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Inkjet or laser?

Most printers use inkjet or laser technology. Both have advantages and disadvantages depending on the purpose they’re used for. The print quality of laser machines is sharper and clearer when printing images such as barcodes on prescriptions. Printing barcodes on inkjets could mean too low quality for scanning equipment to pick up. Ideally you need images at a resolution of 600dpi, for a crisp, clear print.

Black and white or colour?

Realistically, a black and white (often known as mono) printer will be sufficient. Mono printers tend to be cheaper to purchase than colour, so you can make economies here. This will produce high quality prescription prints, as well as reports. You may decide you need colour printing in your pharmacy – e.g. for in-store posters, or colour reports. If you do decide on colour, you can use the mono print mode to save money on consumables.

Do I need additional equipment?

Two paper trays for your printer will make your life much easier. These should hold prescriptions in one tray and A4 paper in the other. Prescriptions are an awkward size, so look for a tray that’s been specially designed to stop the paper getting stuck in your printer. Check out our HL-5340D mono laser printer and LT-5300 package for simple prescription printing straight out of the box.

Will I need to set up special printing for prescriptions?

No – most healthcare software has been designed to do this for you automatically.

Will I need to set up special printing for prescriptions?

• Warranty is an often overlooked, but important service that many printer manufacturers offer. If there are problems down the line, you’ll be assured that your machine will be returned to the best of health.
• Look out for paper saving functions to keep costs down. Booklet printing is very useful for printing information guides and can save up to 75% on paper.
• As your pharmacy grows, you may need an all-in-one that will print, copy and scan. There are also fax-enabled machines – for many years healthcare organisations have shied away from these, to ensure electronic systems remain secure. Now, providing the machine utilises a Group 3 Fax modem, it can be connected to the network safely and securely.
• Additionally, check on accreditations from healthcare software providers. This will ensure that the machines meet strict guidelines.

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That’s all you need to know. If you do need more information or guidance, contact the Brother team. Our printers are used in 80% of doctors’ practices in the UK, and are approved by many of the leading healthcare providers, including AAH, RX Systems and Cegedim Rx.

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