Printing in the Cloud: Why You Should Make the Switch

Is Your Print Setup Keeping Up with Flexible Working?

Work no longer happens in one place. Teams are spread across offices, homes and time zones, yet many businesses are still relying on print systems designed for a single location.

As flexible working becomes the norm, expectations have changed. People want simple, reliable access to the tools and resources they need, wherever they are. That includes printing. When systems are slow, complex or tied to physical infrastructure, they can quickly become a barrier to productivity.

This is where cloud-based solutions come in. Designed with flexibility in mind, they help businesses modernise their processes, reduce complexity and support the way people actually work today. In this article, we explore how cloud printing fits into that shift and what it can offer your organisation.

Any investment in technology should bring real benefits. It should improve flexibility, scalability, security and cost savings, help resolve pain points and add value across the business. Cloud-based solutions might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Flexible working has become the norm, with teams spread across multiple locations on any given day, from offices and homes to different countries. There is a growing preference for a more informal working environment that prioritises convenience over complexity. People want easy access to corporate resources and simple systems that allow them to print without hassle. In response, organisations are looking for new ways to digitally transform their processes and give employees greater flexibility.

Investing in future-proof technology is essential for resilience and business continuity. The right solution should improve flexibility, scalability, security and cost savings, resolve pain points and add value throughout the business. So, does such a solution exist?

Cloud-based solutions tick all of these boxes, which is why they are becoming essential for forward-thinking organisations. Cloud storage platforms such as Google Drive have supported distributed teams for more than a decade. So why stop there? If employees can already access company resources remotely, the next logical step is to move print services to the cloud as well. Here, we explore the key benefits of introducing a cloud print solution into your business.

So How Does a Toshiba Cloud Printing Solution Compare to Your Current Setup?

No more server hardware to manage

Your current print setup may rely on on-premise server hardware, which can be expensive to buy, service and maintain. Solutions like e-FOLLOW.cloud are completely serverless, meaning there is no need for local hardware or client software. As long as the e-FOLLOW.cloud app is installed on your Toshiba MFP, everything connects directly and securely using end-to-end encryption. This allows you to manage printing remotely without the hassle of installing and maintaining hardware. If you are looking to simplify your print infrastructure, cloud print management could be the answer.

Where the savings really come from

Moving to a cloud printing solution can deliver savings in several areas, especially cost, time and environmental impact. You can start saving straight away by avoiding the need to purchase print servers or invest in ongoing IT administration, servicing and maintenance. There are also wider cost benefits across the business.

For example, cloud printing brings greater flexibility to everyday workflows. It saves time that employees might otherwise spend travelling to the office just to access, print and collect documents. With the ability to manage print activity from anywhere, teams can stay productive wherever they are. Over time, this can have a positive impact across the business and support long-term profitability.

Cloud printing can also support sustainability goals. Poorly managed printing can be costly and wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be. Managing print in the cloud gives users better control over what they print, how it is finished and where they collect it. This helps reduce abandoned printouts and unnecessary waste. Small changes like these can make a meaningful difference to a company’s environmental impact.

Is cloud printing secure enough?

It is easy to assume that remote printing could increase security risks, but strong protection does not depend on being inside the office network. Toshiba’s cloud printing solutions use end-to-end encryption across all communication channels, helping to keep user, billing and print data secure. Customer data and credentials are kept strictly separate to protect personal information, while secure print release reduces the risk of sensitive documents being left unattended or accessed by the wrong person.

Built to grow with your business

One of the biggest advantages of a cloud solution is how easily it can scale. Whether you are a small business with a handful of devices or a large organisation with multiple locations, users and MFPs, a cloud print solution can grow alongside your business and adapt as your needs change.

Ready for what’s next?

Giving teams the freedom to work in more flexible and informal ways shows that a business is ready to adapt and move forward. Identifying where to invest can be challenging, especially when trying to balance long-term value with immediate needs. Cloud print solutions help by reducing complexity and freeing up time, while giving teams the flexibility to respond to whatever comes next.

We can help you assess which hardware, software and cloud-based solutions are right for your business. We will also look at how best to integrate them with your existing setup, always with the goal of simplifying your print environment and improving efficiency. Once everything is in place, your team will be able to create, share and print their ideas from wherever they are working.

Ready to simplify your print environment?

Speak to our team to find out how cloud printing could work for your business.