uOttawa printing services: A strategic reassessment

Information Technology
Information Technology
Group of printers in a room
Efficient printing services are essential for our institution; however, it has become crucial to discern patterns of usage and adapt to our university community's evolving needs.

By analyzing the printing services at the University of Ottawa, we see that a limited number of printers are used more frequently than others. A mapping of areas of intense activity indicates the locations where printers are most in demand. We plan to focus on these areas to optimize printing services, while preserving the locations of printers dedicated to students.

It should be noted that the University of Ottawa, with its fleet of 585 printers scattered across campus, is aging and will become obsolete. Moreover, the adoption of teleworking over the past three years has significantly changed our work habits, impacting their use.

Printers Locations


 

Intense activity zones of printers


 

Based on this preliminary assessment, we will guide the strategy for optimizing printing services to effectively reduce costs. Key measures include:

  • The adoption of a turnkey service to improve the quality and stability of printing on campus.
  • A reassessment of the printer fleet aimed at reducing operational, maintenance, and management costs, with the goal of decreasing the fleet by up to 50%.
  • Improving the user experience through a new printing service model offering modern and mobile solutions.
  • The implementation of an energy-saving solution to reduce the carbon footprint of the University, in line with its commitment to sustainability.

This strategic reorientation emphasizes the importance of remaining agile and innovative in a technological environment.