MPSA Task Force Brings Meaning to Managed Print Services

"Managed print services is the active management and optimization of document output devices and related business processes." - MPSA, 2010 DOTC 

Reflection - This was a very difficult task. One which Joe and Matt struggle with for months. A task that created a lot of dynamics within the MPSA Board. Joe and Matt came through and the board unanimously(yes, including me) approved. 

I like that the definition can be applied to both MPS provider and a self-implemented MPS engagement, like Nationwide Insurance. It's a good base, a solid foundation to build upon. And something easily Incorporated into multiple MPS talk-tracks for your prospects and clients. 

Good Form! 

PRESS RELEASE: New MPS definition helps end-users and providers standardize services, expectations 

Mount Laurel, NJ – July 8, 2010 – As the managed print services juggernaut rolls on to its projected $60 billion market size by 2013, one thing has been missing – a definition of this amazing segment. Just what exactly do we mean by “managed print services”? 

Background: The Emergence of Managed Print Services Over the past 10 years, the traditional copier and printer industries have converged, especially with the introduction of multifunction peripherals (MFPs). With the blending of these two hardware-focused industry segments, their products became commoditized. 

At the same time, users need more help managing their output devices, so a managed services approach to output emerged. Managed print services (MPS) grew as a business model revolving around servicing end-users’ output needs, not focused on a specific hardware manufacturer. The true MPS provider is a new breed: vendor agnostic and customer-focused. 

Ultimately they are paid for their consulting value, in addition to the tangible products that fulfill the consultation. Defining a New Business Model Until now, MPS has gone undefined, but thanks to the efforts of the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA), the market (worth over $25 billion globally) has a focus. 

According to the MPSA, "Managed print services is the active management and optimization of document output devices and related business processes." 

The Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) assigned Board members Matt McLeish and Joe Barganier to tackle the issue. The requirement was a short and descriptive definition that embraced the full MPS spectrum. The ultimate definition came out of four months of research, polls and discussions with multiple MPS organizations. 

The final recommendation received the necessary 100 percent board endorsement to be adopted. 

“It was important that MPS be defined properly, so the industry could develop common professional standards that end-users could turn to when selecting an MPS provider,” said Matt McLeish. 

“I’m pleased with the definition, and now we can set out to create professional industry standards based on this common foundation,” stated MPS Consultant Joe Barganier, M.B.A. 

“Ultimately, it will improve the experience of users related to printers and copiers, and give providers a stronger focus for their services and strategies.” 

“This was a difficult assignment to craft a definition that would be meaningful and agreeable to multiple audiences. We commend the effort and the results it brought to the MPS industry,” said MPSA President Jim Fitzpatrick. “The MPS market now has a standard definition that we can build upon and modify as our industry evolves. That’s an important milestone we can all be proud of.” 

About the MPS Definition Task Force Joe Barganier has spent 18 years in the printer and copier industry and has worked for two printer manufacturers (QMS and Ricoh) and three copier dealers. He has been with MT Business Technologies, Inc. in Ohio since May 2007, where he developed and manages their unique MPS offering – Total Output Management. He serves as one of the Board of Director members representing dealers for the MPSA. 

Matt McLeish is Director of Managed Print Solutions at Parts Now!, the nation’s largest laser printer parts distributor. Previously, Matt held sales positions in the healthcare market, including DePuy Orthopaedics, Merck & Company and Dey Labs. Matt earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He represents the interests of Infrastructure/ software providers on the MPSA Board of Directors. 

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