MFD (multifunction device)

An MFD is a device that combines the functions of a printer, scanner and copier in one case. In offices and banks, it allows printing, scanning and copying documents without purchasing separate equipment.

What is an MFD

An MFD (multifunction device, multifunction printer) is equipment capable of performing several tasks: printing, scanning, copying, and in many models — sending documents by email or fax. This combination reduces the number of devices and saves space, wires and consumables. MFDs can be wireless and networked: several employees connect to them, and jobs are sent over a local network or Wi-Fi. By design, devices with a flatbed scanner for sheets and books, as well as models with an automatic document feeder for quickly scanning a stack of documents, are distinguished.

How an MFD differs from a printer

A printer only prints, while an MFD additionally scans and copies. Scanning turns a paper document into an electronic copy, and copying creates a paper copy or enlarges/reduces the scale of the original without a computer. For a company that keeps document flow and digitizes incoming documents, an MFD is more convenient than a separate printer. However, if only high-volume printing is needed, a separate laser printer may be cheaper to maintain.

Types of MFDs

By technology, like printers, MFDs are divided into laser (fast and cheap printing of documents, black-and-white and color) and inkjet (high-quality color printing of photos and graphics). By functionality — into devices with a copier, with an automatic document feeder and with a fax. For office work, network MFDs with an A4 scanner, the ability to send to email and a large resource are chosen. Professional models support duplex printing, document scanning to PDF format and integration with corporate systems.

How to choose an MFD for an office and a bank

The choice of an MFD depends on the print volume and tasks. For document flow, a laser device with an automatic feeder, a speed of from 25 pages per minute and a network connection is suitable. For working with banking documents, clear black-and-white printing, the ability to scan at high resolution (for example, 300–600 dpi) and protection of confidential operations are important. Pay attention to the cost per print and consumables, cartridge capacity and service support. An MFD with protected printing and scanning is used for operational documents with watermarks.

MFD maintenance and consumables

For stable operation, an MFD requires regular maintenance: replacement of cartridges or toners, cleaning of the scanner and timely driver updates. The cost of ownership consists of the device price, consumables and wear. In a corporate environment, MFDs are connected to a print and accounting server, which allows controlling print volumes and toner consumption. Branded service support and a maintenance contract with scheduled maintenance extend the service life and reduce the cost per print.

MFD and information security

Multifunction devices store a history of jobs on their hard drive and may contain confidential documents, so for banks and government companies, protection of the built-in storage, encryption of channels and user authorization at the device are important. Holding jobs before release and sending scans to secure email limit access to data. Before disposing of a device, the storage should be cleaned to avoid document leakage.

Printing from mobile devices and cloud services

Modern MFDs support printing from smartphones and tablets, connection via Wi-Fi Direct and through cloud services. This is convenient for employees on business trips and for guest workstations: a document is sent for printing right from the device without installing drivers. For organizations, configuring access rights is important: which users and from which devices can send jobs, and which can only scan. Cloud services allow remote printing, but require attention to security — the channel is encrypted, and jobs should not become publicly available.

MFDs for banks: requirements and features

In banks and financial organizations, increased requirements are placed on MFDs: high-quality printing of operational documents, support for security elements (watermarks, microprint), high scanning speed and compatibility with automated banking systems. Documents with personal data must be processed in accordance with regulatory requirements: printing of confidential forms is authorized, access to the built-in storage is restricted, and the job log is kept centrally.