BLI has launched an innovative Calculate TCO feature for printers and copiers that enables bliQ users to compare the total cost of ownership of their machines to that of other competing models by taking into account all the key factors that will have an impact on a device's long-term costs, including equipment, paper, consumables and service costs.
Calculating the correct total cost of ownership can be tricky. Calculate TCO helps users identify all the costs involved in getting a page of output, including finance costs and page coverage, and then does the calculation under a variety of assumptions about the number of pages output over the life of the machine.
It's All In The Details
Based on early feedback from users, bliQ's Calculate TCO feature is very easy to use and intuitive. Requiring just one page of data entry, the feature can be accessed once a model is selected from Search Results. To begin a calculation, click on the Calculate TCO link found in the Product Research box.
The data entry screen is separated into the following fields: Hardware; Monthly Volume Range; Service; Supplies and Consumables; and Paper.
- The Hardware field allows the user to enter the machine pricing, configure the device with accessories, apply discount rates or trade-in allowances and select the acquisition method. Users can also enter the term of the lease and lease factor.
- Default monthly volume ranges based on the speed of the device (based on the monochrome speed in the case of color devices) selected are automatically displayed in the Monthly Volume Range field. These default monthly volume ranges are based on BLI user surveys. These default ranges can be easily overwritten by the user.
- The Service field is used to select the type of maintenance plan to include in the cost analysis and allows the user to enter the cost of the maintenance agreement or click charge, copy/print allowance and overage charges.
- Under the Supplies and Consumables field, a user can select or add any consumable item to include in the cost analysis. In addition, users can calculate toner costs based on real-world usage, as the industry standards might not represent the page coverage found in a typical office environment.
- The Paper field gives the user the flexibility to include the cost of paper in the cost analysis, if desired.
The Calculate TCO report displays the average cost per page, the incremental cost of printing the next sheet at different volumes, total cost and average monthly cost for up to five monthly volume bands, which users can set. In addition, the report provides a range of costs that could include lease, service, supplies and paper costs for the five monthly volume bands. TCO analysis can be viewed on the screen, or saved in either in Word or Excel and printed. Detailed instructions on using the TCO can be found by clicking on the question mark icons on the TCO screen or by clicking on View TCO Help.
The Calculate TCO feature will be available for bliQ Deluxe and Sales Advantage customers, and is available to all bliQ users for an introductory period. If you have any questions about Calculate TCO, please consult the help desk. You can also contact our Customer Support and Training team at
support@buyerslab.com or 201-488-0404. Press 2 for any assistance, or if you are an Express subscriber and would like to upgrade your subscription in order to access this great new feature.
