Business I.T. Systems Ltd (BITS), has updated its OneStop MPS Portal adding a whole host of new features that extend beyond printer device management. According to Channel Manager Mark Byrne, OneStop removes the requirement to rely on multiple systems for job ticketing, stock management, billing, smart power management, asset management and more, resulting in less training, less expense and a much improved workflow.
Established in 1990, BITS’ focus was originally split between providing IT support services and software development. A few years ago, the company made the decision to walk away from IT support services and refocus its efforts 100 per cent on software development, specifically within the MPS arena.
BITS’ flagship solution – OneStop MPS Portal was launched over ten years ago, initially as a tool to automatically collect meter readings from any networked printer or MFP and order consumables for proactive supplies replenishment.
It can also be set up to monitor status and consumable levels for all network devices to aid a proactive response to any problems that might occur.
OneStop MPSPortal was designed to work across a wide range of devices, covering all manufacturers, providing everything an MPS provider needs in one easy to use tool. It uses standard network protocols, such as SNMP for device readings and HTTPs for the secure uploading of results and can export all data in CSV or XML formats for importing seamlessly into most back- office systems.
The ISV also invested in HP Smart Device Services (SDS) – a cloud-based technology that allows HP managed device resellers to reduce service cost, maximise device uptime, and deliver exceptional customer service. This enables it to implement functionality with HP devices that would normally be restricted to vendor-owned tools. For example, to do remote firmware updates, gain information from many devices and to use special features from HP such as predictive maintenance alerts.
A changing market
The MPS market continues to change
at a rapid pace and consolidation has fast become the norm. BITS recognised that in order to differentiate it had to find new ways to add value and enhance its offering to extend beyond real-time print device monitoring and proactive consumables management.
“We wanted OneStop to be a complete office management system, not just print device management. We want dealers to see OneStop as a system that saves them time and which can generate revenue, not just be a cost to them,” Byrne explained.
The end goal was to enable dealers to eliminate the use of multiple systems and use OneStop for everything – from job ticketing, environmental sensor monitoring, stock management, billing, smart power management, asset management and more. “So, we set about developing all of these features to appear seamlessly with OneStop, a move that empowers our dealers to open up new conversations with customers and generate new revenue streams through the provision of additional value-add services,” he added.
Adding value
BITS’ approach has been to further develop its print device management solution to add new features and functionality that dealers and their customers need. As such, product development has been heavily focused on creating a number of new value- add features and functionality to the OneStop MPS Portal.
These include:
Advanced USB support. Data collection agents provide a full snapshot of USB connected devices. While some agents can only capture the number of print jobs sent to a USB printer from the point of DCA install, OneStop MPS Service Calls Portal USB support allows the collection of all device readings, device status and consumable levels, where supported. nJob ticketing. This feature is designed to simplify the customer support process and eliminate the need to use multiple systems. Within OneStop MPS Portal, dealers can seamlessly combine devices monitored by OneStop and a customer’s service record and create a detailed service history to help them make data-driven decisions. It’s easy to schedule jobs, track time spent, monitor progress and identify common issues.
Dealers can create, edit and view device support requests, pick parts from stock, assign them to engineers, provide customers with automated email updates and close off support requests – all from a single pane of glass.
Stock management. Dealers can leverage OneStop to gain control of all stock held across multiple locations. The supplies management system provides a complete stock transaction overview and even enables supplier purchase orders to be raised. Bi- directional feeds connect dealers and their suppliers, providing a live feed of current stock prices and levels, meaning inventories are always up-to-date. Plus, the auto stock replenishment feature automatically places orders, ensuring just-in-time delivery if stocks are running low. The functionality also enables direct-to-customer shipping, helping to speed up delivery times and keep inventory costs low.
Billing. OneStop MPS Portal features a number of ways to export the data
it captures, enabling the automation of consumable ordering, ready to go invoicing and device status logging. OneStop also enables contracts to be set up and uses the data it collects to generate periodic billing – a bi-directional link means all data captured by OneStop MPS Portal is available to export and be used by accounting systems, such as Sage or Xero for example.
Asset management. Another handy feature is asset management, which lists all devices (not just printers) and records them in the system. Intelligent functionality enables dealers to input details such as lease expiry dates for example, to ensure they proactively approach a customer before contract renewal.
Smart power. OneStop Smart Plugs enable users to control and manage energy usage in the office to save money and reduce carbon footprint. From a single pane of glass, users can monitor and view the energy consumption of any connected device, remotely control the power to that device and set up schedules – for example, forcing all devices (not just printers) to be switched off from 5pm Friday until 9am Monday, eliminating wasted energy consumption when offices are closed over the weekend.
Environmental monitoring. With employee well-being front and centre for organisations of all sizes, the ability to ensure optimum conditions in the office is a real value-add.
OneStop environmental monitoring sensors pick up fluctuations in temperature, humidity or CO2 levels in the office, sending alerts that enable settings to be readjusted to maintain optimal conditions for employees.
Dealers can upsell smart power and environmental monitoring services to customers, helping them to reduce energy bills and improve working conditions.
Mobile-tech app. The mobile- tech app (for both Android and iOS) enables staff to access device information, view and modify job tickets, and more. Automatic synchronisation seamlessly handles updates, the app provides a focused view of data which streamlines workflow and helps teams stay on track, allowing them to deliver top quality customer service.
