5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Photocopier | Drawbacks & Benefits of Photocopier

What is Photocopier ?

Photocopier is a machine that duplicates paper into a copy. Since the advancement of technology, this machine has evolved to perform functions other than simply copying. Latest type of photocopy machines work similar to a laser printer. A toner is used behind the process. 

What are the types of Photocopier ?

Photocopiers are of 2 types, those are the analog and digital. Being extremely useful for our daily lives, people tend to use it regularly. It is especially beneficial if we have so much papers to duplicate. Hence, businesses take use of this for their large scale document copying. However a photocopier caries certain downfalls like other technologies. Before purchasing a photocopier these advantages and disadvantages needs to be considered for finding out whether this will be best for the business. 

In this article, I will be concentrating on 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Photocopier | Drawbacks & Benefits of Photocopier. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using a photocopy machine.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Photocopier

1. Speed

A Photocopier machine has the capability to make duplicates of paper at a very fast rate. Mostly they are able to produce 100 pages per minute. Even at this speed, photocopiers are still affordable.

2. Flexibility

Apart from photocopying, some photocopiers can also act as a scanner and a laser printer. Through this the overall quality of the images can be increased. Since photocopiers are equipped with all in one functions, eventually this can free up space in the workplace. The users can place in a location where there should be three.

3. Productivity

Having a photocopier always adds productivity to your business. All the copying related stuffs can be done under the office rather than taking it to a photocopying shop. Therefore, the office paper works can be done smoothly avoiding delays. Thus, increasing employee efficiency as well as productivity.

4. User friendly

Using a photocopier is the most effective way of creating copies of documents. This too can be done with little effort. The user only has to turn on the machine, place the paper and push a button. Then the machine will start producing the number of copies specified. No any prior expertise is needed.

5. Double side Copying

Another ability of a photocopier is, it is able to print both sides. Therefore, it can overall increase the speed of printing process. This has also proved to be environment friendly since the number of papers required is reduced.

Disadvantages of Photocopier

1. Cost

Besides the cost of photocopier machine, it must be provided with sufficient supplies that can add additional costs to your monthly bill. These supplies include, toners, papers and other consumables. In fact these toners tends to carry higher price tag. 

In addition to that, photocopiers require periodic maintenance which can increase the cost even more. If regular maintenance is skipped, the machine can experience frequent wears and tears.

2. Security

Even though photocopiers are isolated from the use of internet, it is still able to create security leaks. Photocopiers use a hard drive to store data of copies so that it can have short or long term retrieval. This data retrieval seems convincing, until someone deliberately misuses them. Therefore, it must be given the same kind of security care as that of a computer hard drive.

3. Physical Size

A Photocopier machine occupies big space since they are too large in size. Similar to a full sized desk, there should be a dedicated area for placing this machine. Once you place the photocopier machine, it becomes difficult to move. Hence, it should be placed in a right location where it is not supposed to be relocated.

4. Noises

Photocopiers can also contribute to the noises inside the workplace. Unless the noises be produced at home, it can cause distractions to the people at workplaces. Sometimes this noises can lead to loss of productivity or even promote stress.

5. Power Consumption

From the toner operations, large amount of heat is generated from the photocopier which makes them consume more electrical power. As a result, the copier requires separate circuit for avoiding performance impacts. The machine cannot function in the absence of electricity.