Large and small companies continue to examine and manage corporate expenditures, implementing cost-cutting incentives in an effort to improve financial performance and shareholder equity. One of the areas most often overlooked and under-realized is document output. According to Gartner Research Group, output fleets (copiers, printers, facsimiles, scanners and associated supplies) continue to be one of the most under-managed and costly assets within many companies, resulting in lost revenue. Industry analysts say those costs can total up to 3% of annual revenue.

Furthermore, it is estimated that printing expenses equal over $800 per year per employee, and are increasing at a rate of 10% each year. Printing now accounts for 80% of document output.

One of the reasons document output costs are often overlooked is the fragmented method of procurement and management within the organization. The acquisition of equipment, service, and supplies is often spread throughout a number of departments. There is little to no awareness of usage, total cost of ownership, or even the number of printers in use. With a process similar to the above, the ability to effectively manage document output expenses is lost.