Lyndon Johnson’s Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare John Gardner once said, “Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” Of course, this came long before the advent of managed print services (MPS), but the words still resonate in the day-to-day routines of many of today’s top service providers. Without the proper attention and a commitment to operational excellence, their road to success would be a lot more challenging. A proper focus is needed for good organizations to make the adjustments and improvements needed to attain loftier goals, such as building an industry-leading customer service team or improving profitability by another 10 percent
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But few companies achieve that level of success by just saying they’ll do better. Though it is a vital first step, experienced managed print specialists rarely go from good to great without a solid plan and outstanding execution. That starts with a review of each operational process, ensuring that the service provider is either following or making improvements to industry best practices. It’s extremely rare for these organizations to succeed over the long term without enhancing procedures, improving employee skill-sets and steadily refining their services portfolios.
While innovation is a key to growth in the services industry, it’s especially so in the managed print field. Even small, incremental improvements can lead to distinct competitive advantages, and those transformation processes should never really stop or the organization quickly loses its market position. It’s never easy to stay at the top in the MPS industry and almost impossible without a commitment to continued practice enhancements.
A proven way to authenticate an organization’s observance of generally accepted best practices is to obtain an industry recognized accreditation. These business credential programs offer a variety of benefits for managed print providers, including a structured process to vet and improve their business and service current practices. This exercise gives the management team a good opportunity to assess and compare their operations with those of industry leading providers and refine their procedures along the way.
Those improvements often allow MPS professionals to cut costs, streamline operations and improve their customer service levels. For example, in order to obtain the new CompTIA Managed Print Services Trustmark, applicants must meet specific skill and knowledge criteria and adhere to certain prescribed standards. The credential program comprehensively covers each area of an MPS business, requiring applicants to review and, when necessary, makes adjustments to meet or exceed the industry-best practices.
Business credentials also provide a boost to a holder’s marketing efforts. Those who hold a CompTIA Trustmark understand the value they offer – creating a true differentiator for both dealers and solutions providers. The programs are specifically designed to allow applicants to improve employee and organizational capabilities, elevate their professional status with clients and prospects, and enhance their overall marketing opportunities. Companies that obtain a Trustmark have shown themselves as equipped with the latest tools and understand state-of-the-art business practices, improving their chances of attracting new customers and retaining their current clients.
The CompTIA Managed Print Services Trustmark addresses a variety of business fundamentals and industry requirements, including:
A code of conduct: The credential sets the bar for business ethics and professional responsibility, as well as service delivery and advertising.
Operations: This section covers contracts and other agreements, tools and processes, standard operating procedures and customer relations.
Management/finance: Applicants must review and adhere to specific practices involving financial procedures, risk management and human resources.
Sales skills: This covers prospecting, methodology, client management, billing, business reviews and strategy.
Delivery skills: Establishes the standards for monitoring deployment, fleet management, supply requirements, reporting and meeting service requirements.
Operations skills: Covers financial processes, cost determination, productivity and profitability, inventory, logistics, yield, billing, support and best practices.
For managed print providers, service is still one of the biggest differentiators. Business customers expect – and no doubt deserve – excellence from their MPS partners. Those who can meet or exceed those objectives will be more likely to succeed in today’s competitive environment. After earning a CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark, organizations can more easily offer their customer the assurance that they are not only willing to meet their expectations, but have what it takes to deliver on that promise.
Want to learn more about the CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark? Check out our latest Quick Start Guide, which outlines the process and details the benefits for providers who participate in this extremely valuable, business-enhancing program.
For those who want a more up-close and personal experience, join us for the live workshop session at the upcoming CompTIA ChannelCon event. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with existing Trustmark holders about the value of these accreditations and get helpful tips for completing the process – and save $100 on the program!
While the support options for the Managed Print Trustmark are numerous, the first step is up to you. After all, taking your business from good to great should never be easy…but a little support from CompTIA will surely boost your prospects.
