A LOCAL authority is to spend £221,000 over the next five years on new Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) combines printing, scanning and copying facilities into a single unit.

Blackburn with Darwen Councils core site MFDs contract is at an end with devices now at the end of their lifespan, the central print management software is also end of life and needs to be replaced.

After a competitive tender it has given the new deal to Ricoh UK Ltd.

A report to councillors by Paul Fleming, strategic director of resources says: "Currently, devices at outlying sites are standalone and are not linked through to the central system which users access with their Council ID badges.

"The awarded tender includes for these to be installed on the replacement devices at outlying sites.This will allow staff to print from other locations without IT intervention.

"Core site MFD’s which are supplied through a managed print service and cover the Tower Block, Duke Street, Cathedral Square, the Bungalow and Earcroft.

"There are currently 42 devices through this agreement which will be reduced to 20 as part of the contract.

"Outlying sites which are on contracts mainly with Xerox and Canon.

"There are currently 31 Xerox devices and eight Canon devices with a further three devices on order from Ricoh to replace some of the Xerox devices which are causing issues.

"The estimated value of the contract over the five years is circa £221,000.

"By rolling out the managed print solution to outlying sites it will give the department greater control and visibility of printing at outlying sites."