TyneMet College has renewed its long-standing contract with managed print services provider, SOS Group Ltd.
The Team Valley-based firm has worked with the college since 2003 and has supplied a fully managed print service for the last six years.
SOS Group provides 80 machines across four sites to fulfil the college’s print needs. It requires a mix of desktop printers, colour multi-function devices and production printers, and over 450 staff and 3,500 students use the system.
Stephen Butters, Senior Software, Server and End User Computing Administrator, explains: “Previously we had a diverse range of printer and copier equipment, all different brands and ages, and that brought with it an equally diverse range of issues.
“Now we have standardised and up-to-date equipment throughout the college, which has simplified things enormously.
“Copier and printer calls to our internal IT helpline have reduced significantly as has printer waste. The swipe card release function for all print jobs means our staff can easily correct errors and only print what they need. It’s a cost-effective system and, obviously, much better for the environment too.
“We have a great relationship with SOS. They’re extremely responsive and if we do have any issues we don’t have to try and trouble-shoot them over the phone for days. We know the team very well and the engineers will be out the same day. In my experience, that’s not the same for all print management companies.”
TyneMet College’s full print management service is created using one system provided by SOS using Paper Cut-software and Kyocera devices. This centralised approach has alleviated previous issues, including supply of toner cartridges to a wide variety of printers and copiers, and simplified things within the college, both for Stephen’s IT provision and his colleague, Paul Brown’s, graphic design services.
George Young, a director at SOS Group, says: “TyneMet College has been a client for almost as long as we’ve been in business. That’s something we’re very proud of and hopefully shows we’ve responded well to their changing requirements over the years as well as providing a strong, personal service.
“It can be a challenge providing a print system that meets the diverse needs of a large group of staff and students. Our centralised approach is meeting those needs, it’s cost-effective and helps reduce waste. As a former TyneMet student, I am very proud to work with the talented and committed staff and students here, and look forward to continuing that relationship for years to come.”
SOS Group Ltd launched in 2002 to supply digital office equipment, related software and support. Based on the Team Valley, the company also has an office in Bristol and services ‘blue chip’ clients nationally and, increasingly, internationally.
SOS Group has a longstanding tradition of community engagement and local charity support and is the key sponsor for fundraiser Mark ‘Run Geordie Run’ Allison as he continues his Around the World running challenge.
In September, SOS Group won a prestigious North East Charity Award, Outstanding Charity Support, beating off stiff competition from companies such as Darlington Building society and Potts Printers.