Production-grade scanning, built into your office printer

A closer look at the Ricoh IM C SD series incorporating the superior Fujitsu scanner. 

We affectionately call it the Daddy scanner.

In most offices, scanning is still treated as a basic function – something every multifunction printer should “just do.” But the reality is very different. Traditional scanners struggle with anything beyond standard paper, forcing teams to slow down, improvise, or risk damaging important documents.

The Ricoh IM C SD Series changes that completely. With its innovative straight-through paper path, it introduces a smarter, more reliable way to digitise documents – especially the ones that matter most.

The problem with traditional scanning

Most office scanners rely on a curved paper path. While this works for standard sheets, it creates challenges when handling:

  • Driving licences and ID cards
  • Carbonless or multipart forms
  • Receipts and thin paper
  • Folded or irregular documents

These materials often need to be scanned manually on a flatbed, costing time and introducing risk. Curved paths can also lead to paper jams, skewed images, and damaged originals – all of which disrupt workflows and reduce productivity.

 

A straight path forward

The Ricoh IM C SD series introduces a straight-path automatic document feeder (SPDF) –  a fundamental shift in how office scanning works.

Instead of bending documents through rollers, the system feeds them straight through the device. This simple but powerful change delivers major advantages:

  • Protects delicate originals like carbonless or thermal paper
  • Handles rigid media such as plastic ID cards with ease
  • Reduces jams and misfeeds, improving reliability
  • Maintains document integrity, even for sensitive materials

This technology enables the device to process everything from fragile receipts to thick ID cards in a single workflow -something traditional MFPs struggle to achieve.

 

Scan mixed documents in one go

Modern offices rarely deal with uniform paperwork. A single file might include contracts, IDs, receipts, and handwritten notes.

The Ricoh IM C SD series is built for this reality: Automatically detects different sizes and formats, corrects skew and orientation without manual input and scans mixed batches seamlessly in one pass.

This means no more sorting documents beforehand – just load and go. The result is faster processing and fewer interruptions.

Speed meets intelligence

Beyond its hardware innovation, the IM C SD series combines speed with smart automation:

  • Up to 200 images per minute duplex scanning
  • AI-driven image correction and optimisation
  • Automatic classification and routing options
  • Document feed capacity of 300 pages

These features eliminate repetitive manual steps, helping teams digitise information quickly and accurately.

 

Built for real-world documents

What sets this technology apart is its versatility. The straight-through feeder is designed to handle:

  • Thin slips and receipts
  • Multipart and carbonless forms
  • Envelopes and folded documents
  • Plastic cards up to 1.4 mm thick

In short, it’s built for the documents businesses actually use – not just idealised sheets of paper.

RICOH SD Series – Production-grade scanning

Why it matters for your business

Upgrading to straight-through scanning isn’t just a technical improvement – it’s a workflow transformation.

Less manual handling
No need to separate, flatten, or re-scan documents.

Improved accuracy
Automated corrections ensure every scan is clear and properly aligned.

Reduced downtime
Fewer jams and errors mean smoother day-to-day operations.

Better document protection
Critical originals remain intact and undamaged.

 

A smarter way to digitise

As organisations continue to digitise their processes, the limitations of traditional scanning become more obvious. The Ricoh IM C SD series addresses these challenges head-on with a design that prioritises flexibility, reliability, and ease of use.

The result? A scanning experience that works the way your office actually operates -handling everything from standard paperwork to the most complex document types without compromise.

Managed print services vs buying a printer

For many UK small and medium-sized businesses, printing is essential – contracts, invoices, reports, marketing materials, compliance documents. But when it comes to managing office printing, there is a big question:MPS vs buying a printer

Should you buy a printer outright, or invest in a managed print service (MPS)?

Both options have advantages, but the right choice depends on your business goals, budget, and long-term growth plans. In this guide, we break down the real costs, benefits, and risks of each option to help UK SMEs make the right decision.

 

What does “Buying a printer” really mean?

Buying a printer usually means:

  • Purchasing the hardware upfront
  • Buying toner and consumables separately
  • Paying for repairs and maintenance as needed
  • Managing supplies internally
  • Replacing the device when it becomes outdated

At first glance, this seems like the cheaper and simpler option – especially for small teams.

But the true cost often goes beyond the purchase price.

 

The real cost of buying a printer

Many SMEs focus on the upfront hardware cost (for example, £300–£2,000 depending on the device). However, hidden costs include:

  1. Consumables

Toner and ink are expensive – especially for high-volume businesses. Branded cartridges can cost hundreds per year per machine.

  1. Repairs & downtime

When a printer breaks:

  • You pay call-out fees
  • You pay for parts
  • Your team loses productivity

Unplanned downtime can disrupt operations, especially in legal, finance, and construction sectors.

  1. Over-spec or Under-spec purchasing

Many businesses:

  • Buy a printer too small for their workload (causing breakdowns)
  • Or buy a machine far more powerful than needed (wasting money)
  1. No usage monitoring

Without tracking usage:

  • Departments may overprint
  • Waste increases
  • Costs creep up unnoticed

Over time, buying outright often becomes reactive rather than strategic.

What is managed print services (MPS)?

Managed print services is a fully supported print solution where:

  • You lease or subscribe to equipment
  • Maintenance is included
  • Toner is automatically supplied
  • Usage is monitored
  • Costs are predictable
  • Support is ongoing

Providers like Allied Office Machines manage your entire print environment so you can focus on running your business.

Benefits of managed print services

  1. Predictable monthly costs

Instead of surprise repair bills or emergency toner purchases, you pay a fixed monthly fee. This makes budgeting far easier.

  1. Reduced downtime

Most MPS providers offer:

  • Remote monitoring
  • Automatic fault alerts
  • Fast engineer response times

Problems are often fixed before your team even notices them.

  1. Automatic toner replenishment

No more last-minute cartridge runs. Supplies are delivered automatically when levels run low.

  1. Scalable solutions

As your business grows, your print setup can grow with you — without large capital investments.

  1. Print auditing & cost control

Managed services provide reporting on:

  • Print volumes
  • Department usage
  • Waste patterns
  • Security risks

This helps to reduce unnecessary printing and cut costs long term.

 

When buying a printer makes sense

Buying outright may be suitable if:

  • You print very low volumes
  • You’re a micro-business (1–3 employees)
  • You rarely need support
  • You don’t require advanced security or compliance features

For very small operations, a simple desktop printer may be sufficient.

 

When managed print services is the better option

MPS is typically better if:

  • You print regularly
  • Multiple employees share devices
  • Downtime affects productivity
  • You need secure printing
  • You want to reduce overall print spend
  • You prefer predictable monthly costs

 

Security considerations (often overlooked)

Modern printers are connected devices – meaning they can be vulnerable to cyber threats.

Managed print solutions often include:

  • Secure print release
  • Data encryption
  • Network security configuration
  • GDPR-conscious setups

If your business handles sensitive client data, this is a major advantage over unmanaged devices.

 

The strategic question: Reactive or proactive?

Buying a printer is typically reactive:

  • Something breaks → you fix it.
  • Toner runs out → you order more.
  • Costs rise → you absorb them.

Managed Print Services is proactive:

  • Issues prevented before downtime.
  • Usage monitored and optimised.
  • Costs controlled strategically.

For growing UK SMEs, proactive usually wins.

  • Long-term savings

Managed print services is often the smarter investment.

 

Final thoughts

For SMEs, printing shouldn’t be a headache – but unmanaged devices often create hidden costs and operational disruptions.

The real question isn’t just “Which is cheaper?”
It’s “Which gives my business the most control and stability?”

If you are unsure which option is right for your organisation, a print audit can reveal where money is being wasted – and where savings can be made. Contact us on 01794 526088 and speak to Steve.

Cybersecurity: The AI vs. AI arms race in 2026

In 2026, the digital battlefield has moved beyond simple firewalls. We are living in an era of automated warfare, where the security of your data depends on whether your defence AI can outsmart an attacker’s AI. As the landscape shifts unpredictably, staying “safe” requires a fundamental shift in strategy.

 

  1. The rise of agentic AI malware

AI is no longer just a tool; it’s the combatant. Attackers now deploy autonomous agentic malware that scans for vulnerabilities and adapts its attack patterns in real-time without needing a human “pilot.”

The threat: AI bots that blend into your network traffic, making them nearly invisible to traditional detection.

The action: Shift to layered security with AI-powered monitoring that can spot anomalies at machine speed.

 

  1. Deepfakes and high-fidelity phishing

The “African Prince” emails of the past are gone. Today, attackers use publicly available data and voice synthesis to create terrifyingly convincing clones of colleagues or CEOs.

The threat: Realistic video calls and voice notes designed to trick employees into authorized wire transfers.

The action: Establish out-of-band verification. If a request seems urgent, verify it via a secondary, pre-approved channel.

 

  1. The “everything” attack surface (IoT)

Your coffee machine might be the weakest link in your corporate network. From smart thermostats to office routers, everyday devices are now prime entry points.

The threat: Poorly secured IoT devices hijacked into massive botnets.

The action: Change all default passwords immediately and segment IoT devices onto their own isolated network.

 

  1. Identity is the new perimeter

In 2026, hackers don’t “break in”- they log in. By stealing credentials and session tokens, they bypass the front door entirely.

The threat: Stolen identities are the #1 cause of breaches in both government and private sectors.

The action: Adopt Zero-Trust architecture. Never trust, always verify, and enforce strict Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

 

  1. Summary of actions for 2026
Audience Primary Strategy Key Action
Individuals Personal vigilance Use MFA and treat all “urgent” digital requests with scepticism.
Small Businesses Staff readiness Conduct AI-scam simulation training and enforce strong password hygiene.
Enterprises Tech integration Invest in AI-augmented analytics and identity-first security protocols.

 

  1. The regulatory hammer

The “wild west” era of data handling is over. Globally, regulatory frameworks have tightened, and executives are now being held personally liable for compliance failures and poor security governance.

Advice: Don’t treat compliance as a “check-the-box” exercise; build it into your core architecture to avoid massive fines and reputational ruin.

 

Closing thought: The technologies transforming our world are being weaponized against us. In 2026, the only way to stay ahead of an AI-driven threat is to fight fire with fire – deploying smarter, faster, and more resilient AI defences.

The hidden cost of cheap printers

When a business needs a new printer, it is easy to be swayed by the cheapest option on the shelf. After all, a printer is a printer… right?

Not quite.printer

Low-cost printers often come with a price tag that looks appealing upfront, but their hidden long-term costs can quickly outstrip what you would have spent on a quality device. For many businesses, the “bargain” ends up being the most expensive choice of all.

Here is what really makes cheap printers costly.

 

Expensive ink and toner – the real money pit

Manufacturers often sell printers at or below cost and rely on consumables for profit.
With cheaper models, you will typically find:

  • Small capacity cartridges (fewer pages per refill)
  • Inefficient ink usage
  • Restricted use of third-party toner

That low-cost printer can quickly become a high-cost subscription you never signed up for.

Result: A printer that “saved” you £50 can easily cost thousands more in ink over its lifetime.

Frequent breakdowns and repairs

Cheap printers are built with cheaper components. The result?

  • More paper jams
  • Slower print speeds
  • Parts wearing out early
  • Increased downtime for your team

Even worse, replacement parts are often limited or deliberately expensive, making it feel easier to buy another cheap printer – and the cycle continues.

Result: Lost productivity and higher replacement frequency.

 

No real service or support

When a budget printer stops working, who do you call?
Most low-cost brands offer:

  • Minimal or no phone support
  • Long response times
  • “Return to base” requirements
  • Short warranty periods

For a business that relies on printing to operate, this lack of support can bring workflows to a halt.

Result: You become your own service department.

 

Lower print quality and inconsistent results

Cheap printers often struggle with:

  • Colour accuracy
  • Sharp detail
  • Double-sided printing
  • Even text alignment

This may not matter for casual home use, but for businesses producing proposals, forms, or client-facing documents, quality counts.

Result: Poor print quality reflects poorly on your business.

 

Slow printing = slow staff

Time is money.
Budget printers are often slow, noisy, and unable to handle the workload of a busy office.

Typical limitations include:

  • Slow warm-up times
  • Low print-per-minute speeds
  • Small paper trays
  • Frequent “cool down” pauses

Multiply those small delays by dozens of staff, and the cost becomes clear.

Result: A “cheap” device quietly drains hours of productivity.

 

No security features

Modern business printers include:

  • User authentication
  • Secure print release
  • Data encryption
  • GDPR-compliant logging

Cheap printers typically offer none of this, leaving sensitive documents exposed.

Result: Security risks increase — and regulatory fines or data breaches can cost far more than a good printer.

 

Higher environmental impact

You’ll often see:

  • Smaller cartridges = more plastic waste
  • Shorter lifespan = more landfill
  • Inefficient energy use
  • Poor component recyclability

What looks cheap often ends up being the least environmentally friendly choice.

Result: Higher waste, higher energy costs, lower sustainability.

 

The better choice: Invest smart, save long-term

A reliable business-grade printer or multifunction device may cost more upfront, but it saves money on all of the following:

  • Ink and toner efficiency
  • Reliable uptime
  • Faster printing
  • Stronger security
  • Professional print quality
  • Proper servicing and maintenance
  • Longer lifespan

When paired with clear, transparent contracts and a responsive service provider (like we offer at Allied Office Machines), the lifetime cost drops dramatically – and the experience improves just as much.

 

Final thought

A cheap printer is never cheap.
It’s merely inexpensive to buy and very expensive to own.

If you are considering your next printer or want a cost comparison, we would be happy to help you choose a solution that is reliable, cost-effective, and built for real business use.

Unethical contracts – what to look out for

When businesses invest in essential business hardware such as printers/copiers or IP phones, the technology is often reliable. The real risk lies in the contracts behind them. Unfortunately, on occasions some companies discover too late that they have signed agreements filled with hidden costs, confusing terms, and unfair exit clauses.

UK consumer law gives strong protection to individuals, but those protections don’t usually extend to SMEs.

Here is an example …

Small businesses tell of crippling costs of telecoms services – BBC News

Unethical practices typically appear in these places ⬇️

  1. “All inclusive contracts” can be set to five years, but only three years of service are actually included resulting in large unexpected bills to cover service in years 4 and 5.
  2. Hidden charges in the small print that become payable after year one, including: Consumables delivery costs, parts warranties, admin fees, compulsory “additional support” charges.
  3. Extra long term agreements – up to 72 months.
  4. “Evergreen” auto-renewals or “free upgrade options” that roll you into another long term contract unless you give notice in a very narrow time window.
  5. Promotional discounts that expire mid-term resulting in increased costs for the remainder of the contract.

Red flags you can spot before you sign 🚩

  • Bundled finance: Handsets supplied via third-party leasing. You think you’re buying service; you’ve actually signed a separate equipment finance agreement with harsher remedies.
  • Cancellation notice : 90 – 180 days’ notice, via recorded post to a specific address, during a short window -miss it and you renew.
  • “Free install” that isn’t: Waived setup recouped through higher monthly fees and punitive exit Tc and Cs.
  • The sales person says “cancel any time”, the Ts&Cs say 60-month term + 6-month notice.
  • “Free phones” but there is a separate finance or lease agreement in a different company’s name.
  • Quotes omit call charges (“you won’t exceed your bundle”) and the contract sets high out-of-bundle rates.

At Allied Office Machines, we are committed to keeping our contracts clear, simple, and transparent.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us on 01794 830326 or email s.drayson@aomltd.co.uk – we are here to help.

Welcoming Frankie: A fresh start in business development

We are excited to share some great news 🌟Frankie - our new Business Development Executive

🚀 Frankie H has joined our team as a Sales Development Consultant, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and drive to help us connect with new opportunities and clients.

Now we have two Frankies. One gets the praise, the other gets the meetings.😄

Newest member of our technical team – John Brown

Say hello to the newest member of our technical team – John Brown 👋

John joins us as a Senior Engineer and brings over 35 years of experience in the photocopier and IT world 🖨️ 🛜 .

He’s already settling in and is really looking forward to meeting all our lovely customers soon.

Watch out for domain spoofing with Cyrillic characters

Cybercriminals are using homograph attacks – a deceptive tactic where they register domain names using Cyrillic characters that closely resemble Latin ones.

This trick enables them to create fake websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones.

Example: The domain аррle.com (with Cyrillic “а” and “р”) appears just like apple.com in many fonts – but it’s a trap.

How to Protect Yourself:

Cybersecurity begins with awareness. Share this to keep others safe from lookalike domains.

  1. Hover before you click: Always check the actual link, especially in emails or messages.
  2. Use a modern browser: Most updated browsers can detect and warn about suspicious URLs.
  3. Enable punycode display: This reveals the real encoded domain (e.g., xn--pple-78d.com).
  4. Bookmark trusted sites: Avoid clicking; go directly via saved links.
  5. Train your team: Awareness is your strongest defence.

Foldr for Education: Empowering schools with seamless and secure file access

In today’s digital-first classrooms, schools are constantly balancing ease of access, security and IT efficiency. That’s where Foldr steps in – a powerful platform designed to make file access and sharing effortless for both staff and students.

Whether you are managing a large multi-academy trust or a single-site primary school, Foldr provides secure, anywhere-access to files stored on-site or in the cloud – all through a user-friendly, GDPR-compliant interface.

What is Foldr?

Foldr connects users to their files – wherever they are stored -through one secure, unified platform. It bridges the gap between traditional on-site storage (like shared drives) and cloud platforms (such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox), giving your school a consistent user experience across all devices, without the need for VPNs or complex setups.

How are schools using Foldr?

 

Anywhere access for pupils and staff

Whether working from home, in the classroom or on the move, Foldr enables seamless access to school resources on any device. Pupils can open homework folders on iPads, teachers can upload lesson plans from home PCs and leadership teams can share documents securely.

Example: A secondary school in Kent uses Foldr to give sixth form students secure access to revision materials from their personal laptops, helping to support independent study.

 

Supporting remote and blended learning

With Foldr, schools can maintain continuity of learning even when pupils are off-site. Teachers can upload assignments, pupils can submit work and everything remains organised and accessible from anywhere.

Example: A MAT in the Midlands relied on Foldr during snow closures and COVID-related absences to ensure pupils could access lesson materials and submit coursework without disruption.

 

Safe and compliant file sharing

Foldr makes internal and external file sharing secure, with full audit trails and granular permission settings which is perfect for safeguarding policies and GDPR requirements.

Example: A London borough school uses Foldr to share safeguarding documents with the local authority via time-limited secure links, ensuring compliance and confidentiality.

 

One interface for all file storage

Schools using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace can integrate these services directly into Foldr. This gives staff and pupils one familiar interface to access all their files, reducing confusion and streamlining workflows.

Example: A grammar school in Yorkshire uses Foldr to unify access to SharePoint and Google Drive, allowing teachers to focus more on teaching and less on switching between apps.

 

Less work for IT teams

Foldr’s web-based admin tools and centralised access controls make life easier for IT managers. It works across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS—no client installs required.

Example: An independent school in Surrey reduced helpdesk calls significantly after introducing Foldr, due to its intuitive interface and consistent file access across devices.

 

Find out more here

Ready to transform how your school accesses and shares files?
Get in touch with Frankie to book a free demo on f.girardelli@aomltd.co.uk or 01794 526088

Webinar: Struggling to Manage School Files Across Multiple Devices and Platforms?

Join our upcoming webinar on Thursday 19th June at 4pm to discover how Newcastle Grammar School and Mater Dei College successfully tackled this challenge with Foldr.Webinar 19th June

Imagine being able to access all your schoolwork and files from any device – with just one click.

No more searching through shared drives, cloud storage like One Drive or SharePoint, or personal devices. Whether you’re using Windows, Apple computers, laptops, or iPads – students and teachers deserve a simple, streamlined solution.

The Challenge:
In most schools, files are scattered across multiple locations – home folders, shared drives, iPads, MacBooks, Windows PCs, and cloud services. Managing and accessing them is a daily struggle, especially in BYOD/BYOT environments.

The Solution:
A single upload and access point that works across all platforms, giving students and teachers fast, secure, and efficient access to their files — anytime, anywhere, on any device. All data and student work are centrally managed and securely backed up, ensuring nothing is lost and everything is accessible when needed.

➡ REGISTER HERE

In partnership with Selectec and Foldr

Any questions, please contact Frankie on 01794 526088 or f.girardelli@aomltd.co.uk