We’ve written about Xerox ConnectKey Technology extensively here on the Preferred Document Solutions blog. However, it occurred to us that we’ve never explained what it is from a beginner’s perspective. In today’s post, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
What is Xerox ConnectKey Technology?
ConnectKey Technology is a bit of an umbrella term. It refers to all the solutions that act to 1. unify your print environment, and 2. are (generally) powered by cloud connectivity.
Now, one could be forgiven for thinking that we just laid a bunch of buzzwords down on you, but if we break that explanation down it will make perfect sense. The first part, regarding a unified print environment, is basically talking about a printer (or fleet of printers) that all work together in harmony with the already-existing technology in a workplace—so, the computers, laptops, mobile devices, software, and workflow systems that you already have.
The second point refers to cloud connectivity being the driving force behind ConnectKey Technology. “The cloud” simply refers to software and services which live on the internet, making them accessible from multiple authorized users who might all be using different devices, such as a desktop computer or a mobile tablet.
In the next section we’ll look at an example of how this all works in practice, and then give you instructions on how to get started yourself.
My Xerox Multifunction Printer is ConnectKey Compatible. How Do I Install Apps?
Here’s a brief and simple example of a scenario where ConnectKey Technology helps to simplify a common workflow and maintains unity within the print environment: imagine that your company uses the popular Salesforce customer relationship management software (as described in this blog post, among other more complex features, this CRM platform allows you to store detailed customer information).
You have a hard copy document that you need to send to a customer. You know the customer is in your Salesforce account already. Using your Xerox multifunction printer, you scan the hard copy document and, without ever leaving the printer, you use the Salesforce app to email it to that customer. To be thorough, you email yourself a copy too.
Without ConnectKey Technology, the above process would have been much more cumbersome. You’d have had to scan the document, get it transferred to your computer, load up Salesforce, find the customer information, open your email client… well, you get the idea.
If you think back to the previous section where we laid out that the goal of Xerox ConnectKey technology was essentially to unify a print environment through cloud connected software, you’ll now see that it all makes sense.
To get your own apps—there are hundreds which will allow you to extend the functionality of your Xerox MFP—just visit the Xerox App Gallery. Which, of course, is accessible through your ConnectKey-enabled device too.
Questions About How to Get the Most Out of Your MFP? Our Team at Preferred Document Solutions is Here to Help
We hope this cleared up any questions you may have had on this topic! If you’d like to learn more, come and see us in Colorado Springs on Briargate boulevard, call us at (719) 634-1134, or reach out to us online. If you’re ready to upgrade to the ConnectKey experience, you may also request a free online quote.
