In today’s workplace, printing doesn’t always start at a desk.
A file may live in a shared drive. Someone reviews it on a phone. Edits happen in the cloud. By the time it reaches a printer, it has already moved through multiple devices, platforms, and people.
That shift has changed what businesses need from a printer. Modern systems are designed to support connected, shared environments without adding complexity. The goal is simple: keep work moving.
Many offices still rely on machines designed for workdays of the past. That gap shows up in small ways—extra steps, delays, or reliance on workarounds that slow things down. But those issues are avoidable.
“Choosing the right printer comes down to one thing: how well it fits the way your business operates,” Joe McFarlane, Printer and Hardware Engineer at Kustura Technologies, based in Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida.
Start with Paper
Start by looking at what you print most often. Different types of documents require different formats, and choosing the right one upfront helps avoid friction later.
- Standard documents — Letter (8.5 x 11), used for everyday printing like reports and internal materials
• Contracts or permits — Legal size, which allows for longer documents without scaling or cutting off content
• Shipping or inventory — Labels, designed for tracking, barcoding, and logistics workflows
• Plans or signage — Wide-format, used for drawings, layouts, and large-scale visuals
A mismatch here creates friction throughout the workflow. Multifunction systems help eliminate that by supporting multiple formats in one place.
Functionality That Supports the Workflow
Printers now sit inside the workflow rather than off to the side. Most teams benefit from having these capabilities in one system:
- Printing
- Copying
- Scanning
- Mobile printing
- Cloud integration (Google Drive, SharePoint, etc.)
When these requirements are clear, the next step is finding equipment that matches them without overcomplicating the process. Kustura’s e-commerce platform allows businesses to browse printers, copiers, and scanners by function, volume, and use case, making it easier to align equipment with how teams actually work.
The site offers access to products such as Kyocera’s ECOSYS and TASKalfa lines, designed to support shared, connected environments without adding unnecessary complexity.
Inkjet vs. Laser
Inkjet printers remain common in homes and creative settings, particularly for color-sensitive work and lower print volumes.
In office environments, usage tends to vary throughout the week. During slower periods, ink can sit in the printheads and dry, which may lead to clogging and maintenance issues over time.
“Laser-based systems use toner rather than liquid ink and are generally better suited for steady, shared use,” said Adam Preusler, IT Manager at Kustura. “They support higher page yields and more predictable supply usage.”
Volume Drives the Decision
Printer issues tend to surface during busy periods, often because the device isn’t built to handle the actual volume of work. Manufacturers typically define a maximum output and a recommended monthly volume that reflects what the machine can sustain over time. Staying within that range supports reliability and helps control long-term costs.
As a general rule, teams producing between 500 and 5,000 pages per month benefit from a workgroup printer. Higher-volume environments often require production-level systems designed for consistent, shared use.
The right choice also depends on how and where the printer is used. A small office may need a compact multifunction device, while a growing team may rely on a shared network printer. Warehouses often require label printing, and construction teams may need wide-format output for plans and signage.
Kustura’s lineup reflects this range, and its e-commerce platform makes it possible to filter and compare options based on how the equipment will actually be used.
Hidden Costs
Purchase price is only part of the equation. Ongoing costs include supplies, maintenance, and downtime. Printers also play a role in cost control and security—areas often overlooked in day-to-day operations. Kustura explores that connection here: Your Printer Could Be the Key to Cutting Costs and Strengthening Security.
Addressing those factors starts with how printers are configured and managed within the broader IT environment.
Kustura integrates printers into existing networks and workflows, enabling them to function as part of a connected system. Businesses can also browse and purchase printers, copiers, and scanners directly through Kustura’s e-commerce platform, matching equipment to specific needs.
Services include:
• IT support and managed services in Jacksonville and Gainesville
• Digital solutions tailored to business needs
• An e-commerce platform offering office equipment and managed print services featuring Kyocera ECOSYS and TASKalfa systems
• Cybersecurity services to protect connected devices and sensitive data
Whether the goal is to lower costs, improve security, or simplify a print environment, Kustura’s team can design, implement, and support a solution that fits the business. To learn more, contact info@kustura.com.
