What is a multifunction device? What are the benefits of one?
Briefly, an MFD is a copier-like device that can perform at least one function besides copying – image scanning and/or network printing are the most common, but fax capability is also available. In fact, it’s harder than it used to be to tell a copier from an MFD. All MFD’s can copy, and virtually all new copiers can be equipped with at least some additional functions–some machines can fit into both categories. For the purposes of our program, an MFD generally comes as a complete package, while a copier comes as a base unit to which additional functionality may be added, if needed, according to your needs. The benefit of an MFD is that it can potentially save space and power compared to using several machines, and also offer added convenience. The disadvantage is that a breakdown may disable all functions at once – in the language of systems design, there’s a possible “single point of failure.” As regards cost, an MFD will usually be more costly than an equivalent copier alone, but if
