Sharp MFP Integration Options for Office and Education Users

Sharp MFP Integration Options for Office and Education Users

When it comes to wireless printing and document management, the offices and classrooms of the future will be integrated. Beyond simply offering print, copy, and scan capability, today’s state-of-the-art multifunction printers (MFPs) offer innovating integration options that hugely reduce document processing time. Sharp MFP solutions are leading the way in integration, allowing users to automate complex workflows between many major third-party cloud-based services.

Nearly every organization in every industry uses one or more of these platforms to some degree. From small home-based businesses to large enterprises, cloud-based software platforms have transformed the way coworkers communicate and collaborate.

By integrating these platforms with your Sharp MFP, you can implement powerful document processing workflows without having to invest in expensive on-site infrastructure. Sharp’s ongoing partnerships with tech service providers ensures that your device will remain a central element of your most business-critical workflows.

Sharp MFP Integration Benefits

Sharp document systems seamlessly integrate with any of the following platforms. Combine your existing cloud infrastructure with Sharp hardware to streamline your most important process workflows.

1. Google Docs

New Sharp printers support Google Cloud Print. This allows users to print directly from their Google Docs drives. Importantly, this functionality extends to remote users wherever they can access their Google Drive folders. This makes it easy for remote workers to process documents and print them directly to your on-site Sharp MFP.

This functionality extends to scanning and copying as well. Your Sharp MFP can scan documents directly to a Google Docs folder so long as you have permission to edit the folder’s contents.

2. Microsoft OneDrive and Sharepoint

Offices that rely on Microsoft technology for document processing and communication can use Sharp AIP Cloud Connect to manage their MFP connections in one place. Sharp AIP is a collection of software connectors that allow Sharp multifunction devices to connect with a broad variety of cloud-based services.

The practical benefit of making these connectors part of a single toolset is that the Sharp AIP platform becomes your centralized solution center for securely communicating between various cloud platforms. It supports email, DropBox, and OnBase as well as Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint.

3. Blackboard Learn

Sharp has integrated its MFP functionality with Blackboard Learn, the industry-leading system for learning management. Blackboard Learn is a powerful tool on the academic campus, allowing students to scan, upload, and submit course material directly from any Sharp MFP.

This functionality allows students to submit handwritten and hardcopy assignments digitally. It is a powerful tool for encouraging paperless academic workflows.

4. Google Classroom

Google’s free web service empowers educators to create, distribute, and grade assignments without consuming paper. In order to facilitate the paperless workflow, the platform supports Sharp document systems, allowing teachers and professors to upload hardcopy documents for their students’ use.

New Sharp MFP devices support mobile printing for Google Classroom. This lets educators make full use of this innovative technology directly from a connected smartphone or tablet. Older Sharp MFPs are also compatible, provided the user update the device’s firmware.

5. AirPrint

Sharp MFPs support Apple’s AirPrint technology, allowing users to instantly print from any iOS or OS X device. Users do not need to download print drivers or set up network connections – Apple devices simply recognize the Sharp MFP and allow users to securely send documents to print.

Sharp’s Essential and Advanced workgroup document systems offer native support for AirPrint functionality that includes scanning and faxing in addition to printing.

6. Box

Box users can easily connect to their accounts directly through their Sharp MFP. Scanning and printing any file to Box is easy with the embedded Box connector. This connector is a Sharp OSA application included with every new Sharp device. In a few steps, you can install and use this service with single-sign-on functionality.

Implementing Sharp Cloud Connect

New Sharp MFPs come with Cloud Connect capability. SharePoint users can enjoy support for document profile metadata and subsites for better intranet document management.

Implementing this technology is simple. All you need to do is find the appropriate connector for your cloud service and utilize Sharp’s single-sign-on functionality. Once you are signed on, you can integrate paper-based workflows with your preferred cloud service.

All of Sharp’s new multifunction devices support cloud integration. Any device that access Google Chrome can use Sharp’s remote printing functions without having to install print drivers. Implementation of Sharp’s cloud printing, scanning, copying, and file management capabilities is within reach of every organization and classroom.

Talk to our team at Smile to find out how a Sharp MFP can offer you best-in-class integration for your office or classroom.