What happens during the install of my new multifunction copier?

What happens during the install of my new multifunction copier?

(Submitted by Natasha McDowell)

If you’re thinking of purchasing or leasing a new multifunction copier or printer, then you may be wondering what the process of a new install looks like. How long does it take? Will all my settings be transferred from my old device to the new device? How will I learn how to use all the features on my new device? These are all great questions for you to ask, and we have the answers!

  1. The Pre-Install Checklist.
    After purchasing or leasing your new device, the first step in the install process is the what we here at RITE Technology refer to as the “Pre-Install Checklist.” This checklist ensures that we obtain all necessary information from you the customer to ensure the smoothest install process possible. Some of the information gathered includes, but is not limited to, the following:

    • Confirming the delivery date and time; address; point of contact
    • Confirming network connectivity and power supply in the location where the printer is to be installed
    • Transferring customer settings from the existing device to the new device (Settings can be transferred either on-site on the day of install or, preferably, ahead of time via remote support or over the phone. Taking care of this step ahead of the day of install goes a long way in making the entire install process so much smoother for the customer, resulting in less disruption to their work environment.)
    • Confirming aspects of the delivery environment (Are there stairs, elevators, uneven surfaces, or other circumstances of which technicians should be made aware prior to the day of install?)
    • Confirming whether or not there is an IT department that will need to be coordinated with to complete the configuration of the device during the initial setup
    • Confirming if there is old equipment that will require removable from the site
    • Confirming if the customer’s parking lot allows ample space to accommodate the delivery vehicle
  2. Set-up of the device prior to delivery to the customer.
    Once your multifunction device arrives in our warehouse and before we send it out to be delivered to your location, one of our certified technicians will set-up the machine to your desired specifications. This can include any of the following:

    • Creating a customized design including your logo for the home screen of the touchscreen display
    • Creating customized buttons for tasks that are frequently used in your organization’s workflow
    • Color calibrating the machine for optimal performance
    • Performing diagnostic testing to ensure that the device is operating at peak functionality
  3. Day of Install.
    On the day of installation, our certified technicians will promptly arrive at your location. Before unloading, they will meet with your designated point of contact to confirm the install location and entry points for each new device in an effort to minimize any disruption to your work environment. After install locations and entry points have been confirmed, the technicians will unload all new devices, route them to the appropriate install locations, and complete the set-up process. The following is a brief list of some of the steps in the set-up process:

    • Print out page count and network settings of existing machine(s)
    • Input network settings (IP address, DNS settings, etc.) for each new machine
    • Test fax
    • Test scan destinations (email, folder, etc.)
    • Install print drivers (server or desktop)
    • Complete user test prints from all applications
    • Clean and sanitize machine
    • Load paper into all trays of the machine
  4. Post-Install Training.
    Depending upon the customer’s availability, the post-install training may occur within hours of the install or a few days after. For the training, the account executive will meet onsite with the customer’s staff to provide a generalized overview of the machine, answering questions and keying in on specific pertinent features identified ahead of time by the account executive and customer. During the training, if any additional customized buttons are required by the users, the account executive will set these up at this time. This detailed process ensures that all users are confident in their operation of the new machine and are set-up for success. Training sessions typically last between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the customer’s needs. If additional training in required after the initial setup, the account executive can facilitate this for the customer.
  5. Customer Experience Follow-up Call
    A few days after the install, a customer service specialist will conduct a follow-up phone call with the customer to determine their level of satisfaction with the install process. Our rating score ranges from 1 – 10, with 10 being excellent. Our hope is always to exceed our customers’ expectations in all that we do, and we strive to this end.

Hopefully this information was beneficial in helping you to better understand the installation process when you purchase or lease a new multifunction printer or copier. If you have any questions about this or any other process related to your copier or printer, please feel free to give us a call at 941-955-2737 or contact either our service department via email at service@ritefl.com or our sales department via email at sales@ritefl.com. We look forward to serving you and your business needs.

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How do I submit my meter reading online?

How do I submit my meter reading online?

How do I submit my meter reading online
(Submitted by Christian Perez)

Some service providers, like RITE Technology, give their customers the option to submit meter readings online. A wonderful option to save time and increase convenience for the customer, however, if you’ve never submitted a meter reading online, then the thought of doing so may seem daunting. In fact, submitting an online meter reading is a task that can be accomplished in a few easy steps.

  1.    The first step is to locate your meter reading on your printer or copier.
  2. For Sharp devices, on most newer models there is a “total count” button located towards the bottom of the home screen. (See Figure 1.0) Once you tap the “total count” button, a screen will be displayed that will show the total count of the device. (See Figure 2.0) (*Pro Tip: Double tapping the home button will display this screen as well.)
  3. Meter Reading Total Counts button on printer home screen
  4. (Figure 1.0)
  5. Total Counts Meter Reading screen on your printer
  6. (Figure 2.0)
  7. For Ricoh devices, most models will have a “user tools” button located on the home screen. Pressing the user tools button will bring up a screen where you will then press the “counter” option to display a dialog box that will show the total count of the device.
  8. If your device is a color model, then on the total count screen you’ll see the total count separated out into “Full Color” for any color prints and “B/W” for black and white prints. You’ll need to denote both of these numbers for entry online.
  9. If your device is a black and white model, then on the total count screen you will only see one total count for “B/W”. This will be the only number that you will need to enter for your online meter reading submission.
  10. If you have a device that is not described above or if you have any issues finding where to find your meter reading on the device, then please feel free to reach out to your IT department or to the Help Desk of your service provider.
  1.    Locate your device’s ID number.
  2. On devices serviced by RITE Technology, the machine ID is conveniently located on a sticker affixed to the front of the device. If your device’s ID number is not prominently displayed, then you may need to contact your service provider to determine the location of this number.
  1.    Enter the information online.
  2. Once you’ve retrieved the meter reading total(s) and you’ve located your device’s ID number, then you are ready to submit your meter reading online.
  3. For RITE Technology customers, we have provided two options to submit the meter reading digitally. The first option is to submit your meter reading on our website. Begin by navigating to www.ritefl.com in your browser window. Once on the home page of our website, hover your mouse over the subheading “Support” at the top right of the webpage and click the option “Enter Meter Readings” from the drop-down menu that appears. Once on the “Enter Meter Readings” page, complete the form with all the required information and click the “Submit Meter Reading” button at the bottom of the form to complete your submission.
  4. The second option is for you to submit your meter reading via email to meters@ritefl.com.

Hopefully this information was helpful in assisting you in completing your online meter reading submission. If you have any questions about this or any other process related to the functioning of your copier or printer, please contact our service department via email at service@ritefl.com or give us a call at 941-955-2737.

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Help! There are noises coming from my printer!

Help! There are noises coming from my printer!

(Submitted by Tim Shiver)

There are several types of noises that may come from your printer or copier from time to time, most of which will need to be addressed by a professional. Keep in mind that some of these noises may only occur while using certain functions of your device such as when scanning, making two-sided copies, using the hole punch, stapling, or when using paper from a particular paper source (bypass, top cassette, or bottom cassette). Sometimes possibly even the type of paper can cause your device to make a sound that is not usual.

Whenever you experience these unusual noises, make sure that when you place a service call you let your technical professional know the functions involved when the sound was heard. This added information will prepare them to better service your printer or copier when they arrive. Also, until the problem is resolved, it is best to limit your use of the affected functions.

Let’s explore some of the types of noises and how to address them:

  • Grinding noises are the worst for your device’s health as this type of noise is caused by parts that are going bad and will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Because damage to your printer or copier can result, you should limit use of the device until this problem can be resolved by a technical professional.
  • Moaning noises are caused by parts that are typically made of rubber or nylon, which have become dried out. The affected parts will require the application of a lubricating powder or grease, which a technical professional will need to take care of for you.
  • Rattling noises are usually caused by parts or panels that are not secured properly. This may be a panel that is not fully closed or screws that have come loose due to the normal vibrations of your printer or copier during the day-to-day copying and printing processes. First, check your device to make sure that all the access doors are fully closed. If your device is still making noise after this step, please contact your technical professional for further diagnostics and/or possible service.
  • Squeaking noises are much like moaning noises in that they are caused by parts that require the application of lubrication. In this case, however, instead of rubber or nylon parts, the squeaking results from metal parts rubbing against each other. A technical professional will need to be called to resolve this issue, either to lubricate the affected parts or, depending on the amount of wear, to replace them.
  • Thumping noises are caused by parts which have developed “dead spots” in them. “Dead spots” are particularly worn-out areas of a part. This means that, as the part is rotating for its function, every time the dead spot comes in contact with its counterpart, then you will hear the thumping noise. The part that is worn will need to be replaced to resolve this issue. Therefore, a call to your technical professional will be necessary.

Hopefully this information was helpful in explaining some of the noises your printer or copier may produce and how to address them.

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How much energy does my copier use?

How much energy does my copier use?

(Submitted by Chip Turner)

The answer to the question of how much energy a copier uses is determined by so many variables but there are six basic costs that make up the electricity costs for operating a copier. The information provided in this blog post is based on a newer BP-70C45 (45 page per minute) Sharp color copier. However, these costs would likely be similar to other comparable ENERYSTAR 3 compliant copiers.

6 Basic Copier Energy Costs:

  1. The power costs when in use = 1500 watts
    (This refers to the copier’s maximum power consumption when it is producing copies and prints, with the fusing unit energized.)
  2. The power cost when in ready mode = 95 watts
    (This refers to when the start key on the copier is green indicating that the device is ready for use. This current power usage represents a nearly 70% reduction when compared to the MX-4071 model.)
  3. The power cost when in pre-heat mode = 53 watts
    (At this point, the fusing temperature is lowered putting the device in a low-consumption state).
  4. The power cost in sleep mode = .20 watts
    (In sleep mode, typically the device’s touchscreen panel will be turned off or will be darkened and the fuser heating will be minimized or shut off.)
  5. The power cost while the device is plugged into an outlet, but turned off = .20 watts
  6. The final power cost
    (This final cost is determined by the affect of the heat generated by the device(s) on the customers AC system. For more detailed data, a customer may wish to contact an HVAC professional to conduct a heat load calculation for their office space.)

To our clients, we recommend maximizing the adjustable energy-save settings on their device(s) while still making their office efficient. Although there is little that can be done by the end-user to save energy when the copier is in use and making copies, the real energy savings can be capitalized on by shifting how swiftly the machine can go into preheat and sleep modes and the duration of the recovery from the sleep mode. From a power savings perspective, having the device set to fall asleep the quickest and then elongating the recovery time will maximize power savings. These settings are customizable based on the customer’s preferences.

Another desirable power-saving feature that some copiers have is what is sometimes referred to as a “walk-up” or human sensor. This sensor will begin the warmup process as soon as it detects someone walking up to the copier. On the BP-70C45 Sharp device, the maximum recovery time is 18 seconds. With the human sensor, that time shrinks as the user walks up as opposed to the device having to wait for a user to strike a key to wake.

The final power savings can come from the reduced amount of heat produced by the device. Many newer devices have reformulated toner that has a much lower melt temperature and, along with redesigned fusing methods that allow for a much faster temperature recovery, produce much less heat that previously possible. Because of the lower melting point of the toner, all modes from ready to sleep mode have significantly less heat generated which equates to less demand on the customers air conditioning system.  As a secondary benefit, the reduced heat improves reliability and extends part life.

All these little changes can save you money and have a positive environmental impact. Feel free to ask your service representative what your options are and together you can come up with the perfect balance between costs savings and office efficiency.

RITE Technology is committed to providing products that support our customer’s environmental sustainability goals. Download this informative PDF to learn more about how Sharp products not only save you money by being more energy-efficient, but also help to preserve the environment.

DOWNLOAD PDF

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How do I print envelopes on my copier?

How do I print envelopes on my copier?

(Submitted by Scott Sawyer)

Most copiers are designed to print on a wide variety of media, including envelopes. However, because envelopes can come in different thicknesses and paper types, it is important to ensure that the machine knows what type of envelopes you are loading into the machine.

The following directions are for how to print envelopes on a Sharp copier:
Loading the envelopes into the machine:

  • Envelopes can be loaded up to 50 sheets or the height of the indicator line in Tray 1.
  • Load the paper with the copy and print side facing up.
  • The maximum number of sheets (50) may not exceed the indicator line.
  • Envelopes with triangular flaps cannot be used in tray 1.
  • Within the continental United States, the standard envelope sizes are A4, A5, and Comm 6-14. Depending on where you live, other envelope sizes may be available.

Cautions when placing envelopes:

  • Remove curling
  • Ensure envelopes are flat, containing no air
  • Ensure the four folded edges are pressed flat (for items with flaps, three edges)
  • Align on a flat surface

To check the type and size of paper:

  • Select [Tray Settings] in the home screen
  • -OR- in [Settings], select [Status] → [Machine Identification] → [Paper Input Tray Status].

To set the type and size of paper:

  • Set this in [Tray Settings] in the home screen
  • -OR- in [Settings] → [System Settings] → [Common Settings] → [Paper Settings] → [Paper Tray Settings].
  • Additionally, you can use the bypass tray for printing on envelopes 20 sheets at a time.

Important points when using envelopes:

  • Do not print the rear surface (the side with adhesive) of the envelope. This may result in misfeeds or poor print quality.
  • Some operating environments may cause creasing, smudging, misfeeds, poor toner fusing, or machine failure.
  • Fold the flap of the envelope and make a sharp crease at the fold. A misfeed may occur if the flap is up.
  • When placing multiple envelopes, if the print surface is not fed flat, but is instead being fed on an angle, then the envelopes may not feed properly.
  • Items that have 4 or more sheets in the envelope to be adhered cannot be fed.
  • Feeding of thick envelopes may not be possible.
  • Feeding of envelopes with uneven surfaces may not be possible.
  • Feeding of the following types of envelopes is not recommended:
    • Envelopes with a metal piece, a plastic hook, or a ribbon hook
    • Envelopes that use a string for closing
    • Envelopes with a window*
    • Envelopes with a lining*
    • Envelopes with an uneven surface or those finished with titling or embossing
    • Hand-made envelopes
    • Envelopes containing air inside
    • Envelopes damaged with a crease, fold mark, or tear
    • Envelopes for which the surface has deteriorated or deformed due to prolonged storage or moisture absorption

(*Use of lined envelopes and envelopes that use adhesives or other composites for sealing are not advised as the heat from the fusing unit may cause these linings, adhesives, or other composite substances to melt, possibly damaging the device.)

Restrictions may apply to the use of additional types of envelopes. For more information, please consult a qualified service technician before printing.

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