Walney School

Serving the island of Walney, Barrow Island and Barrow-in-Furness, Walney School provides 21st century learning facilities for over 650 students aged 11 to 16 years.

Three years ago, ICT Network Manager Julia Nash joined the school, having previously worked at the Furness Academy. It was while at the Academy that she met Phil Graham of Sensible, the office technology specialists that work with organisations to improve the way they manage the costs and provision of their internal document printing.

At the time of joining Walney School, there was no print management in place. Each department operated independently, sourcing and managing its own printers. It was commonplace for departments to buy cheaper devices, but which proved to be more expensive with regards to replacements toners and cartridges and also less reliable. As a result, the school was unable to get a real handle on the true cost of its office print, making it very difficult to manage and control budgets effectively.

Julia looked at options available for leasing printers rather than buying, with a view to sourcing quality printers and support service to assist in the management of the school’s office print costs and provision. As well as approaching Sensible, Julia also spoke to HP who suggested the introduction of shared multi-functional printing devices. Whilst this would have helped to create a single cost centre for the school, it was deemed to be a step too far from the current provision of desktop printers in each department. Sensible’s advice was to lease quality desktop printers so that each department would still have their own devices, but the costs, support and supply of consumables (i.e. toners, cartridges) would be centralised.

“It was an easy decision to work with Sensible,” commented Julia. “I had been impressed with the print management services that Phil and his team had delivered during my time at Furness Academy, and I have always found them to be friendly and offer good advice, such as which print management software to use.”

As a result of working with Sensible, Walney School is now able to centrally manage and monitor costs and usage of its office print, while allowing each department to be independent, more accountable, informed and mindful about their office print habits and costs.”

“Sensible are always prompt to respond to requests for consumables and technical support,” added Julia. “We value the personalised account management. Sensible are friendly, approachable, relaxed and efficient – all that you could want from a business partner.”

Julia summarised “Sensible help us to control and effectively manage our office printing provision and costs. The advice, support and prompt response times help to ensure that as well as managing our costs, we’re also able to manage the expectations of our staff and students.”