As recently as the early 80s, the fax machine was viewed as one of the great advances in office technology. However, many offices today operate without a dedicated fax machine, relying on multi-purpose scanners and online services. These advances leave many business owners and managers asking, “Should I purchase a fax machine or even bother replacing my current outdated unit?”

The answer to that question will actually vary by the type of business and the role that faxes play in their everyday operations. While it is a fact that a number of companies are able to function efficiently without a dedicated and updated fax machine, these devices remain important in many industries, from real estate and banking to auto sales and accounting. There are numerous situations and applications that require the transmission and/or receipt of a hard copy document between offices.

In fact, the use of a separate fax machine and online faxing capabilities are seldom mutually exclusive needs. If you have a document you want to send to employees or remote offices, the fax machine is often the most efficient method. Even if you have one of the multi-purpose machines, the quality and efficiency of a dedicated machine is often better.

While multi-function machines have their place in the office, the trade-offs made on each element are significant. For example, any graphics design shop will want a high-quality dedicated scanner for their work. Likewise, a machine able to receive and large volumes of faxes will keep from monopolizing the use of the printer and provide more efficiency.

If you are thinking about updating your technologies, a San Diego IT consultant will be able to help you sort out the best methods for ensuring you have the fax capabilities you need. They can provide recommendations, and may even be able to suggest certain technologies that you’re unfamiliar with.

To learn more about new technologies for your small to medium-sized business, reach out to Syndeo Communications today. We provide IT consulting and IT support in San Diego, CA and have a team of technicians who are available to perform consultations, on-site and over-the-phone support services. Call us today at 760-650-3300 for more information.