Toshiba TEC Performs a Successful Operation at Spire Healthcare
Having worked with Spire Healthcare for over seven years, Toshiba TEC now provides the company with over 200 of its industry leading multifunction products (MFP).
The second largest provider of private healthcare in the UK, Spire Healthcare was formed in 2007 through the buy-out of 25 BUPA hospitals by the private equity firm, Cinven. Now with a network of 40 private hospitals and 10 clinics, the organisation undertakes a wide variety of activities and offers a full range of integrated surgical, medical and diagnostic services.
Need to know
Soon after the formation of the company, Spire Healthcare enlisted the services of Toshiba TEC to help it manage its printing, copying and scanning infrastructure. An audit was carried out to pinpoint how the devices were being used, identify monthly page production volumes, and implement a solution that could maximise the potential of its investment.
Gill Kite, Senior Buyer at Spire Healthcare takes up the story and says, ‘It was clear from the outset that we could have an honest and open relationship with Toshiba TEC and work together to develop a successful corporate print strategy. This was an instant success, so when it came to renewing our contract in 2009, we didn’t hesitate.’
At this point in time Spire Healthcare had 124 Toshiba MFPs across its estate, with the majority being mono and standalone devices. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable operating practices are very important to the organisation, with energy conservation guidelines issued to each hospital to minimise the amount of energy consumed. This is being addressed through reduced costs per copy, low maintenance and consumable costs, lower asset management charges and reduced paper usage through to the ability to default to double-sided printing.
Up to date
As of 2015, the company has 213 Toshiba TEC MFPs, comprising both colour and mono devices. After careful analysis, each device is located in an area that allows users to easily access it and maximise its features.
Asked why there has been such a sharp increase in the number of devices, Kite explains, ‘Previously, as well as the Toshiba TEC MFPs we also had numerous printers from various other manufacturers. However, as these have reached the end of their useful lives, we looked to rationalise and standardise with Toshiba TEC MFP’s, and work towards a print strategy. This has helped maintain a sense of uniformity across the portfolio.’
Over 90 per cent of all the devices are now networked, so that users can make the most of being able to print, scan and copy from their devices, enhancing flexibility and functionality. The Toshiba TEC team worked closely with Spire Healthcare’s IT department to ensure that the system operates as effectively as possible and to ensure that each user is only able to print according to their needs.
Colour clash
One of the biggest problems that Spire Healthcare used to have was controlling colour printing. The audit discovered that people who could easily use mono only were printing in colour almost by default – a situation that had obvious cost ramifications.
‘We decided that it would make more sense to restrict permission to print in colour by configuring the print driver and access codes accordingly,’ states Gill Kite. ‘For example, the marketing department often needs to use colour, so MFPs that can enhance the presentation of key critical colour documents through enhanced print quality and finishing are located there. This policy has made a massive difference to our overall expenditure and it also means that we can monitor spend by department, something that also enables us to spot where other efficiencies can be made.’
In addition, private printing has been enabled for MFPs that are located in some of the more public areas. This means that the user has to be present when printing and type in a code to complete a job. As well as fulfilling its primary purpose, it also lowers the amount of unwanted documents being printed and then not collected, either due to people forgetting or not needing them any more.
Work in progress
The contract is being constantly monitored and maintained, with devices upgraded as and when appropriate. Gill Kite concludes, ‘I’m delighted that we have reached a stage where each MFP is being used to its full potential. This is in no small part thanks to the excellent account management, technical know how and service from the Toshiba TEC team.’
Further information is available from Sarah Kochli at Toshiba TEC by calling 0843 2244 944, emailing info@toshibatec.co.uk or by vising the website on www.toshibatec.co.uk
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