Dell is embedding document management features in multifunction printers as it tries to establish a foothold in the managed print services market, the company said Thursday.
The embedded custom software is in multifunction printers for specific vertical markets like education, legal and health care. Such embedded software expands the functionality of MFPs and automates printing and scanning tasks, said Orlando Lacayo, product manager at Dell’s printing and imaging division. MFPs will be capable of scanning documents directly into forms or rerouting scanned documents to the right folders.
“As customers consolidate their printing resources and optimize their document workflow processes, it becomes very important to have software and integration tools to allow organizations … become more efficient,” Lacayo said.
For example, Dell’s Healthcare Print Station printers will scan documents and place the scanned data inside electronic medical records by just pressing one button. Based on the form layout, nurses can scan prescriptions, which would go directly to the pharmacy. The printers could help reduce medical errors and improve patient care, Lacayo said.
The Dell Classroom Print Station and Legal Print Station can scan documents directly to a network folder without additional instructions. The classroom printing product will also be capable of instantly grading tests and reporting the results in the right document. However, a server with Windows and additional software will be required to carry out the grading, a Dell spokeswoman said.
The applications are developed in Java and embedded directly into the MFPs.
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