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Wide format printing requires lots of paper and ink, making it one of the costliest forms of printing. It’s also technologically complex, using a large, feature-rich printer to perform a detailed, precision printing process. Nonetheless, there are ways to simplify long format printing, both financially — such as by using discount printer ink — and regarding the printing process, for which strategies that lead to efficient, error-free printing can be implemented.

1. Choose the Right Printer

Wide format printers are expensive, with the steep prices motivating some buyers to invest in equipment that offers less than optimal capacity. It’s a risky move. Though these types of printers can be significant investments, sacrificing printing capacity for cost savings isn’t analogous with buying an economy car instead of a luxury model. A high-quality wide format printer will have features you can truly use — not ones you simply want.

This is why it’s best to define your printing needs before you shop for a printer, and then look for printers that are a good fit. Price may be crucial to your buying decision, but a printer’s ability to meet your printing requirements should be the decisive factor. Despite the lower price, a printer that doesn’t cover all of the bases is a questionable investment at best.

2. Use Workflow Software

Workflow software is designed to simplify workflows by automating work processes and/or making them easier to perform by truncating trees of commands (e.g., two mouse clicks to initiate a process instead of the normally required six).

The software is often implemented to improve productivity, but it can also bring simplicity to complex work processes. By simplifying command functions for wide format print jobs, the software helps reduce human error. In turn, it mitigates the cost of rework due to printing errors. The software can improve your first-pass yield for print jobs, which supports productivity.

3. Use a Mobile App to Print

Wide format print jobs tend to be some of the slowest print jobs. It would be great if you could initiate the printing process remotely, using an application on your smartphone, so print jobs would be done when you arrive at the office instead of hours later.

Thanks to advancements in web-based software and mobile smart devices, using a mobile app to manage print jobs remotely is now an option. While print runs are performed, you can do business away from the office, without having to return to initiate new runs. Using a mobile app to handle print jobs can add much-needed flexibility to your workday to-do list.

4. Buy Discount Printer Ink

For many who utilize wide format printers, ink is the biggest recurring expense. A single wide format print job may cost hundreds of dollars in ink alone. One of the best ways to cut the cost is using recycled ink cartridges — also known as “remanufactured” cartridges.

Recycled cartridges are thoroughly cleaned and filled with new printer ink. They perform as well as new cartridges but commonly cost over 50% less. If you frequently perform wide format printing, using recycled ink cartridges could save thousands of dollars a year.

Using recycled cartridges also benefits the environment by reducing landfill use since ink cartridges in landfills can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.

5. Outsource Your Printing

The easiest, fastest way to simplify wide format printing is outsourcing to a printing service that specializes in wide format. You receive high-quality prints. Plus, there’s a major cost trade-off that helps businesses that need to spend conservatively: Customers needn’t invest in anything required to do the printing in-house.

Instead, they pay a flat, monthly service fee, or a price that varies by print job. Outsourcing involves minimal upfront expense, making it a good option for businesses that have a limited print budget and businesses that require wide format printing infrequently.

Ease and Cost Efficiency

Ultimately, the biggest influencers on wide format printer usage are ease-of-use and cost-efficiency. When seeking a wide format printing solution, there are a number of factors to consider. If you’re considering in one for your home or business, it pays to invest in one that offers a full suite of features on top of superior printing quality to justify the price. However, keep in mind that outsourcing wide format printing to a dedicated shop or service can save significant amounts of money, especially if you’re not planning on printing frequently. So, define your needs and choose a solution that works for your standards and budget.

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