Evaluating MFPs 19
When evaluating more than one product, it is crucial that you make a fair comparison between products.
• Print from identical computer systems to ensure speed variations are not due to differences in processing
power.
• Print and copy the same files on all devices, using the same paper type and the same or equivalent
settings. All print and copy modes need to be tested separately for each device and compared
respectively.
• Use the same operating system and software application and test comparable print drivers. (Each of
these components interacts with the printing process and can affect performance.)
Evaluating performance
Using the samples that you created, perform the following tests to gauge product performance.
First-page-out The time from when the print command is issued to a product that is in sleep mode until the
completion of the first page. This test measures the effect of an instant-on fuser and shows a
product’s true speed.
First-copy-out The time from when the copy button is pressed on a product that is in sleep mode until the
completion of the first page. Separate tests should be performed using the flatbed scanner and
the ADF.
Click-to-drop The time from when the print command is issued until the completion of the print job.
Pick-to-drop The time from when the first piece of paper is picked up by the product until the completion of
the print job.
Return-to-application The time from when the print command is issued until the time when the computer is available
for other tasks.
Running the tests
Follow the guidelines below when measuring printing performance:
• Be sure to measure the amount of time it takes to print a complete document. (For example, you might
print an eight-page, two-sided document with company letterhead on the first page.)
Note A professional printing product is designed to print multiple-page documents. We suggest that you
print either multiple-page documents or multiple copies of a single page.
• Record any error messages.
• Perform each test three times to obtain an average. If the variances in the three tests are too much,
discard the result, check the system, and redo the test.
• If the device offers more than one I/O port, perform tests using each port.
• Look at each page to make sure all text and graphics printed correctly. Files that print significantly faster
on one device might not be printing correctly. Some devices drop complex graphics and images when
they are unable to process the whole job. Examine output to ensure that the entire document printed and
that it printed correctly.
• When comparing device performance, look beyond the speed trial data and consider the acceptability
of the output. There are definitely tradeoffs in print quality, but as you review your results, look at the
samples and consider whether the quality meets your standards. Also, make sure that toner adheres to
the paper properly.
Performance
To Next Page
Loading...