The University of Toledo has signed a contract with ComDoc, a Xerox subsidiary, to replace and manage the printers, fax and copiers across all college and administrative offices, including The University of Toledo Medical Center and its associated clinics.
“Right now there are 4,500 copiers, fax machines, desktop and network printers,” said Bill McCreary, vice president and chief technology and information officer. “Currently supported by Ricoh, this fleet has more than 200 different equipment models, making their operation and maintenance very costly.
“By using ComDoc, the University will be able to streamline equipment and reduce costs, while still sufficiently providing users with the services they need,” McCreary explained.
ComDoc has established a statewide agreement for all state agencies, government offices and universities. Over the last several years, most Ohio public universities have taken advantage of this agreement to gain cost efficiencies.
While this purchasing agreement is not a UToledo technology-driven initiative, University information technology teams are assisting ComDoc with identifying the current equipment mix and their printing volumes, as well as all the system design and testing, McCreary noted.
Based on this information, ComDoc will produce an optimum design for every major area on the University’s campuses, which may result in fewer localized print devices and more network-based printers. Additionally, ComDoc will propose equipment with much better capability than UToledo’s current fleet of hardware, according to McCreary.
The assessment began in May, with significant joint design and testing. Project implementation is slated for the summer and fall semester, with the project targeted for completion by December.
“If you’re asked to approve the design or suggest changes for your area before implementation, please do that quickly,” McCreary said. “This is a huge undertaking, and so we appreciate everyone’s help so ComDoc can complete implementation at a rapid pace.”
