Streamlining a commonly used office staple could save the university significant resources if a current effort moves forward.  Printing and Mailing Services is exploring an idea to consolidate the copy machines used across campus, a move that could save an estimated $2.5 million over the next five years.

“After a thorough evaluation of the current decentralized copier fleet at the university, it was determined that there are substantial opportunities in utilizing our purchasing power through a unified copier contract,” said Mark Dixon, director of Printing and Mailing Services.

There are approximately 350 copiers on campus in academic and non-academic units. With support from university leaders, Dixon has assembled a committee of IT specialists and other employees to gather information, compose a Request for Proposal, evaluate the responsive proposals, and make recommendations for administration review.

“Other universities that have adopted this approach have benefited not only in cost savings and stability, but have realized a substantial improvement in operational efficiency and sustainability,” said Dixon.

The campus community is invited to learn more at question-and-answer forums on July 25 or July 30, at 10 a.m. in the Knight Library Reading Room.  The meetings will begin with a brief presentation and allow for questions and answers with members of the committee.