printer

If you’re unsure whether your business should invest in a production printer, consider these common pain points that indicate it might be time for an upgrade:

  1. Frequent Outsourcing of Printing: If your company regularly sends large print jobs to outside vendors, you could be spending far more than necessary. A production printer allows you to bring those jobs in-house, cutting costs and giving you greater control over timelines and quality.
  2. Inconsistent Print Quality: Standard office printers often produce varying print quality, leading to issues like faded colors, streaky text, or alignment problems. If professional-looking documents are a necessity for your business, a production printer ensures consistency and reliability in every batch.
  3. Slow Print Speeds Causing Delays: When employees wait for large documents to print, overall productivity drops. Production printers eliminate bottlenecks by handling bulk jobs quickly and efficiently, freeing up time for more important things.
  4. High Printing Costs: Although office printers may seem cost-effective initially, the cost per page can add up over time. Between toner, paper, and maintenance, high-volume printing can become expensive. Production printers offer lower per-page costs and reduced maintenance needs, saving businesses money in the long run.
  5. Need for Customization and Specialty Printing: If your business prints marketing materials, training manuals, or customer communications with variable data, production printers provide advanced customization options. They can handle specialty papers, custom sizes, and unique finishes that standard printers cannot.

Key Benefits of a Production Print Device

Investing in a production printer provides businesses with several advantages, from cost savings to improved efficiency and quality.

  1. Cost Savings Over Time: While a production printer may have a higher initial cost than an office printer, the long-term savings can be significant. By eliminating outsourcing costs, reducing per-page printing expenses, and minimizing maintenance issues, businesses can see a strong return on investment.
  2. Increased Efficiency & Speed: Production printers can handle thousands of pages per hour, ensuring quick turnaround times. Businesses no longer need to deal with slow printing speeds or frequent refills, allowing employees to focus on core tasks rather than waiting for documents to print.
  3. Superior Print Quality: A production printer provides crisp text, sharp images, and accurate colors, making it ideal for branding, marketing, and high-quality internal documents. This level of quality ensures that printed materials reflect the professionalism of your business.
  4. Greater Control & Customization: With an in-house production printer, businesses can print on demand, reducing waste and ensuring materials are always up to date. Customization options allow for personalized direct mail, unique paper sizes, and specialty finishes, making it easier to produce standout marketing materials.
  5. Enhanced Security & Compliance: For industries handling sensitive information—such as healthcare, finance, and government—a production printer provides built-in security features, including user authentication, encryption, and document tracking. This helps businesses maintain compliance with industry regulations and protect confidential data.

Industries That Benefit from Production Print Devices

Many businesses can streamline their printing processes and cut costs by using a production printer. Here are a few industries where these devices make a significant impact:

  1. Marketing & Advertising: Businesses in this field need high-quality brochures, posters, and direct mail pieces. A production printer ensures quick turnaround times and professional-grade materials.
  2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Hospitals and medical facilities print thousands of documents daily, including patient records and compliance forms. A production printer ensures secure and efficient document management.
  3. Manufacturing & Retail: From product catalogs to promotional materials, manufacturing and retail businesses benefit from the high-speed, cost-effective capabilities of production printers.
  4. Education & Nonprofits: Schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations print a variety of materials, such as study guides, event flyers, and fundraising brochures. A production printer reduces printing costs while ensuring high-quality output.
  5. Government & Financial Services: Secure document printing is a necessity for government agencies and financial institutions. Production printers provide controlled access and compliance with industry regulations while maintaining confidentiality.

How to Choose the Right Production Printer for Your Business

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Selecting the right production printer depends on your specific business needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Print Volume & Speed: Determine how many pages you print daily and choose a model that matches your volume.
  • Print Quality Requirements: If you print marketing materials, high-resolution capabilities and color accuracy are important.
  • Finishing Options: Consider whether you need stapling, binding, perforating, or folding capabilities.
  • Media Compatibility: Ensure the printer supports the types of paper and specialty materials you use.
  • Cost & ROI Considerations: Calculate the upfront cost versus long-term savings in outsourcing and supply expenses.
  • Integration & Workflow: Make sure the printer integrates with your existing systems and software to streamline operations.

Making the Move to Production Printing

A production print device is a smart investment for businesses that handle high-volume printing regularly. By bringing large-scale printing in-house, companies can save money, improve efficiency, and produce professional-quality materials on demand. Whether you’re in marketing, healthcare, manufacturing, education, or financial services, a production printer can help streamline your operations and boost output.

About Modern Office Methods (MOM)

Modern Office Methods has helped businesses navigate their document challenges for over 60 years. They offer Production Print Solutions, Managed Print Services, Software Solutions and IT Services to help enhance their customers’ business processes while reducing expenses.

For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit MOM’s main Blog page.