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If you plan to buy a plotter printer, you know that it's going to be a considerable investment for your company. You assume that your new large format printer will deliver on expectations and generate a substantial return on your investment for a long time to come. However, in some cases, companies may discover that a single large format plotter printer is simply not enough. Do you need another plotter printer? There are many factors you may need to take into account when determining whether you need to buy another plotter printer--especially if you already have one.

Consideration 1: The Size of Your Company

The size of your company can have a considerable impact on what type of technology you need and how many machines you require—specifically, the number of new large format printers you really need. If you have a large company that is growing, a booming business, or a significant need for large-format prints, buying another plotter printer can allow you to increase your operations and see a higher level of success.

Assessing the Current Workload and Capacity Take a look at how often you are using your current large format printer. Is your team constantly printing out projects? Is there often a queue of people waiting to use it? You may find that adding a new large format printer will go a long way toward increasing your ability to meet your company's overall needs. Consider:

• Are people able to access your plotter printer when they need it?
• Is there often a considerable wait to get prints back?
• Are there more opportunities to use large-format prints emerging for your company?

Consider how much your current plotter printer is able to handle. Also, be sure to take time for maintenance into account! If you find that you're pushing the printer's capacity, deciding to buy a plotter printer for another department or adding a second one to your lineup may be worth it.

Consideration 2: The Need for New, Faster Printing Technology

As technology improves, you can get higher-quality prints faster than ever before. Getting your hands on those large-format prints faster can improve your ability to meet client expectations and streamline processes within your company.

If you find yourself on the fence about whether you need to buy a plotter printer, including one from the HP DesignJet Series, consider whether you can meet the needs of your business with your current technology. New plotter printers are faster and more efficient, which means you can generate your prints in a shorter time span.

Consideration 3: Understanding the Associated Costs and ROI of Another Plotter Printer

Before you buy a plotter printer, look at the cost of your purchase and the potential ROI. As a business, you're often highly focused on the return on any investment you may make. Consider:

• The cost of the new printer
• The cost of materials (new paper or ink options)
• Potential costs of maintenance or a maintenance plan over time

Then, look at the overall return on your investment. For example, you may find that buying a plotter printer increases overall speed or efficiency across your business. You may be able to bring in new clients as a result of your purchase. Alternatively, you might decrease the time or money spent on maintenance for your current printer. Each of these strategies can increase overall ROI.

Consideration 4: Improving Existing Workflow Inefficiencies

If you only have a single large format printer in your building, it can create considerable inefficiencies in your overall workflow. Employees have to wait for the printer to be available before they can use it. Also, they may need to travel through the building to access it, increasing the time needed to get their prints. Furthermore, if there are any obstacles to accessing the printer, including an area of the building that may be inaccessible for some users, it can further delay use. Adding a new large format printer can decrease those challenges and improve efficiency.

Consideration 5: Future Growth and Scalability Opportunities with New Large Format Printers

Your business's growth is limited by the technology and devices you have on hand, including your plotter printers. Adding new large format printers to your business can increase your opportunities for growth. You can take on new business or expand the types of business you do.

If you're planning to grow your business in the near future, it's important to have the right technology on hand to accomplish your goals. Take a look at whether a new large format printer would allow you to scale your business better and reap the benefits of that growth.

Consideration 6: Ability to Integrate a New Printer Sustainably

If you're considering whether to buy a plotter printer, examine whether you can integrate it sustainably with your existing technology. Sustainability starts with ensuring that you will have a long-term use for the technology rather than simply a short-term increase in business that increases your need for large-format prints. But sustainability also means ensuring that you will be able to use the technology for a long time to come.

Make sure you are prepared for any necessary maintenance on your new large format printer. Start by looking into maintenance plans that will allow you to keep it running effectively. Also, make sure that your employees have received the training they need to know how to use your plotter printer effectively.

Reach Out to HP With Your Plotter Printer Needs Today

At HP, we understand that every business's printing needs are unique. We strive to help you find the right printer for your needs, whether you need to buy a plotter printer or otherwise check out your technology options. Do you need to buy a new printer? Reach out to us today to learn more about your options and find the right printer for your needs.

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